Umami World Kitchen

Walk down Church Street towards the seafront and you'll find yourself in one of Blackpool's best-kept restaurant spots. Umami World Kitchen is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you've been paying through the nose for mediocre Asian food elsewhere. The buffet setup means you're in control—load up on the dim sum, sushi, and hot wok dishes without waiting for service, and without the usual pretence. The open kitchen lets you clock what's actually being cooked, which is refreshing. It's busy most nights, buzzing with families, groups of mates, and the kind of people who know their food. Nearly 4,000 reviews at nearly 5 stars speaks volumes.