A New Dining Adventure

Strip malls and fine dining don’t always go together. As a New York City native, I associated malls with chain restaurants, anticipating this and little else in Orlando when I moved here a few years ago.

Of course, being the U.S. theme park capital, Orlando has more than its fair share of chain outposts. In my neighborhood alone within a five-mile radius are four steakhouses (Del Frisco’s, Eddie V’s, Mortons, et al), just as many cookie cutter Italian joints (including the ever ubiquitous Olive Garden) and a few old-school names I had forgotten about (hello again, Friendly’s).

It didn’t take long to discover that, much like the city itself, there is a greater depth to the food scene than you would expect. In Florida’s 2024 Michelin Guide, Orlando is well represented with 51 starred restaurants. And because tourism is such a huge economic driver here, Southern hospitality is what you’ll get when dining out. I enjoyed my first taste of this at Casselberry Square.

Located in Seminole County, on the outskirts of the city, Casselberry Square is a strip mall with a Dollar Tree, Ollie’s Bargain Basement, liquor store and furniture reseller. At first glance, it’s easy to assume Buffalo Wild Wings is the culinary apex of what this nondescript plaza has to offer. Go a little further, though, and you’ll find cozy neighborhood gem Wa Sushi.

Beloved by locals and critics alike, Wa has been recognized twice as Best Japanese in the Orlando Sentinel’s Foodie Awards – deservedly so. The signature rolls on its well-executed menu never disappoint. My favorite is Wa’s Samurai Roll: Tuna and avocado topped with tempura eel, spicy mayo and eel sauce.

For a starter, don’t miss the Butteryaki Mushrooms – sauteed shiitake mushrooms with butter and sea salt. As decadently delicious as you would imagine. When it appears on the specials menu, be sure to try Wa’s Wagyu Nigiri. This was my first experience of Wagyu served Japanese-style and it was simply divine.

Our proximity to Wa is what I was saddest to leave behind when my husband and I left Casselberry for Orlando proper last year. Thankfully, we have found a few equally worthy places in the Dr. Phillips area to satisfy our sushi cravings. And alongside the aforementioned big brand chains, a variety of authentically local standouts serving diverse cuisines and memorable experiences. I’m looking forward to sharing many more Strip Mall Foodie adventures here.