One of Orlando’s most coveted bar seats (there are only ten) awaits at this Winter Park omakase star that received its first Michelin star in 2022. Soseki’s “chef’s choice” menu buts a modern spin on one of Japan’s most celebrated culinary traditions while spotlighting Florida terroir both in what’s on the plate (fresh seafood and artfully prepared vegetables) and the plates themselves, some of which are crafted by Florida artisans and are there own tiny little works of art. The roughly 15-course meals are proffered by the chefs behind the counter and served as soon as they’re ready, leaving it to you to grab and try them, creating an informal and intimate experience.

Soseki is Sushi Christmas, an omakase experience where every course sparks the same amount of happiness as a snow day. All the ingredients are excellent, whether it’s seared fatty salmon, delicate toro pieces, or generous mounds of fish roe. Menus are almost never repeated and courses get built with extreme precision—you might get chawanmushi with Cape Canaveral shrimp one day, and saba with battered kombu another—so it’s likely even the most seasoned sushi pros will eat something new.

The 10-seat Soseki is the spot for creative omakase with a contemporary feel. While imbibing fresh fish and produce, you can enjoy an inspired beverage pairing ranging from global sake to traditional wines. "This tiny operation with Chef Mike Collantes at the helm is an ideal illustration of a contemporary meal expressed by way of an omakase,” the Michelin guide says. “A laser-like focus on local Florida produce results in a menu that changes monthly.

A laser-like focus on local Florida produce results in an omakase menu that changes monthly. As a result, guests are likely to experience a new culinary theme each time they visit. If you're lucky, sample the "Scandinavian-style" sashimi, entailing salmon that's cured like gravlax and arranged with smoked mozzarella.

Four Orlando-based restaurants were awarded the coveted Michelin star at last night’s invitation-only ceremony, held at the Ritz-Carlton; Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Kadence, Knife and Spoon at Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, and Soseki. Seven more local restaurants were recognized with a “Bib Gourmand,” or restaurants of note that serve a full menu of starters, main courses, and desserts for roughly $49, including Bombay Street Kitchen, Domu, Papa Llama, The Ravenous Pig, The Strand, Swine and Sons, and Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen.

At Soseki, Chef Mike Collantes has created an intimate omakase experience that beautifully marries traditional and contemporary elements. The menu at Soseki is a testament to the chef’s dedication to using local Florida produce, resulting in an ever-evolving selection of smaller courses. Additionally, Soseki boasts a stellar beverage program led by Benjamin Coutts, the 2023 Michelin Sommelier Award winner, ensuring that each meal is perfectly complemented by expertly selected drinks.

Other Orlando accolades: Chichi Spanish steakhouse Capa, along with omakase houses Soseki and Kadence, retained their one Michelin star rating; chichi, not-so-Spanish steakhouse Knife & Spoon lost theirs; Kaya received a special "Green Star Award" for local sourcing and sustainability; Justin Levaughn accepted the "Exceptional Cocktails Award" for Otto's High Dive; and Israel Perez, restaurant manager and sommelier for Victoria & Albert's, was handed the "Service Award.

Located at 955 W Fairbanks Avenue, Soseki is ranked as a one Michelin-star restaurant and officially the most expensive in the Orlando off-resort area, with a price tag of $259 per person per meal and offering food that sits in the fusion sushi arena. The head chef is Mike Collantes, and he is a creative and innovative cook who brings such unique delights as Scandinavian-style sashimi, a cured salmon and smoked mozzarella dish to his menu.

It doesn't get much more intimate — or elaborate — than Soseki, a 10-seat Michelin-starred restaurant in Winter Park offering multi-course omakase tasting menus. The dark, lengthy space is sleek and simple, keeping the spotlight on the always-changing spree of sliced sashimi and nigiri, courtesy of chef Michael Collantes. To match, wine and sake pairings are curated by award-winning sommelier Benjamin Coutts.

You’ll find no menus at Soseki, but potential patrons are always vying for a chance to snag a spot at this exclusive Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Winter Park. Famous for its Omakase, or “Chef’s Choice” style of dining, Soseki serves up surprises at every turn. From sushi and nigiri to seared steak tips and artfully curated desserts, diners are treated to handcrafted masterpieces with each course.

Baldwin Park stunner Camille, led by chef Tung Phan, intimate newcomer Natsu, Disney’s famed Victoria & Albert’s and Kevin and Maria Ruiz’s Papa Llama, which has completed an evolution from locally lauded Peruvian pop-up to Bib Gourmand recipient to full-fledged culinary superstar, are the latest Orlando restaurants to hold the one-star distinction, joining Capa, Kadence and Soseki.

This tiny operation with Chef Mike Collantes at the helm is an ideal illustration of a contemporary meal expressed by way of an omakase. Diners should make their way down a hallway to arrive at the glorious space, outfitted with dark walls, sleek wood floors and a counter armed with ten plush seats. A laser-like focus on local Florida produce results in a menu that changes monthly.

