Photo courtesy of Okonomi
This summer, Orlando’s Mills Market is getting a bold new addition—Okonomi, a sushi concept that reimagines Japanese counter dining for a new generation of local food lovers. The nigiri-forward project is the latest creation from the powerhouse team behind Zaru, UniGirl, Cowboy Curry, and Sorekara, and it promises to bring a deeply personal—and deeply delicious—new experience to the city’s hottest culinary hub.
At the heart of the new concept is Japanese Chef William Shen, whose culinary résumé reads like a MICHELIN playlist. From hand-cut udon at Zaru to delicate onigiri at UniGirl and the lauded artistry of two-star Sorekara, Shen’s creations have helped anchor Mills Market’s rapid rise as a premier dining destination. Now, he’s turning his focus to the timeless tradition of kaunta seki—Japanese counter seating—with a twist.
Rather than following the increasingly familiar omakase model (where the chef makes all the choices), Okonomi flips the format: you decide what goes on your plate.
“I want to introduce our guests to the original way—and my favorite way—of dining at a sushi bar,” says Shen. “At Okonomi, the experience is truly ‘up to the guest.’”
That’s the meaning of “okonomi,” after all—“as you like it.” And here, it’s more than a name. Guests are invited to pull up a seat—no reservation needed—at a sleek, 10-seat bar and order sushi by the piece, guided by the chef’s expertise but driven by personal curiosity and taste.
Photo courtesy of Okonomi
WHAT TO EXPECT
Expect rare and pristine seafood options not often found in neighborhood sushi spots, served with a level of precision that’s become Shen’s trademark. Every slice, every press of rice, every placement on the plate is a performance—and with just ten seats, each guest gets a front-row view of the Itamae’s artistry.
Located next to the soon-to-open Cowboy Curry inside Mills Market at 1110 E. Colonial Drive, Okonomi joins an impressive roster of MICHELIN-noted eateries including:
- ZARU, UniGirl, and Bánh Mì Boy – all Bib Gourmand recipients
- Kai Kai – MICHELIN Guide Recommended
- Saigon Snow – a Vietnamese dessert favorite
- And the pop-up-to-brick-and-mortar darling Cowboy Curry, opening next month
Mills Market—originally the home of Tien Hung Market—is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Johnny Tung and Cecilia Nguyen, and its transformation into a 10,000-square-foot epicenter for Asian cuisine has not gone unnoticed. Crowned Orlando Sentinel’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year, the market continues to set the pace for culinary creativity in Central Florida.
Photo courtesy of Okonomi
GRAB-AND-GO
And if you’re a fan of grab-and-go? Okonomi’s got you covered there, too, with artful sushi boxes, chirashi bowls, and sake available for quick lunch breaks or sunset picnics.
“We’ve seen the same loyal guests show up for every concept we’ve launched,” says Shen. “This is a thank-you to them—and something new we think they’ll love just as much.”
Okonomi will be open daily for lunch and dinner. For updates and the official opening date, follow @okonomifl on Instagram.