Located up two long flights of stairs just above Shadyside's Soba sits the sumptuously decorated Umi. The local standard-bearer for all things sushi and sashimi since its 1999 debut, the restaurant has award-winning executive chef Shu to thank for its continued success. Mr. Shu, as most patrons know him, holds court behind a small but dramatic-looking sushi bar that stays jam-packed most evenings. The handful of teriyakis and cooked noodle dishes round out a menu of maki, sushi and sashimi made from the freshest fish flown in from around the world. Night after night, willing patrons place the fate of their dinners in the hands of Mr. Shu, as his omakase – chef's choice, literally translated as "trust the chef" – remains undoubtedly one of the best in the city. Full bar. Serving dinner Tue–Sat. Closed Sun–Mon. Named one of Pittsburgh magazine's 25 Best Restaurants of 2008.