Nomikai by Sushi Saint to bring steakhouse vibes to Orlando’s Icon Park

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Chef Michael Collantes has established himself as a culinary force in this city with his Michelin-starred omakase house, Soseki; his “Florida Man” pizza joint, Perla’s; and Sushi Saint, a handroll concept that recently expanded to two locations.

Collantes had planned on a third Sushi Saint to open in the heart of the tourist sector at Icon Park, but felt three Sushi Saints would “cannibalize each other.” Enter Nomikai by Sushi Saint, a concept Collantes bills as his take on an American steakhouse, but with a Japanese lens.

A “nomikai” is a Japanese drinking party or social gathering, but don’t go thinking Nomikai will be a boozy izakaya, because it won’t. Collantes says the vibe will be on par with Sushi Saint — upscale, but pretense-free — and the menu will feature tomahawk, dry-aged and koji-marinated steaks of the highest order.

Other hot dishes will include whole branzino, miso King salmon, lobster noodles and rice dishes to go along with Sushi Saint’s handrolls, ceviches, sashimi dishes and a lot of veg options.

Cocktails will also be part of the offerings.

Nomikai will move into the space that previously held Sloppy Joe’s and Paramount Fine Foods. Look for it to open in late-July/early-August.

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