At a glance
WAVE Sushi operates in two locations: the original in Mount Dora and a newer spot officially open in Maitland. This location is a game changer for Orlando area sushi lovers. No more 90 minute drive to experience their creative, oversized sushi formats. On July 25th, I visited with a party of six to try their signature offerings: spicy salmon burgers, burritos, hotdogs, crunchwraps, and traditional rolls. Prices range from $7.95 for a traditional roll to $45 for a shareable crunchwrap. All items arrived within 20 minutes, and the service was quick and attentive even with our large group.
The setup
WAVE is known for serving sushi in unconventional formats. Instead of just rolls, you get sushi hotdogs (tempura fried spicy krab rolls), sushi pizzas, sushi burritos (non fried), and crunchwraps all generously portioned and beautifully plated. We ordered five different items to get a full picture of the menu:
- Spicy Salmon Burger ($21) — Salmon, cucumber, seaweed salad, spicy mayo, eel sauce
- Wave Sushi Burrito ($18.49) — Swapped shrimp for salmon (based on their Slammin Salmon Burrito)
- Sushi Hotdog ($12) — Tempura fried spicy krab roll, cut and stuffed
- Sushi Crunch Wrap Supreme ($45, shareable) — Deep fried nori wrap with multi protein fillings
- JB Roll ($7.95) — Salmon, avocado, cream cheese, scallions
The location is small but welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating. They seated us immediately despite our party of six, which set a positive tone for the visit.
What happened
We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and were greeted efficiently. The kitchen delivered all our items within 20 minutes impressive for six different dishes. The plating was restaurant quality; each plate arrived with fresh garnish and thoughtful presentation. This wasn't rushed fast casual sushi; it felt intentional and premium despite the quick turnaround.
The experience
Here's what stood out: all the fish was extremely fresh. Even though most of the items are fried, they don't feel heavy. There's plenty of fish on each piece, not just toppings. The burrito, which is the non fried option, is particularly light filling without that overstuffed feeling. I ordered it and felt satisfied without feeling like I'd overeaten.
The spice level is manageable. One guest in my party doesn't enjoy spice, but she ordered the crunchwrap with the standard heat level and added eel and soy sauce to balance it. She was able to enjoy it completely without issues.
Taste wise, each bite showcased quality ingredients. The salmon was buttery, the textures varied from crispy fried exterior to soft, creamy fillings, and the flavor combinations especially the spicy mayo and eel sauce elevated simple ingredients into something memorable.
The noise level was noticeable but not unpleasant. If you're looking for a quieter, date night vibe, I'd recommend sitting outside far fewer people occupy the outdoor seating, and it feels more spacious. For a larger group like ours, the energy inside was fine and actually added to the social atmosphere.
The menu goes beyond what we ordered. They offer specialty rolls, poke, and desserts, so there's plenty to explore on future visits.
Consistency and accessibility
I last visited WAVE in 2020 and was impressed then. Six years later, nothing has changed for the worse the food is just as good, prices have remained relatively stable, and portions are equally filling. Their consistency is their greatest strength. And here's the major advantage: this Maitland location is significantly closer than Mount Dora, making it genuinely accessible for anyone in the greater Orlando area who doesn't want to commit to a 90 minute drive.
Where it shines
The quality to price ratio is excellent. You're getting premium sushi presentation and fresh fish without premium fine dining pricing. The portion sizes mean you can share dishes, which works great for groups. Fast service without sacrificing quality.
Tips if you go
- If you want the lightest option, go for the sushi burrito it's delicious and won't leave you feeling heavy.
- Outdoor seating is ideal for dates or quieter dining; indoor is great for groups.
- The crunchwrap is shareable between two people and a fun experience if you want to try something different.
- Don't skip the traditional rolls the JB Roll at $7.95 is an affordable way to round out your order.
- All items come out quickly, so you won't be waiting long.
The scorecard
WAVE Sushi Quick Scorecard
The verdict
Worth It If… you want exceptional sushi at reasonable prices, presented beautifully, and made fresh to order. WAVE proves that innovative sushi formats don't have to sacrifice quality. The Maitland location makes it accessible for anyone in Central Florida. Whether you're ordering the hotdogs, burritos, or traditional rolls, you're getting consistent, crave worthy sushi. The only reason it's not a perfect 5 for experience and crowds is the small space and indoor noise level but neither is a deal breaker, and the outdoor option more than compensates.
Fresh fish, creative formats, exceptional value, and a location that finally makes WAVE accessible to the rest of Orlando. This is a must try.
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