Forgo reading those complicated sushi menus and, instead, sit back, relax and watch the experts do (or shall we say roll) their magic! The best Orlando omakase experiences serve up special, chef-selected fare.
Portions of this article were originally written by Kristen Maneri and Erica Thomas; updated by Nancy DeVault in August 2024.
Hand your palate over to the chefs for Orlando omakase experiences that’ll please your palate like never before. The exact translation of omakase is debatable. Some say it means “chefs choice,” while others attest this Japanese phrase means “I’ll leave it up to you.” What cannot be argued, however, is that omakase dining is truly epic for sushi lovers.
Perhaps it seems intimidating but, trust Orlando Date Night Guide, omakase is the date night escape that your taste buds have been dreaming out. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top Orlando omakase experiences.
Orlando Omakase Experiences
Soseki Modern Omakase
955 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
Soseki Modern Omakase is a hidden gem for special occasions. But word is getting out because Soseki earned a MICHELIN star! At this award-winning locale, Chef Mike Collante hosts intimate 10-seat, multi-course tastings with each bar seat overlooking the stellar culinary creations.
Among those creations, MICHELIN specifically praised the “Scandinavian style” sashimi, an interesting combination of cured salmon and smoked mozzarella. You see, while Soseki is a Japanese fusion restaurant, Chef Collante prioritizes local, seasonal produce and other fine ingredients.
Learn more by reading Orlando Date Night Guide’s first-hand review: What’s So Different About Soseki Modern Omakase?
Kadence
1809 Winter Park Rd., Orlando
Sushi lovers may have first tried the delicate dishes of Jennifer Bañagale and Mark Berdin when they opened their first local restaurant, Kappo, in 2014 at East End Market. Thanks to customer demand, these owners/chefs fished out a larger, permanent place (Kadence) in the Audubon District.
Also earning a MICHELIN star, Kadence’s popularity hasn’t changed its speakeasy vibe. The exterior simply looks like a black-painted box with no signature markings or company logos. [FYI, it’s the building between ABC Liquor and Flower No. 5.] As for the menu… well, that sort of remains secret too. Kadence is an omakase-style so that means it’s chef’s choice. But the chef really aims to please.
Since we eat with our eyes first, know that Kadence’s Japanese fare is beautifully plated – bright, fresh and whimsical. Each bite is unique in flavor. MICHELIN praised the rudderfish dressed with tosazu gel, poached monkfish liver with dashi gelée, and the shirako served in a gently warm broth with Burgundian truffle.
Each an Advanced Sake Professional certified by The Sake Education Council, Jennifer and Mark can help couples choose the right beverage for this chef-curated meal.
Nami Lake Nona
6004 Artist Ave., Orlando, FL 32827
How much sushi can you eat? While seated at the Chef's Counter at Nami, MICHELIN-Star Chefs Freddy Money and Chef Jason Beliveau present a 20-bite tasting menu. One of the most eclectic of Orlando omakase experiences, Nami blends European heritage and Japanese zest. This omakase tasting is priced at $225. A wine pairing option is available for an additional $155.
Nami is located Lake Nona’s art-forward Wave Hotel. So, a staycation doesn’t have to be out of the question if you don't want date night to end…
Sushi Saint
400 Pittman St., Suite A, Orlando
Curated by MICHELIN-Star chef Michael Collantes, prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will awaken your senses and leave you craving more.
Settle into the semi-private eight-seat counter. Make sure your cozy because you’ll be dining for twelve semi-casual courses! For a little something special, you can enhance this Orlando omakase experience with optional upgrades and supplements tailored to your palate and budget. While still limited, Sushi Saint offers more options for seating times, like 3, 5, 7 or 9pm on select nights.
Natsu
777 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
With the address 777, locals have hit the jackpot with this Orlando omakase! Natsu is fairly new to town, and it too has already been recognized by MICHELIN. Much of the star-power is attributed to Chef Stone, a seasoned expert in Japanese cuisine with over 15 years experience.
Natsu seems to master unexpected flavor combinations, as with the chawanmushi and truffle kampachi, served with crispy potato straws and a yuzu truffle vinaigrette. Booking via Resy, Natsu operates Tuesday through Saturday with two seating options (5:30pm or 8:00pm). This dinner typically spans 90 minutes, with seats limited to a ten-person counter.
