Seito Sushi Sand Lake — Restaurant in Dr. Phillips

So it was time for Magical Dining Month 2022 in the great town of Orlando. I did what I do. I ranked the hundreds of menus from best to worst, and I picked the best of the best. I only had time to go to three restaurants this year, which is a low number for me, but hey, I'm busy. And Seito Sushi Sand Lake made my top three.

There is another Seito Sushi over in Baldwin Park, but they are owned by different companies? Not sure about all that. Not really a concern. I had the best piece of nigiri I have Ever eaten at the Baldwin Park location, so I did come in with high expectations, however.

So I set my reservations, gathered some friends, and showed up on time. The hostess and my server were both very nice. I had a mocktail of some sort, and it was good. Mocktology is really advancing in Orlando nowadays.

As for the meal, I do not remember exactly what I got. They have taken down the menus from the internet, and I did not take a picture. This is what I get for waiting so long to write this review. But hey, I'm busy. I also go out to eat too much and get behind on things.

Anyway, looking at the pictures, I can take some guesses.

I'm pretty sure I opened some duck baos. I love baos. These were very soft and pillowy, and the meat within was very tender and delicious and paired well with the light veg. Nice.

I also had some edamame. For an app, edamame does not get eaten immediately. It lingers on the table as the whole evening goes by, which is good, too. Gives your hands something to do. It had nice, big salt crystals sprinkled all over. Nice.

My las app was some sort of fresh fish, marinating in a tangy, yuzu sauce of some sort. At the end of the slices was some sort of spicy, veggie, oniony plop of something you were supposed to roll up in the fish slice and pop in your mouth. This was a lot of fun! Very fresh, delicious fish, with the accouterments that enhanced, not hid, the flavor of the fresh fish.

For our entrees, we got two rolls. I forget what the rolls were. One was thick and very meaty. One was long and simpler, with nice fresh ingredients on top as the star. Both were very good. Very comparable to other sushi I've had in town.

Finally, dessert. I don't know what one was. I just don't. I'm sorry. But the other one was an ube cheesecake with cashews and blueberry compote. Whoa. Very nice. Ube is such a light flavor, that is goes so well in a cheesecake. Crust texture is fine, but the cashew texture went a long way towards making this a good dessert.

Overall, this was a very good Seito. I think the other location was better. But I will not let that comparison take away from the objective five stars that this place has earned. A great meal....

Some restaurants deserve to have a complete review and a tittle. Seito is one of them. So let’s dive into their review. Shall we?

A Culinary Journey at Seito Sushi: A Japanese Delight

Nestled in the heart of the city, Seito Sushi is a Japanese restaurant that offers an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an exceptional culinary journey.

One of the highlights of Seito is their impeccable nigiri selection. The toro nigiri, in particular, stands out as a true masterpiece. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, with the velvety texture of the toro melting in your mouth, leaving behind a delicate umami sensation that lingers long after you've finished.

For those seeking a burst of creativity, the Beauty and The Beast signature roll is an absolute must-try. This exquisite creation combines fresh ingredients with meticulous craftsmanship. The fusion of flavors, from the richness of the tune to the subtle sweetness of the eel sauce, creates a harmonious balance that will leave you craving for more.

Seito also excels in their hot plates, which showcase their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients. Whether it's succulent Pork Belly Bao (my favorite and the best I have ever had so far),or sizzling Braised Beef Yakisoba, each dish is prepared with precision and care. The aromas that waft through the air as these dishes arrive at your table are simply irresistible.

The attentive and knowledgeable staff at Seito Sushi ensures that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. Their friendly demeanor and willingness to guide you through the menu make every visit feel like a personalized journey into the world of Japanese cuisine.

In conclusion, Seito is a true gem among Japanese restaurants. With its outstanding nigiri selection, delectable sushi rolls, and tantalizing hot plates, it promises an experience that will delight even the most discerning palate. So gather your friends and embark on a culinary adventure at Seito Sushi - you won't be disappointed!

I was almost forgetting, when you book a table, ask to be seated in the back room where you will find a 2 beautiful cherry blossom (fake but they are so beautiful and they also will add a romantic environment for...

Update

I reached out to the email provided from the manager’s response and never heard back from him. Whomp whomp whomp.

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It’s been awhile since my husband and I have been to Seito Sushi and it exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere was phenomenal. We were seated in the back room where there is a gorgeous cherry blossom tree with an intimate seating area. Our server was very attentive and made sure our waters were always refilled in a timely manner. The pork belly bao was amazing. It was one of the top best foods I’ve ever had. I highly recommend. The sushi was fresh and delicious. I will say I think they should have regular sushi options on the menu as well. I had to ask if I could get a Philly roll and Rainbow roll even though it wasn’t listed. I’m glad I asked because I would have been stuck with some unusual interesting options that they have for their signature rolls. Our food was out very quickly and we were in and out within a hour.

I however do not appreciate the dishonesty in the drink menu and how I was charged extra for their mistake. I got the Sweet Dreams and I know for 100% it said $14 on my menu. I’m the type of person who ALWAYS looks at pricing to determine what I’m getting. It also said it on the drink menu that they give you additionally at the table. I informed the server of the incorrect pricing and she conveniently brings back an updated version of it being $15. She claims they can’t change the pricing in the official drink menu. My husband wasn’t feeling too well so I didn’t feel like arguing. As we are waiting for our Lyft my husband looks up on the website and what do you know it shows $14. I believe the server or whomever has control of making decisions should have honored that price. I got two drinks so that’s $2 extra I was charged. I know it’s not a huge difference but don’t advertise in multiple spots a price and say basically too bad so sad. The server should have made it right and even though the food was bomb that rubbed me the wrong way and I won’t be coming back any time soon which is a shame because the food and atmosphere was top notch.

I would have given 5 stars but the drink pricing fiasco dropped it down to 4. I’d said 3 1/2 but Google doesn’t...