Soulshi Lounge — Restaurant in Winter Garden

Will remove this post if a manager reaches out to discuss further.

I brought a group here after our local soccer game, arriving around 9 PM—an hour before closing. As someone who previously managed a restaurant in Nashville, I understand the challenges of the industry and am more than willing to have a respectful conversation with management about our experience.

Upon arrival, we were told the kitchen would be closing at 9:30 PM, so we promptly placed our orders and made sure everything was settled well before closing. We paid our bill around 10 PM and stayed just a few extra minutes chatting at the table. At 10:10 PM, the lights in the restaurant were abruptly turned off and then back on. It felt like a clear signal that we should leave, especially as some staff members laughed and quickly walked into the kitchen.

We took the hint, got up, and said goodbye—only to be met with more snickering from a few employees as they returned our farewell.

I genuinely wanted to support this new location and was hoping it could become a regular post-game spot for our group in downtown Winter Garden. But this experience didn’t reflect the kind of hospitality or respect I’ve come to expect, especially as someone who’s worked in the industry. We were courteous, respected the early kitchen close, and had fully paid by closing time. Turning the lights off on guests 10 minutes after closing isn’t something I would’ve ever done to a customer.

I hope this feedback is received in the spirit of improvement—and I’d appreciate the opportunity to speak directly with someone from the management team if...

Review for Soulshi

Soulshi is a hidden gem for sushi lovers and a true delight for anyone who appreciates fresh, creative, and flavorful dishes. From the moment you step in, the ambiance sets the tone—warm lighting, minimalist yet stylish decor, and a calming vibe that perfectly complements the dining experience.

The sushi here is unparalleled. The menu boasts a blend of traditional rolls and innovative creations that feel like works of art. The freshness of the fish is evident in every bite, and the balance of flavors is spot on. I highly recommend the “Soul Roll,” which is a perfect fusion of savory and spicy, and their sashimi platter, which melts in your mouth like butter.

What truly elevated our visit was the exceptional service from Valarie. She was attentive without being overbearing, incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, and had great recommendations for pairings. Valarie’s friendly demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for ensuring we had the best dining experience made us feel special. She even went the extra mile to accommodate a dietary preference in our party with grace and efficiency.

Soulshi is not just a meal but an experience, and Valarie played a huge part in making our evening unforgettable. I can’t recommend this place highly enough—it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves sushi or is simply looking for a phenomenal...

Soulshi is a much-needed addition to Downtown Winter Garden, which was lacking a great stand-alone sushi spot. The ambiance was perfect for a quick date night, and even though we visited just a few weeks after they opened, the service was impressively smooth for such a new restaurant.

We ordered two rolls and the Salmon Souljoy with passion fruit. The Souljoy was a standout dish—unique, flavorful, and so memorable that I still crave it. The rolls were also solid, though I wish I remembered their names to try something new next time (no shade, just curious to explore more of the menu!).

For dessert, we had the Local Seasonal Cookie, which was absolutely delicious but on the sweeter side—so much so that we couldn’t finish it. Definitely worth sharing if you’re not into that.

There are still a couple of sushi spots on my list to try before declaring Soulshi my favorite, but if someone is looking for sushi in the Winter Garden area, I’d recommend this place in a heartbeat. The creative dishes and welcoming vibe make it...