Takumi-Tei
200 Epcot Center Dr., Lake Buena Vista
You may not be able to jet to Japan on date night, but you can board The Disney Skyliner with EPCOT as your destination. Located in the World Showcase, Takumi-Tei offers the most magical of Orlando omakase experiences.
At Takumi-Tei, sushi enthusiasts can order one of two omakase menus: Kiku (omnivorous) or Hasu (plant-based). Each option starts at $250 but know that this experience is truly priceless. Expect to nibble on Japanese A5 wagyu steak, lobster tempura, seasonal sashimi, and strawberry yuzu sorbet.
Stick around after dinner for a lovely viewing spot of EPCOT's fireworks. Alternatively, Shiki-Sai is also available for less extravagant, but still delectable dining.
Susuru Juju Kappo Bar Tasting Experience
700 Maguire Blvd., Orlando
From the same foodies behind Susuru Orlando, Susuru Juju has regular dining as well as the Kappo Bar Tasting Experience. Their take is a bit more casual than a traditional omakase but certainly not lacking the complete date night experience.
The food is authentic, as is the vibe of the atmosphere. With retro touches and lots of rare finds, Susuru Juju is decked out in Shōwa-era memorabilia. The Shōwa era ranges from 1926-1989 when Emperor Hirohito reigned. Pop culture icons Astroboy and Godzilla ruled the hearts of many during this time and plenty of tributes are found within Susuru Juju. Pop over to their Instagram page to get a sneak peak at what to expect.
Kabooki Sushi
3122 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando & 7705 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando
With a passion for creativity and artful dishes that are packed with flavor, Chef Henry Moso delights in presenting each couple with a memorable meal and more. Chef Henry Moso is a James Beard nominated chef and we urge you to go get first-hand insight into why and how he earned this distinction.
At both locations, Kabooki Sushi offers a Chef's Sushi Tasting and a Chef's Omakase. The Chef's Sushi Tasting, priced at $125 per person, includes ten sushi pieces and a soup. The Chef's Omakase, priced at $250 per person, is a grand 10–15 course omakase meal.
Sushi Pop
310 W. Mitchell Hammock Rd., Oviedo
Inspired by Japanese pop culture, Sushi Pop offers colorful dining with masterpiece presentations of modern Japanese cuisine that integrate local farm and fishery ingredients. On your next date night, relax in a white leather booth or at the pink sushi bar to nosh on playfully named rolls, like Curry No Hurry. This order is tempura fried local shrimp, pickled onion, chili crunch, fried shallots topped with seared salmon, yellow curry, peanut and scallion.
And for your next super special occasion night out, entrust your taste buds to Executive Chef/Owner Chau Trinh for a multi-course omakase tasting.
Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando
The team at Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi strives to create a satisfying omakase upon request. Call (407) 370-3359 to make reservations. Alternatively, ordering off of the Chef's Select Menu is a comparable way to try a variety of plates and authentic flavors.
Illume
14900 Chelonia Pkwy., Orlando
Perched on the ninth floor of the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek, Illume is the resort’s striking rooftop lounge and bar that serves contemporary, Asian-inspired cuisine and creative cocktails. On date night, guests feasting at Illume have decent viewing of the fireworks displays of nearby theme parks.
With Illume’s omakase service, expect your taste buds to experience their own fireworks eruptions of amazement. Located at the restaurant’s sushi counter with six exclusive spots per seating, savor 13 courses at a reasonable starting price of $150 per person.
Morimoto Asia
1600 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista
The ever-evolving dining and entertainment hub of Disney Springs presents endless opportunities for date night fun. Perhaps you’ve dined at Morimoto Asia before but a return visit is totally needed to try the omakase experience.
With a base price of $250 per person, seatings are offered from 6-8pm nightly when reserved in advance. Served at the 14-seat sushi bar, chefs wow with a multi-course meal that usually includes up to seven courses. If you’re uber lucky, you may just get to try this omakase experience with celebrity Chef Morimoto as he occasionally works his culinary magic when in town.
No matter which omakase experience you choose, you're bound to have an incredible date night!
