Shari Sushi Lounge

OMG! In Orlando for business and decided to try this place based on Unilocal reviews. Let me just say — my fellow helpers did NOT let us down. Big props to Blake, our server, he made the best recommendations! We had the Japanese buffalo lobster as an appetizer. Wow! What a great combinations of lobster and Yuzu. Next was the BFF and sea dragon rolls. Wow — what great flavor combinations. Also tried the sake salmon and otoro nigiri which were perfect. Blake was not only good at the recommendations but also super professional and fun. We have already decided to come back again this week. A definite must try when you are in Orlando!

We just moved to Orlando and wanted sushi on our first date night away from our daughter. We were amazed by this place and I’m sure this will become our regular sushi spot. The atmosphere is great from the moment you walk in. As soon as I saw the menu, I had high hopes but the food was even better than I expected. All the sushi tasted so fresh! They have some really unique rolls on their menu which makes me want to go back and try them all. I give this place 5 stars for the atmosphere, service, and food!

A decent sushi bar located in the Thornton Park district. The rolls are tasty, and the drink specials aren’t too bad. They used to have a really cheap happy hour, but that has since increased a little in price. Seating is a little snug, as they try to cram as many tables in as they can. Parking is pretty much in the garage behind the restaurant. There’s some street parking, but most of it is further than the garage.

I’ve been to Shari countless times and not once have I been disappointed! The food and service are consistently spot on! Thank you to the Shari team!

Caitlin knows her drinks and is more than accommodating when it comes to making unique drinks. We told her we were in a little bit of rush and she helped push everything through and get our food quickly. Great lunch service.

Always good here. Love their happy hour and their rice balls are my favorite! I would recommend this place to anyone. Also it’s great since it’s right next to lake eola, so you can go for a walk after your dinner or lunch.

Check out their happy hour! My boyfriend and I ordered 5 rolls and 4 pieces of nigiri, and the total was about $ 30. Very affordable.
The only downside was that the fish quality wasn’t the best. All of the fish we tried (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, escolar) were strangely bland. The tuna nigiri was very stringy/​chewy and the rice was a bit overdone as well. Perhaps we caught it on a bad day.
However, our server was very friendly and checked on us often. It was perfect sitting outside on their outdoor patio seating, but I would only come back for happy hour since it would be too expensive for the quality.

Previous 3.5 rating is now upgraded to a 4.0 after 2 subsequent visits (A-​Okay). I’m not being overly harsh on this venue. In fact, I’ve enjoyed every experience so far. However, their core problems are still apparent even though they are probably the best evening sushi restaurant in downtown Orlando (side note: Shakai, I still need to try you out for the dinner scene. Its been awhile). Tonight was no different. I now ask for ‘Will’ who in my opinion has shown to be the best server this restaurant has. Will is knowledgeable about every ingredient on most items in the menu and takes his time to be descriptive about every dish so that it draws you in and helps you say yes to ordering that descriptive, awesome sounding dish despite how little food it may be and how much it costs. Tonight turned out to be more than we anticipated so lets dive into it:
Drinks: Dirty Martini: Wasn’t dirty, but we got more olive juice and than it was fine. Tao Bourbon: Was good, but nowhere near great. This place has good drinks, but its not a cocktail lounge like the Woods or the Courtesy, duh!
Appetizers: Will sold our group on the KOBE ISHIYAKI (Wagyu beef and the hot rock to cook it with the spices) and the Wolf Pack roll to start with. Side note: the Wolf Pack roll is signature sashimi dish and it happens to be the most expensive on the menu for its category. Overall, it was very good but not worth $ 20 for four pieces. Try this sparingly and enjoy. The KOBE ISHIYAKI was a nice experience and that is exactly what you pay for. There were about 5 thinly sliced strips of beef to cook and then dip in 1 of 3 sauces. Do not overcook this beef as it is apparently the best in the country. In fact, you should eat it near raw status.
Main Course: My roll tonight was the BFF minus all the Tempura garbage. Overall, I thought my roll was very good. It had a nice subtle smokiness flavor that, in my opinion, pulled through very nicely. All in all, the rolls are still the same where they read very well, but taste just okay. I think the amount of fish per roll is on the lite side. However, this place try’s very hard and in my opinion, is succeeding to some extent, on being creative, new edge, pushing flavor profiles of rolls. Throw a little more fish and less rice on those rolls!

