Hanamizuki

Located near the end of a standard tourist strip mall on International Drive, lies a small, unassuming traditional Japanese restaurant. The decor is calming and welcoming, with the feeling that you are eating in a homes courtyard. The menu is packed with Japanese classics, Soba, Udon, Hot Pots, Sushi and more. They often have seasonal offerings as well. This time of year it’s mushrooms. The staff is welcoming and helpful with suggestions. We booked this with group of friends as a planning for an upcoming trip to Japan, and loved it. Don’t miss out on the selection of Saki either . The parking situation is a little odd with most of the spaces in the area taken up by reserved spots only. You may have to park and well a bit to get there.

Very authentic. Very delicious. We got two huge bowls of ramen that we couldn't finish because they're was so much food. It was just warm, delicious comfort food. Also, the atmosphere was great. There was very soft music playing which is such a nice change from most places where your conversation has to compete with the music.

This is one of the most authentic and traditional Japanese restaurants in Orlando. The architecture and furniture were very similar to traditional-style restaurants in Japan, and the food was excellent. I came to Hanamizuki because it was the only restaurant in Orlando that I could find which served Japanese Katsu Curry. The curry was amazing and tasted exactly like the curry that I had in Japan. The Gyoza was also very flavorful, which made it some of the best Gyoza I’ve ever had. In addition, I ordered the Grilled Salmon Onigiri, which was perfect. The flavors of the salmon, rice and seaweed go together incredibly well, so I would definitely recommend it. The traditional style of the restaurant made the atmosphere enjoyable and brought back memories from eating out in Japan.

This restaurant deserves an average score above 4.5 considering Orlando has been a desert of delicious cuisine. - It’s a more authentic Asian restaurant vibe. Quiet, peaceful, waitress being more invisible but still providing caring service. (No too annoying “how’s everything”) - wide range of food available. Sashimi is good. For people who are not super familiar with Japanese food, please note, they offer more than just sushi and really worthy a try. - yes they limit customers for quality service. So you would better make a reservation ahead and be prepared for the scarce parking spots. Def will visit again if I would ever visit Orlando.

This is the first time I went to this restaurant and I really loved it.The food was perfect and the service was amazing. The interior is exactly what you would expect to see in Japan. I can’t believe we have a real Japanese restaurant like this in here. I’m sure I will come here again and recommend for everybody.

MAKE SURE YOU CALL AHEAD FOR RESERVATIONS. THEY WILL NOT TAKE WALK INS. This restaurant might offer the best traditional sushi experience in Orlando. A small restaurant, but comfy warm vibe amidst the hectic idrive location, plan ahead for parking! Staff is friendly and offer recommendations for sushi and wagyu dishes. No Omakase, but they offer combos that includes their daily best fish selections. Imported wagyu is well cooked as well, but my personal favorite has to be the una don, perfectly grilled eel on a bed of rice. Definitely worth the visit despite the hectic location. Looking forward to visiting again with a larger group!

Traditional Japanese restaurant that has lots of variety. I like that they stick to the classics and don't venture into fusion. The cooked dishes are done particularly well, but some of the sushi didn't taste fresh. My favorites were the nabeyaki udon, chawanmushi, tamago nigiri, eel nigiri, and tuna nigiri. Prices were reasonable. Service was friendly. The only odd thing is that they prefer calling ahead to make reservations even if the restaurant isn't full.

Although not all the seats in this tiny place were full, they only take reservations. It certainly excludes a taste of Japan with the waitresses wearing the traditional attire and the decor in a therapeutic green. The sushi was fantastic and fresh and the special mushroom soup tasted gold, albeit everything is very expensive. The little appetizers were truly tiny, but they they so detailed and authentic it was hard not to appreciate them. The egg yolk mixed wonderfully and the crunchy crab legs were a delight.