Orlando’s sushi scene is getting its own championship belt. Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs will host the inaugural Sushi Showdown on Monday, September 21, with the city’s top sushi chefs competing head-to-head for the title of Orlando’s first sushi champion.
The format is straightforward and a little theatrical. Each competing chef will work with the same featured fish to create two dishes, a signature sushi with rice and a cooked small plate, giving guests a direct side-by-side comparison of technique. Dishes will be judged on taste, freshness, and overall cohesiveness, and guests get a say too. Everyone in attendance votes for their favorite using a gold coin, with a DJ keeping the energy up between tastings.

The event runs across two sessions, 5:30 to 7:30 PM and 8 to 10 PM, so guests can pick whichever fits their evening. General admission is $125 per person plus tax and gratuity, and a limited number of VIP booths are available at $700 for up to four guests, also plus tax and gratuity.
For guests who want to go deeper on the drinks side, a $25 beverage add-on includes a custom sake box with six tastings and expert tasting notes, featuring pours from Dassai, Hakkaisan, Kubota, Nanbu Bijin and Soto.
Beyond the competition, the night includes a live auction with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting Give Kids The World, the nonprofit resort that provides cost free wish vacations to critically ill children and their families. It is a fitting partner for an event built around Orlando’s hospitality and culinary community coming together for a single cause.
Tickets for the Sushi Showdown at Morimoto Asia are available now for the September 21 event.