This is my new favorite Sushi place. I love the food and the servers are fantastic, even my 9 yr. old daughter loved the sushi and the relaxing environment.

Shari is located a block away from Lake Eola in Thornton Park and expands over a two-​story dimly lit setting. For dinner, I recommend making a reservation which grants you access to their upstairs seating area for a more intimate dinner.
Shari offers a great happy hour featuring $ 4.25 sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi and select drinks. The selection is not mind blowing but that’s why it’s inexpensive. The dinner menu, on the other hand, raises the bar in flavor complexity with their signature rolls and also the price point at about $ 20 per roll.
I would recommend Shari for a romantic dinner date or an affordable happy hour in a chic atmosphere with attentive and responsive waitstaff.

What a great overall experience this place was. The service was great and the sushi chefs were very helpful. Would definitely come back again.

Becoming my favorite sushi spot in the Winter Park/​Orlando metropolitan area for many reasons! For one, the atmosphere is great, wine and cocktail menu extensive, food is amazing, and the service is unbeatable. When my boyfriend comes into town from New York City this is automatically our first destination. The ‘gold digger’ roll was my favorite, and the assorted sashimi boat our table got was gorgeous and very fresh!
Call ahead for reservations from Thurs — Sat.

Great décor and good service but as others have said in their reviews the sushi is really below average. Every roll tasted extremely basic and 4 of the 5 rolls I ordered were not worth it at all. I eat sushi at least two times a week every week and figured I’d give some place new a try and I should’ve listened to the reviews.
For $ 5 happy hour sushi rolls I have gotten some amazing and delicious sushi, look at the roll second from the right, it’s only 4 pieces!!! They were literally a tiny bit bigger than a quarter, I even compared the size to the group I was with to their amusement and it was true, I wish I had taken a picture of the quarter size comparison! 4 pieces of bite size sushi for $ 5 when other establishments have full actually delicious rolls is a joke. The sushi roll to the far right was 4 small pieces as well and had this sort of salmon topping on it that was dry and almost hard, I thought it would be a moist spicy mayo salmon topping but you could pick it right up off the sushi as a whole piece, seriously whatsup with that? Again, they were just about the size of a quarter. When she brought me my plate of 5 rolls and I saw how small the plate was I knew something was up. Listen to the reviews, this is my first bad review.
They really need to look into putting love and truly making each roll a treat. Seriously, management, go to other sushi places and take notes.

A nice spot for a date night. The waitress was really helpful in helping us decide what to order since we were unfamiliar with some of the rolls. As a vegetarian, I was obsessed with the veggie combo and my only disappointment was that I didn’t have room to eat every single piece! They all were extremely delicious!

I came here for happy hour while on a post cruise trip in Orlando. I loved it, the only thing that I hated was looking for parking. The décor is very chic and the sushi was so fresh and half price. The server was really nice and funny. This would definitely be my go to sushi spot if I lived in the area.

⁵⁄₅ for location, ambiance, quality of sushi, drinks and service. Shari really is the best place to for a nice night out for quality sushi and a hand crafted cocktail in the downtown area. You can’t go wrong with the rainbow roll, and the lychee cocktail has a perfect balance of sweet and sour. I definitely suggest this place for a date night, and to head to the second level for a more intimate ambience.

I’ve been here a few times now and in my opinion this is the best sushi in downtown Orlando area. The ambience is really nice and the staff always provides good service. They have a cool upstairs area to eat and gives a different vibe then most restaurants in the downtown area. The rolls are always delicious and fish taste fresh. It is on the pricier side but with sushi you get what you pay for and it’s definitely worth it here. They have a full bar and some nice drink specials too.

Literally the most outstanding and delicious sushi on planet earth. Have loved it for years and will continue to make Shari my boyfriend and I’s favorite spot for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. The server John is the best, and we request him each time. Love love love.

