Review: Shari Sushi Lounge Orlando

This is an unpaid review of the Shari Sushi Lounge and restaurant in east Orlando.  No compensation was provided to Dadtography for this review.

What is Shari Sushi Lounge?

Shari Sushi Lounge
621 E Central Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801

Founded in 2004, Shari Sushi Lounge is a hip, trendy sushi and sashimi restaurant in the Thornton Park district of Orlando near downtown.  Shari’s menu has a very eclectic mix of options from the more traditional ‘California’ type roll (known as the Rainbow roll at Shari) to more exotic sushi rolls like the Gold Digger (Tempura Maine Lobster roll), Surf & Turf (Tempura Shrimp with Kobe Beef) and Beauty and the Beast (two-in-one Tuna and Spicy Tobiko Roe).  In addition to the sushi rolls, they also have a wide variety of signature sashimi dishes prepared with fishes from all over the world including imported Japanese Yellowtail, blowtorch-seared Tuna and imported Japanese Hamachi along with an assortment of vegetarian selections as well.

Shari isn’t just about the main course, though.  Shari Sushi’s appetizers or, ‘mini courses’ as they’re known at Shari are second to none.  Start with a traditional edamame, citrus grilled shrimp or go for something a little different like the Ika Ika (Pacific baby Calamari) or the Peking Duck Tacos.

A full menu can be found on Shari’s site by clicking here.

How Much Does Shari Sushi Lounge Cost?

Shari Sushi Lounge’s prices are on the higher side, but that’s to be expected for the location – Downtown Thornton Park.  Mini courses range from $7 to $15 and the sushi and sashimi dishes are priced upwards of $20.  Don’t let the prices fool you, though!  All ingredients are top-shelf and of the utmost of freshness and the portions are quite generous for a sushi restaurant.

Final Thoughts on Shari Sushi Lounge

I visited Shari Sushi Lounge on the Saturday night before Valentine’s Day.  Reservations are recommended on normal weekends because Shari tends to fill up rather quickly.  Shari provided an optional pre-fix menu for Valentine’s Day, along with drink and mini course specials as well as their regular nightly menu and a few special chef creations for the night.  Shari also has a full bar and many speciality drinks but they can make just about any drink you can dream up as well.  We ordered a round of Espresso Martinis at one point and Shari delivered with their very own twist on the standard recipe.  It was a hit!

The atmosphere at Shari was fantastic as well.  When you first walk into the restaurant through the main door you’re presented with the stylish bar area.  You’ll often find patrons lining the entire horseshoe shaped bar since the Shari bartenders and sushi chefs are fantastic conversationalists while they work.  The main dining room is to the left from the bar area and includes two levels with the second level being a ‘loft’ type feel overlooking the ground floor.  We were seated in the upper level with a fantastic view of everything going on down below.  We could have asked for a better seat and I highly recommend requesting the upper level seating if possible.

While Shari Sushi Lounge may not be an every-night hangout location because of its cost, it’s definitely worth a look for special occasions or the monthly girls’ or guys’ night out on the town.