This is a review for the Chef’s Counter experience at Nami. While the restaurant itself is extraordinarily beautiful, the intimacy of the Chef’s Counter is a level above. The intimacy isn’t just all about size; it’s about the one-on-one connection with Executive Chef Jason Beliveau.
I’ve been to many omakase experiences, but I’ve never had one where the chef knew everyone’s name before he even arrived on stage, and that one-to-one connection continued throughout the dinner. What a dinner it was: 21 courses of meticulously assembled food presented with clear intent, where every ingredient was there for a reason. There wasn’t a single miss in the entire sequence, and the pacing and camaraderie were phenomenal.
Well, I could describe the courses one by one, but I’ll let the menu and the photos do the work, because I’m sure that Chef Justin’s creativity will have made any descriptions I could provide obsolete by your visit.
This is definitely an omakase, but that is not to say it is Japanese. There are influences from all over the world. Just put yourself in Chef’s hands, knowing you’re in for an extraordinary experience, undoubtedly the finest dining experience in Orlando.
The meal also includes a round of outstanding sake and a spectacularly created cocktail (think LN2). In addition, an extensive wine list and thoughtful availability of wine by the glass or cocktails mean that you’ll have plenty to accompany that wonderful food. Equally flawless service is personable while remaining unobtrusive.
If you’re looking for the best Orlando has to offer, whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this is the place to encounter it.
Note that the restaurant is not entered from the hotel lobby. There’s an exterior door on the west side of the Wave Hotel, and valet is available there, or self-parking is right across the street.
