Date night at Juju Orlando: Sushi, Yakitori y Aventura con Sake

Ramon Valles
Oct 2
3 min read

Updated: Oct 6

Last night, Jenifer and I finally made it to Juju, a Japanese-inspired spot I’d been wanting to visit for a while. Tucked inside Colonial Marketplace, Juju is an experience that blends bold flavors, stunning presentation, and a touch of pop culture nostalgia for fans of Japanese monster movies like Godzilla and Ultraman. From the moment we sat down, we knew we were in for something special. Juju is also proudly featured in the MICHELIN Guide, making it one of Orlando’s standout dining destinations. As a huge fan of MICHELIN restaurants myself, visiting Juju was especially exciting.

The Food Experience

We started the night with skewers from their yakitori and kushiyaki menu: the Momo (thigh yakitori) and the pork belly. Both were grilled perfectly over charcoal, juicy and full of smoky flavor. The yakitori especially was perfectly cooked, carrying that amazing charcoal taste that makes each bite unforgettable.

Later, the kitchen brought out their show-stopping KONG KAISEN DON ($59)—a massive donburi served in a special hangiri bowl. It was loaded with assorted seasonal fish, dry-aged fish, ikura, uni, caviar, house pickles, and sushi rice. For sushi lovers, this dish is a dream. The presentation was so beautiful we almost didn’t want to touch it, but once we did, every bite delivered incredible depth and freshness.

A Sake Flight with 3 dollar shots for national sake day

Drinks & National Sake Day

It happened to be National Sake Day, so we couldn’t resist their $3 sake shots. We ordered three and the house generously poured a small fourth to finish the bottle—a fun touch that set the mood for the evening. On the cocktail side, Jenifer went with the King Ghidorah, a refreshing and slightly tropical mix that fit the vibe perfectly.

I had my eye on the Stoned in Manhattan, a wagyu fat–washed whiskey cocktail, but unfortunately it wasn’t available that night. To make up for it, our waitress asked if the bar could improvise something special for me. She promised I’d love it so much that if I didn’t, she’d pay for it herself. Confident and genuine. They ended up serving me a cocktail similar to a whiskey sour, and I absolutely loved it.

Service & Ambiance

The atmosphere at Juju is one of a kind. If you grew up watching Japanese monster films, you’ll love the décor that pays homage to Godzilla, Ultraman, and other classics. It feels playful yet elevated, perfectly matching the food. The open kitchen setup also adds to the experience, letting you watch the chefs at work while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

But what truly made the night was our waitress—Skye (her name showed up on our receipt). She handled a small mix-up with our order (the kitchen initially missed the Kong Kaisen Don) with such grace, even bringing us a complimentary beer while we waited. Her recommendations were spot on, and her attitude turned what could have been a hiccup into a highlight of the night.

Final Thoughts

Juju delivered an unforgettable date night experience. Between the jaw-dropping sushi bowl, the creative cocktails, and the thoughtful service, everything exceeded expectations. This is a place we’ll absolutely be coming back to, especially for the chef’s table experience they offer.

If you’re in Orlando and want a mix of Japanese flavors, fun cocktails, and monster movie nostalgia, Juju is a must-visit. 100% recommended—I’ll be bringing friends next time. And if you’re a Hispanic person who loves Asian food, this spot is an absolute must.