Been on a sushi kick lately so I’ve been trying to find the best bar to satisfy it. Looked through several reviews of uncharted sushi restaurants in the greater Orlando area I came across Dragonfly, Shin and Shari sushi lounge.
Now, as back story I’ve been to Kabooki Sushi twice in November and enjoyed it immensely, but decided to give Seito Sushi another try earlier this week since it’s the sushi bar that really got me into sushi three years ago (2012). For me, Seito isn’t what it used to be, it left a lot to be desired. So at this time Kabooki is still in the lead.
Anywho, back to Shari, I decided to come here today because Shari is open on New year’s eve and Dragonfly isn’t. I made a reservation for Dragonfly tomorrow. I was so underwhelmed by what Shari had to offer, but at least I now know what they have to offer and to avoid it. This seems like a good place for happy hour because paying full price for this food doesn’t seem worth it. Unfortunately, they didn’t have happy hour today (my main reason for coming based on the Unilocal reviews), only a special New year’s eve menu. So I definitely feel gypped right about now.
On the food I got the volcano, which wasn’t really good, I got salmon and tuna nigiri and it was underwhelming. The Alaskan roll was pretty ok; pretty much the only thing I really enjoyed once I removed the lemon rind from the roll (left the pulp though). And the strawberry cone was gross. Did not like at all.
Service was ok nothing to complain about.
I give this underwhelming sushi bar three stars, because it definitely wasn’t the worst but for the prices and the décor and the location I expected more.
My score is Kabooki, Seito, and Shari. Let’s see what Dragonfly has to offer next.

By far my favorite sushi in Orlando! The ambience is modern with a hint of chic. Their sushi rolls are phenomenal. They have an awesome Happy Hour every day from 5−7P, featuring rolls for $ 4.25! The quality of food is excellent. Their fish is always fresh. I love their service too. I do suggest making a reservation on their website. You can request steamed rice with your sushi if you have a gluten allergy.

Ate here Dec 23 with my wife and a friend on the recommendation of our son, who lives in Orlando. It was, hands down, one of the best sushi restaurants we’ve ever been to anywhere. The yellowtail with jalapeño was killer, thinly sliced bathed in a fantastic light chile flavored Japanese vinaigrette. Everything we had was wonderful, median to the house made coconut ice cream and the spicy margaritas.
To quote Arnold, «I’ll be back.»

One of the best happy hours in town!
A few friends and I hit up Shari for the first time to celebrate my birthday over happy hour one evening after work. I must say, I was impressed.
We arrived and gave our name. It was a little bit of a wait so we headed to the bar. I hesitantly ordered a strawberry saketini. Generally I’m not a huge fan of sake. But I took a leap of faith at the bartender’s recommendations. And I was glad i did, because it was honestly one of the best cocktails I’ve had in my life. Probably the only thing I’ll order there from now on.
After a pretty short wait for a Friday night we were directed to our table. We had a pretty large party. They ended up seating us in the only place that could hold a group our size — the private room on the balcony upstairs. VIP for my birthday! Legit!
The service was amazing. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. And funny! We’re a boisterous bunch who loves to joke, and he rolled with it.
The food was amazing. Really quality sushi. And at about $ 4 a roll during happy hour, you really can’t go wrong.
We finished off the evening with dessert. Bread pudding at the recommendation of our waiter, which was to die for. They even topped it off with a candle for my birthday.
Shari is now one of my favorite after-​work hot spots. Great for happy hour with friends, date night and any time you’re craving sushi.

Sushi + Happy Hour = Love
I visited Shari Sushi a few weeks back after work and I really enjoyed myself. This was the second time I have been there in maybe the past year. I was pleased to know they still offer happy hour from 5−7pm. Sushi is one of my favorite bite-​sized foods and this place definitely meets my need.
Seating is limited so it’s best to RSVP otherwise you will be placed at the bar and the bar isn’t very comfortable. The spacing in the restaurant is tight as well so you need to be okay with a close quarters venue.
Service is quick and the staff has been pleasant during both of my dining experiences. Your sushi and other items get to you quickly so that’s a plus just in case you want to order more.
I highly recommend Shari if you are looking to enjoy some after 5 drinks and tasty bites with friends. This place will never get old. Parking is limited so be prepared — try to walk if you can, the scenic route won’t disappoint.

Shari has an outstanding happy hour. We dare say one of the best in Orlando for our liking. The happy hour serving sizes must be just as generous (and are definitely as fresh) as their normal menu.
We ordered 5 rolls and 3 nigiri portions off of the HH menu — every roll/​nigiri contained either hamachi, salmon or tuna all were only $ 4.25 per order. Everything we ordered was better than expected. The drink special if the night was a lychee martini, another $ 4.25 each. The service was top notch as well. Great first experience for us, wish we would have found this place sooner! We will be back.

