If you like sushi then you MUST immediately stop what you are doing at head over to Sushi Pop in Oviedo. I know that sounds a little dramatic, but this place really is that good. The restaurant is absolutely fabulous, and after my recent visit I can’t think of the last time I’ve had such a fun dining experience.
The atmosphere at Sushi Pop has a sleek contemporary vibe but is still totally fun and exciting. It’s really unlike anything else I’ve seen in Orlando. The space is decorated using bright yellows and pops of red, and the walls are covered in bold, eye catching wallpaper. The restaurant also displays artwork depicting a variety of manga (Japanese comic book) characters, and anime plays on multiple screens throughout the restaurant.
If you want to watch the chefs preparing their sushi masterpieces, you can relax at the bar while having a few drinks, or you can sit in the main dining area which is filled with fabulous imported furniture from Italy (hence my earlier mention of the space’s sleek vibe). As for the sushi, it’s absolutely delicious and what I noticed most, very fresh. We enjoyed a Volcano, Low Rider, Everything Bagel and Triple Tail roll, and once we were finished I still wanted more! We also tried the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sorbet for dessert, which was made table side with liquid nitrogen! I really only got it so we could see the fun assembly of the dessert, but it tasted good too!
The servers are friendly and quirky (in a good way). Each was dressed up in their own funky attire that showcases Japanese pop-culture style. I tried to snag a photo of them, but they were so busy running back and forth tending to the Saturday night crowd, that they weren’t standing still long enough for me to snap a shot!
I spoke with Sushi Pop’s delightful manager Michael Ring for a few minutes during our visit to tell him how much I enjoyed the space and the sushi. He let me know that Sushi Pop is actually the largest purveyor of fresh fish in the Central Florida area! Based on how packed the restaurant was when we were there, it’s definitely not surprising. However, I do think it’s amazing for a restaurant that’s only been open for about six months and is located in an area of Central Florida that has not really been known for it restaurants.
When I asked why the owner Chau Mann decided to open up the restaurant in Oviedo, Michael said “we feel it’s the last frontier for foodies here in Orlando. Other neighborhoods are saturated and we wanted to stick out in the best way possible.” As a life long resident of Central Florida, I love that attitude and I definitely hope other fabulous restaurant follow suit.
So what are you waiting for, head over to Sushi Pop NOW!
