My local restaurant and bar bucket list goes in waves, and at the moment, it is growing faster than I’m able to check places off. Since going out for Asian cuisine of any type is my favorite, it comes as no surprise that this list is the longest. I feel so fortunate that Orlando has and continues to offer us an incredible variety. Many friends in other cities and suburbs have very few, good Asian options! Keep reading to find out the 10 places I’m looking forward to trying and reviewing for you.
New or New-To-Me Asian Restaurants
Juju by Susuru
Perhaps the #1 spot on our current wishlist, after a failed attempt at visiting when they first opened. Despite the strange location near Target in an old Pizza Hut, they’ve been highly reviewed across the Orlando foodie network that I follow. They offer walk-ins only for the Izakaya dining room a la carte menu from 5:30-10/11pm Wednesday through Sunday, and a pre-fixe meal at their Kappo bar for $160 (not including optional sake pairing) that requires a Resy reservation in advance.
Sampaguita Ice Cream + Bakeshop
I love going out for things I wouldn’t make at home. Sampaguita tops the list because they serve unique, Filipino-inspired flavors of ice cream that you can’t really find anywhere else. I’ve heard incredible things about how surprisingly delicious they are, with many customers discovering new favorite ingredients – how exciting! I had a preview of it being served at Kaya, so I have an idea of what to expect. My ideal plan is to get a coffee/matcha from Haan and work from my laptop for a few hours, then pop over to Sampaguita for a sweet afternoon snack. Sounds like the perfect work day, right?
Red Panda Noodle
The guys from the old Orlando Meats (R.I.P.) are busy with their noodle pop-up and it looks very, very yummy. When they were originally located on Virginia Drive, we always enjoyed going for lunch or dinner. I’m hoping to catch them at Redlight Redlight soon!
Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery
@otownfork on Instagram posted about the mochi wings, crispy rice, and torched scallop nigiri, so I immediately gave this new opening another look! It might even be worth the trip Downtown…
Maki Hibachi
To be honest, I haven’t heard or seen much about this new restaurant. My boyfriend is actually the one who brought it to my attention! The reviews are VERY good across the board…I am intrigued.
Spring Tea Street
My boyfriend and I have been talking about wanting to try more of the small, local places on East Colonial. After being stuck in traffic (what’s new), we noticed this new spot and proceeded to look them up online. They offer a fun menu and the reviews on Google are fantastic! Could it be a hidden gem that we’ve been missing?!
Asian Restaurants I Want To Go Back To
Kaya
We experienced their incredible Sama Sama tasting menu the week they opened and are dying to go back to try out their a la carte menu, available for walk-ins at the bar, as well as one of their special events. We love everything Chef Lo does! Book events and the Sama Sama tasting menu on Tock. *Added note: Thank you Pat for recommending the king crab upgrade on the rice! Sounds incredible.
Doshi
Similar to Kaya, I experienced a fabulous pre-fixe dinner at Doshi when they first opened. Now that they offer an a la carte menu and have their wine/beer/liquor license, I’m eager to go back!
The Moderne
We loved the cocktails and vibe at The Moderne and can’t wait to go back to try the food. I’ve heard very positive reviews so far, but will it be better than the insane garlic crab fried rice at Tori Tori? I’ll keep you posted!
Domu
I haven’t been to Domu in far too long! Apparently it’s as good as always because the line at their East End Market location is still out the door before they open, and the wait times are still ridiculous.
Bonus: An honorable mention goes to Camille, where we had a perfect pre-fixe meal and experience at The Neighbors. Once they open at their new Baldwin Park location (so soon!), you can bet it’ll jump to the #1 spot on our wishlist. Chef Tung is truly one of the best in the business! I have a full blog review here.
Also, if you haven’t experienced Kadence yet, it’s always worth mentioning as a top recommendation of mine. It’s very expensive but I’m telling you, for a special occasion, it’s worth it! A memorable dining experience that will change the way you look at sushi forever…at least it did for me. *Added note: Thank you Pat for recommending Jen’s new 4-course dessert tasting for $50. I always remember how lovely she was and how delicious her desserts were so I can’t wait to try it!
Coming soon to Mills 50: Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails will serve an Asian-influenced tapas-style menu and tiki-inspired cocktails beginning on May 15th, adding to our walkable options like Tori Tori and The Moderne. Can’t wait!
May 2023 Update: Norigami deserves a mention, especially because they have now been recognized by the Michelin Guide for a Bib Gourmand!
In Case You Missed It
- Recent Openings in Winter Park You Need To Know About
- Influenced: 6 Breakfast Spots on My Orlando Wishlist
- 6 Great Restaurants in Orlando I Keep Going Back To
- A Complete Orlando Food Guide You Can’t Miss (2023 update coming soon!)
- A Complete Orlando Guide to the Best Bars to Drink Beer, Wine & Cocktails (2023 update coming soon!)
- A Review of Camille in Orlando, FL & A Blog Exclusive!
- Michelin-Star Rated Kadence in Orlando, FL
- My Obsession with the Sushi & Sashimi Pre-Fixe Dinner at Kadence in Orlando, FL
- Why We Love Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe in Orlando, FL
What’s on your Orlando Spring Bucket List? Comment below!