Michelin-Starred Chef Michael Collantes Brings Nomikai by Sushi Saint to ICON Park

Rendering Courtesy Nomikai

A new restaurant from one of Orlando’s most celebrated chefs is set to bring a fresh dining experience to International Drive.

Chef Michael Collantes and his 86 Hospitality group, the team behind Michelin-starred Soseki Omakase, Perla’s Pizza and Bib Gourmand-recognized Sushi Saint, will open Nomikai by Sushi Saint at ICON Park in late summer 2026.

Located at 8371 International Drive, Suite 60, the restaurant marks the group’s largest and most ambitious project to date, bringing a chef-driven concept to one of Central Florida’s busiest tourism corridors.

The name “Nomikai” comes from a Japanese tradition centered around gathering with friends, sharing food and drinks, and celebrating community. That spirit serves as the foundation for the restaurant’s concept, which emphasizes communal dining and social connection.

Rendering Courtesy Nomikai

The menu expands on several of Sushi Saint’s signature offerings while introducing larger-format dishes designed for sharing. Guests can expect popular raw preparations such as salmon aguachile, hamachi truffle potato and traditional sushi rolls, alongside a large-format omakase platter. The menu will also feature substantial entrees including koji-marinated dry-aged tomahawks, bone-in ribeye, whole branzino, miso king salmon and lobster noodles.

A bespoke cocktail program will complement the menu, drawing inspiration from Japanese ingredients and flavors.

While Nomikai will be considerably larger than Collantes’ previous concepts, maintaining a sense of intimacy remains central to the vision.

“Coming from 10- to 30-seat restaurants, this is my big restaurant,” says Collantes. “But we still want intimacy. We want storytelling.”

The restaurant’s design reflects that philosophy. Collantes describes the interior as “Tokyo neo-cyberpunk,” featuring neon blue and purple lighting, original artwork and a dark, moody atmosphere. Electronica, house and lounge music will provide the soundtrack for the approximately 60-seat dining room.

The opening also represents a significant milestone for Orlando’s independent restaurant scene. Rather than launching another concept in a neighborhood dining district, 86 Hospitality is bringing a locally rooted, chef-driven experience directly into a destination traditionally dominated by national brands and tourist-focused venues.

As Collantes puts it: “This is what the local guys are doing in the tourist space.”

The move comes as Orlando’s culinary reputation continues to gain national recognition, fueled in part by the success of chefs such as Collantes and the growing number of Michelin-recognized restaurants throughout the region.

Nomikai by Sushi Saint is expected to open in late July or early August 2026 at Icon Park on International Drive.