WOW WOW AND WOWWWWWWWW some of the best FOOD and tastes I have ever had in my life!!!
First impression walking in – beautiful really modern really simplistic but classy ambience. The hostess was to be honest ditsy and told me she had no idea how long the wait was or what the drinks were…
BUT… we finally got sat around 915 pm and I was just speechless shocked at how great the drinks and food were. I’m a HUGE whiskey straight fan and this restaurant has their own blend of angels envy and this drink was DELICIOUS and guess what? Not too sweet where I thought I was straight up inhaling syrup. Really light but palatable Manhattan was made or their label of «dragon Manhattan.» Also the basil lemonade — not alcohol focused but the basil substance and the elderberry flowery substance made this drink a summery, light and delightful surprise.
For food, ordered the jalapeño pepper hamachi, the most REFreshing but still substantial flavoring added to Japanese white fish I have ever tasted. The Limey zest and the micro cilantro added the perfect «light» but savory flavoring to the already delicate fish. Also got the surf and turf WHICH IS AMAZING. Not traditional sushi but the most substantial and satisfying roll. The small pieces of perfectly lightly fried shrimp with peppers and avocado and perfectly seasoned Kobe beef was the most savory but satisfying roll ever. Sounds heavy but surprisingly light.
AND THEN THE LOBSTER GYOZA WOW. I’m BLOWN AWAY. The waiter said they ran out so the kitchen had to hand roll on the spot and wow you can tell the difference. The lobster was mixed with shitake mushrooms but you taste mostly lighted salted lobster but it was the wonton wrapper outside that really stole the show — the freshness literally seeps into your mouth — blending into the juices of the lobster and it was fried to airy perfection that you would never feel the guilt of oil.
SERIOUSLY blown it of this world. Come here. You won’t regret it.

The environment is adorably chic and resemblant of its Thorton Park neighbors. Their Happy Hour from 5−7pm is fabulous with a wide range of drinks, rolls and sashimi for $ 4.25. The food is good but the atmosphere was more appealing. Not many spicy options if you’re palette leans that way. They have a full range bar and some interesting sake cocktails. I didn’t try the desserts but they seemed to have more than the average sushi restaurant selections.
Unfortunately parking makes it difficult as it does with other surrounding establishments.
It was an enjoyable place with good food but not amazing. I’d reco going but only if during Happy Hour.

Two Words: Buffalo.Lobster.
That in and of itself is a reason for me to go back to Shari. It was amazing and the drink special of the night was tasty although I can’t recall what it was. Our server was very attentive to our party of five and seemed well versed on the menu which is always a big plus. We got an assortment of rolls but the Beauty and the Beast roll stood out to me as being particularly yummy, but everything we ordered was great with an exception of their Surf and Turf roll. It sounded really good, but I’ve had others at a few different sushi bars that were better so maybe shy away from that one in favor of the Beauty and the Beast or something else that piques your interest.
I’ve also been there for their happy hour sushi which is a great concept if you want to have a light bite with a friend for a reasonable cost. The happy hour menu is much more basic than the higher cost sushi I opted for at night, but it was all delicious and I really liked the French roll. For 4.25 for a memorable roll, I can’t complain. It was a nice way to have a dinner out with a glass of wine and a few sushi rolls for less than $ 25. The only thing I didn’t like was the tight ill-​fitting skirts that they made their hostesses wear as a uniform. I am in no way a prude, but they just seemed a little too much like club-​wear for a restaurant that wants to have a trendy upscale vibe. Other than that, the experiences I’ve had were awesome and I’ll definitely be back (and crossing my fingers they pick out cuter uniforms for their employees).

Shari has some of my absolute favorite dishes but I’ve also had a few things I didn’t love. The good outweighs the bad here for me so I’ll give you a head’s up on my favorites.
First, being buffalo lobster. Yep, they take lobster, tempura batter it, fry it and toss it in this incredible spicy, creamy, garlicky sauce. Talk about a little bit of heaven. The garlic edamame is my favorite edamame EVER. The chiquita roll is weirdly delicious– volcano blue crab, avocado, eel and you guessed it… BANANA. Its also topped with a honey sauce.
The fireball roll contains spicy tuna tartar and avocado, tuna on the outside with a sriracha and spicy mayo and is a much better version of your basic spicy tuna roll.
If you like sashimi (which I always prefer over rolls) you MUST try the jalapeño pepper hamachi. Flavor explosion for sure. It is served with a wasabi lime sauce and its truly one of my favorite sashimi dishes ever.
They also do a great happy hour with cheap rolls and drinks but it never works for me because I always want my staples and they never are on the happy hour menu. Oh well.