Owner Sang Han opened the original Umiya in Cedar Park in 2010, and he opened the second restaurant location three months ago in Leander.

Han had worked in restaurants since he moved to the area from Korea in 2000, and he said he noticed the need for a Japanese-Korean fusion dining experience.

“Back then Cedar Park wasn’t as populated,” he said. “Mine was the first restaurant of its kind in the area.”

Five years ago, Han said he noticed an increase in Leander development, and he said he found the area “pleasant and picturesque” and foresaw more growth.

“This part of town needed really good sushi,” Han said. “We offer fresh fish, awe-inspiring presentation and a good dining experience overall.”

He said his goal is to offer the community a comfortable yet upscale place with beautiful dishes. And although the Umiya location in Cedar Park serves Japanese-Korean fusion dishes, the Leander location serves mostly Japanese cuisine.

Dinner is the busiest time of day, and the location is steadily getting more customers through a mixture of marketing and word of mouth, Manager Sung Mo Kim said. Umiya’s number of carryout orders has been high, and the restaurant also offers delivery, he said.

“We serve everything fresh and don’t use frozen products,” said Po Lee, head chef at Umiya in Leander. “We get shipments in two or three times each week, so all our fish is fresh.”

Lee said the staff also encourages guests to try new dishes and will teach them about the ingredients. He said many customers return to the restaurant, and he is happy to already have regulars.

Han said several families with children frequented Umiya in Cedar Park once it opened, and now the children still come by when they are home from college.

“We want to be a part of the Leander community and grow with it,” he said.

Umiya
3550 Lakeline Blvd., Ste.100, Leander
512-986-4025
www.umiyaleander.com

1540 Cypress Creek Rd. Ste. 113, Cedar Park
512-257-0888
www.umiyacedarpark.com