{"id":4383,"date":"2026-06-16T18:05:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T18:05:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=4383"},"modified":"2026-06-16T18:05:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T18:05:08","slug":"nomikai-by-sushi-saint-to-open-late-summer-on-i-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=4383","title":{"rendered":"Nomikai by Sushi Saint to open late summer on I-Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Michelin-starred chef Michael Collantes\u2019 entry into Orlando\u2019s tourism corridor is set as the team at 86 Hospitality Group says that Nomikai by Sushi Saint, their \u201cmost ambitious concept yet,\u201d will open late this summer at Icon Park (8371 International Drive in Orlando).<\/p>\n

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The menu, Collantes says, will expand on\u00a0Sushi Saint\u2018s raw preparations, including rolls, temaki and large-format omakase platters.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe style of dining is still within that family-style sharing, having some familiar sushi but primarily large format dishes like our picanha and lobster noodles,\u201d Collantes told the Orlando Sentinel. He projects a late July\/early August opening date.<\/p>\n

Additional items \u2014 koji-marinated, dry-aged tomahawk and bone-in ribeye steaks, whole branzino and miso king salmon \u2014 will doubtless dazzle as they arrive tableside. Sharing is the focus.<\/p>\n

An elevated cocktail program will pull inspiration from Japanese ingredients, but Collantes says the space will be as intentional as the food and drink, describing the interior as \u201cTokyo neo-cyberpunk.\u201d Cool neon hues and original artwork will keep the space dark and moody, its ambiance boosted by a soundtrack of electronica, house and lounge music.<\/p>\n

Intimacy is key. The space will have just 60 seats.<\/p>\n

\u201cComing from 10- to 30-seat restaurants,\u201d he said, \u201cthis is my big restaurant, but we still \u2026 want storytelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

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As Collantes\u2019 first project in the tourism corridor, it\u2019s something all-new for the company.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt seems to get many new and returning guests coming here for conventions and travel,\u201d he notes. \u201cWe hope to showcase some local hospitality and connect our traveling guests and local guests around the area to great local partners and farmers that we\u2019ve been working with for the past few years.<\/p>\n

Nomikai is a Japanese word that translates to something of a party, a special social event built around food, drink and friends. It\u2019s what Collantes and his team plan to offer guests who visit and to show them the hosts they have here in Orlando.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is what the local guys are doing in the tourist space,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram\u00a0<\/i>@amydroo<\/i>\u00a0or on the OSFoodie Instagram account\u00a0<\/i>@orlando.foodie<\/i>. Email:\u00a0<\/i>amthompson@orlandosentinel.com<\/i>, For more foodie fun, join the\u00a0<\/i>Let\u2019s Eat, Orlando Facebook group<\/i>.<\/i><\/p>\n

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