Orlando has truly become a rising star in the food world over the last several years. In fact, Wallet Hub named Orlando the number 1 best city for foodies in late 2016. There’s long been an amazing assortment of authentic global cuisines available, while the theme parks and world-class resorts have proven a big draw for high-pedigree and celebrity chefs.
The sushi scene is one in particular that’s really taken off—and taken the game up many notches—in recent times. Residents of the Orlando area have so many fantastic options for sushi and sashimi (not to mention ramen and other delicious Japanese fare).
Here’s a roundup of 10 of the best sushi restaurants in and around Orlando. In alphabetical order. We couldn’t possibly try to rank them. Trust us, you can’t go wrong with any on the list! Just go by where you are, as we’ve tried to include places from a range of areas.
Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi – Doctor Phillips
This popular Doctor Phillips establishment is at the west end of Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road. The sushi and sashimi are incredible, but the robata grilling is a compelling draw, too. It’s a Japanese barbecue style that involves slow grilling over charcoals. You also can’t go wrong with any of the soups, salads, or other menu items.
Gochi Sushi Cafe – Winter Garden
This is Winter Garden’s best sushi spot. It does a booming sushi and bento box takeout business, but it’s a pleasant place to dine in, as well. Find this eatery on Colonial Drive, just west of its intersection with Winter Garden-Vineland Road. The prices are quite reasonable for the quality, and there are some great lunch specials available.
Kabooki Sushi Contemporary Japanese Cuisine – Orlando
This intimate sushi restaurant is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. It’s located at the intersection of Colonial Drive and Maguire Boulevard, across the street from Fashion Square Mall, a little northeast of downtown Orlando. The quality is top-notch and the presentations are stunning. The dessert and cocktail menu are definitely worth ordering from, too.
Morimoto Asia – Disney Springs
This is a newer offering at Disney Springs, one of the free-entry areas of Walt Disney World Resort. Opened by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, it’s the place to go if you’re at Disney and have a hankering for some sushi or other Pan-Asian food. And don’t worry if the kids are with you; there’s a creative, fun kid’s menu available.
Seito Sushi & New Japanese – Baldwin Park and Doctor Phillips
Ingredients don’t get any fresher, higher-quality, or better prepared than at Seito Sushi. In case you don’t know, Baldwin Park is a development northeast of downtown Orlando and just south of Winter Park. The Doctor Phillips location is on Restaurant Row, in the shopping center at Sand Lake and Turkey Lake Roads.
Sushi Pop – Oviedo
Should you find yourself in or near Oviedo, this restaurant is not to be missed. If you’re even over by UCF, it’s worth driving about 25 minutes north to go here, as it’s really one of the absolute best sushi restaurants in Central Florida. Everything, from the food to the presentation to the décor to the service, is fantastic.
Sushi Tomi – South Orlando
This is an easily overlooked restaurant you might never glance at a second time, but it’s top-of-the-line sushi. It’s on South John Young Parkway, just off of Sand Lake Road, just west of the Florida Mall. It’s less than 5 miles from the heart of Doctor Phillips. As a word of caution, this place gets busy at lunchtime, because even though it’s a hidden gem, the secret has been well circulated.
Umami Sushi & Izakaya – Ocoee
Here’s a quality sushi restaurant option in Ocoee, on Maguire Road a few minutes south of Colonial Drive. It’s just a little north of Windermere and Doctor Phillips and a little southeast of Winter Garden. They serve traditional and creative rolls, as well as Asian-inspired tapas and a nice selection of other Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine.
Umi – Winter Park
If you’re spending an afternoon or evening strolling and shopping Park Avenue in Winter Park and find yourself craving sushi, sashimi, nigiri, robata grilled fare, or Japanese fusion, head here. It’s right on Park Ave., on the first block above Fairbanks Avenue and just north of Rollins College. They do a great happy hour from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on Mondays through Thursdays.
Wa Sushi – Casselberry
For a fairly inconspicuous suburban city, Casselberry has a surprising number of excellent restaurants. This is one of them, on Seminola Boulevard just a little east of its intersection with Winter Park Road. Put it on your radar for whenever you’re in the area. But any bona fide sushi enthusiast living in the Orlando metro area needs to eventually make a trip to eat here.
