About Us
Discover a thoughtfully crafted menu celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients and masterful techniques. At UMI, every dish tells a story â inspired by Japan, elevated by creativity, and served with aloha.
A Refined Oceanfront Experience
UMI by Vikram Garg is more than just a restaurantâitâs a celebration of Hawaiiâs breathtaking oceanfront setting fused with the elegance of modern Japanese cuisine. Located in the heart of Honolulu, UMI invites guests to embark on a culinary journey where every dish is thoughtfully crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients and the finest sustainable seafood. The menu reflects a harmonious blend of global inspirations and traditional techniques, offering an artful balance of flavor, texture, and presentation.
From the moment you step inside, youâll be enveloped by an ambiance of understated sophisticationâwhere Japanese minimalism meets warm, inviting coastal charm. Every detail, from the curated wine and sake pairings to the attentive service, is designed to create a memorable dining experience that honors the natural beauty and spirit of the islands. Whether itâs an intimate dinner, a special celebration, or a quiet moment by the sea, UMI promises a refined and authentic taste of Hawaiiâs culinary landscape.
Meet Chef Vikram Garg
Chef Vikram Garg is a culinary visionary whose journey spans continents and cultures, culminating in the creation of UMI by Vikram Garg in Honolulu. Born in Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India, Chef Garg’s early experiences were shaped by the vibrant culinary traditions of his homeland. His passion for food was ignited at a young age, leading him to pursue formal training at Delhi’s esteemed Oberoi School of Hotel Management, followed by a postgraduate degree at the Oberoi Center for Learning and Development .
His professional path has taken him through some of the world’s most renowned kitchens. Chef Garg honed his skills at top-tier establishments in India, including the Oberoi Hotels in Mumbai and New Delhi, and the Metropolitan Palace Hotel in Dubai. His culinary journey then led him to the British Virgin Islands, where he served as Executive Sous Chef at Rosewood’s Little Dix Bay. Further expanding his global footprint, he held the position of Head Chef at Leela Kempinski Palace in Bangalore, India, before bringing his expertise to the United States .
In 2023, Chef Garg returned to Hawaii, where he had previously served as Executive Chef at the prestigious Halekulani Hotel. Here, he opened UMI by Vikram Garg, a restaurant that reflects his deep respect for the ocean’s bounty and his commitment to sustainable, ocean-inspired cuisine. The name “UMI,” meaning “ocean” in Japanese and “mother” in Arabic, encapsulates his philosophy of nurturing guests through the harmonious blend of nature’s offerings and culinary artistry .
Chef Garg’s culinary philosophy is rooted in a zero-waste approach, emphasizing the use of every part of an ingredientâfrom root to stemâto create innovative dishes that honor the environment and elevate the dining experience . His dedication to sustainability, combined with his extensive global experience and deep cultural connections, makes UMI by Vikram Garg a destination where every meal tells a story of passion, respect, and culinary excellence.
