For one of the best sushi experiences outside of Japan, I highly recommend the Amura Japanese Restaurant in the heart of downtown Orlando. This popular and very busy restaurant serves the best sushi and sashimi that I have ever had. It may not look as hip as other area sushi restaurants (there are a lot in this neighborhood), but do not be fooled. The food more than makes up for the lack of ambiance.

Amura offers spectacular lunch and dinner menus. For the better bang for your buck, definitely try to go for lunch. The prices are reasonable for their combos and a la carte items anytime, but at lunchtime they offer these "value" meals that are unbelievable bargains! The last time I visited the lunch special was sesame chicken with rice, served on a tray with tempura zucchini or yam and salad for about $10.

At lunch, because of the huge popularity of this restaurant, the servers are often so busy that they can seem a bit rude. This is much improved if you stop by during the less-hustled dinner hours. The staff here is always professional, and they are very nice.

For dinner, Amura offers deluxe sushi and sashimi boats for two. These come reasonably priced (about $40), with side dishes for you and your dining companion. My favorite thing in this restaurant is the Miso soup—it is the perfect start to any meal and comes as a part of most combos. It is freshly made and delicious!

The combinations and selections on the menu are perfect for even a novice. They have plenty of cooked and vegetarian options for those who aren't big on the idea of raw fish. Simply put, this is a great place that can satisfy even the pickiest of diners.