Omakase is a big Orlando trend that’s garnered Michelin notice of late at spots like Soseki and Kadence, where multi-course menus and truly transcendent nigiri and sashimi draw the crowds. Orlando hits the alcohol-free drink trend on the nose at spirit-free speakeasy The Bandbox in the indie hood of Ivanhoe Village near downtown (there’s even a spirit-free bottle shop on-site).

Soseki, a Winter Park gem, was awarded its first Michelin star. With an intimate setting of only ten seats and two seatings each night, this modern omakase restaurant offers an ever-changing menu that embraces seasonality and showcases local ingredients. While the menu remains a mystery until you dine, expect exquisite omakase courses, including meticulously crafted nigiri.

The Japanese dining experience known as omakase, wherein diners, not presented a menu, turn themselves over to the whim of the chef, is not new to Orlando. It has been an option at sushi restaurants for many years. (This concept isn’t exclusive to sushi restaurants, either – think a degustation or chef’s tasting menu, such as that at Victoria & Albert’s chef’s table.)

Nestled in Winter Park, Soseki Modern Omakase stands out as a shining example of the artistry that defines Orlando’s dining scene. With only a few seats available per service, dining at Soseki feels like a private affair. Each dish is meticulously crafted to highlight the freshest ingredients, many sourced locally, creating a menu that evolves with the seasons.

MICHELIN Inspector Notes: “ This tiny operation with Chef Mike Collantes at the helm is an ideal illustration of a contemporary meal expressed by way of an omakase. A laser-like focus on local Florida produce results in a menu that changes monthly.”. In 2023, Soseki was further honored with a MICHELIN Sommelier Award for Beverage Director Benjamin Coutts.

In an interview with Michelin guide, who awarded the restaurant one star, Soseki chef and owner Michael Collantes estimated 85-90% of the menu is derived from locally sourced ingredients. “I say this every night at dinner—everything we do is intentional. We’re telling the story of what it means to be a restaurant in Central Florida,” said Collantes.

To taste fine dining to the extreme, Soseki Modern Omakase is a Michelin Star recipient to try. Here you can have an eighteen-course Japanese tasting that is thoughtfully prepared to change with the seasons and out-of-this-world flavors. With only ten seats per night and prices starting at $265 per person, it’s unlike any other local experience.

Sōseki Modern Omakase: For something truly unique, head to Sōseki in Winter Park at 955 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an intimate chef’s table experience with a modern Japanese twist. With only ten seats per seating, it’s one of the most exclusive and romantic restaurants in Orlando.

Soseki Omakase is renowned as the recipient of Winter Park's first Michelin Star!. It's a hidden gem in Winter Park, offering an intimate and exclusive omakase sushi dining experience. This omakase-style restaurant serves beautifully crafted sushi and sashimi using the freshest ingredients sourced locally.

Don’t miss Soseki Modern Omakase, a fine dining restaurant in north Orlando. It’s near the art district, right by the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum and the Rollins Museum of Art. Grab a table at this intimate Japanese restaurant after an afternoon of touring the sculpture gardens in the art district.

The ten-seat, Michelin-starred Soseki, also west of downtown on Fairbanks Avenue, is a multi-course omakase experience using Florida’s produce inventively; advance reservations are essential. Chef Michael Collantes has just opened Bar Kada, a 30-seat sake lounge with an à la carte menu, next door.

If you’re a fan of omakase, you have to add Soseki to your bucket list. Michelin-starred Soseki, or cornerstone in Japanese, is an intimate 10-seat multi-course dining experience. Their menu rotates and features the freshest of ingredients paired with a carefully curated beverage menu.

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.

Kadence, Capa, Knife & Spoon and Soseki in Orlando round out the star list for this inaugural edition of the Florida guide. Tampa’s Rooster and The Till, Ichicoro Ramen and Rocca put up the city’s best fight, each earning Bib Gourmands.

Let me start by saying, the sushi at Soseki is truly a work of art. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and hospitable welcome. The staff at Soseki is known for their great hospitality, and they did not disappoint.

The four restaurants join Soseki Modern Omakase in Winter Park, Capa Steakhouse & Bar at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort and Kadence in the Audubon Park Garden District with their new Michelin stars.

Soseki Modern Omakase in Winter Park; Capa Steakhouse & Bar at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort; and Kadence in the Audubon Park Garden District retained their one-star recognition.

Soseki is a special place in Orlando where Japan meets the city's vibe. This isn't just any restaurant. It's a trip into Japanese culture, styled in a modern way.

Chef Collantes, also known for his work at Soseki, brings his expertise to this new venture, creating a menu that both impresses and delights.

Four Orlando restaurants received one Michelin star: Capa, Soseki, Kadence, and Knife & Spoon at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.