Kabooki Sushi

Kabooki Sushi offers some of the best sushi and Japanese cuisine in Orlando. They have two locations on Sand Lake and East Colonial, both dimly-lit and dressed in modern decor. We recommend the Sand Lake location. Though admittedly one of the pricier suggestions on our list, we believe their specialty cuts of fish as well as their daily rotating James-Beard nominated chef specials ensure a stunning meal well worth the high price.

There is no wrong makimono (or sushi roll) to order at Kabooki. The chef’s creations are truly wonderful, but one of our highlights is the ghost roll. The tempura eel is delightfully crisp, combining with the creaminess of the other components to create a congruous texture. The tobanjan aioli and sweet chili add a satisfying spice to the beautifully crafted roll. It is topped with torched salmon, adding another rich element to balance the dish.

An order of the bluefin tasting off the chef’s special menu comes with three distinct cuts of tuna: akami, chutoro, and otoro. Akami is a lean cut, possessing a meaty, rich flavor while chutoro is a medium-fatty piece, taken from the back of the tuna belly. Otoro is the fattiest of the tastings, sourced directly from the belly and featuring rich marbling that creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The fish comes with freshly grated wasabi and a house-made soy sauce, additions that help to add a fresh spice and deepen the umami flavor. We recommend ordering the sashimi option as opposed to the nigiri in order to experience the full textural and flavoral purity of the tuna.

Kabooki, along with sushi, offers hot tastings. The Berkwood St. Louis Sticky Ribs are a wonderful option for anyone, but especially those who aren’t inclined to fish. These braised ribs fall off of the bone, and melt in your mouth. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between tang and sweet and allows for a well-rounded bite. Meaty, tender, and juicy, the ribs are of utmost quality, in line with the rest of the Kabooki lineup.

Our honorable mentions have to be the Money Bags, the Garlic Togarashi Edamame, the Yuca Fritters, and the Avocado Nigiri.

Overall, we give glowing recommendations for both Kabooki locations, each offering unparalleled Japanese cuisine, in both flavor and quality. While reservations are not always necessary, we definitely suggest acquiring one, especially later in the week.