News Summary
Winter Park is set to welcome SAMA, a fine-dining Indian restaurant by Chef Amit Kumar, known for his acclaimed local eateries. Located at the intersection of Lee Road and Lewis Drive, SAMA aims to bring authentic Indian cuisine to the neighborhood. The restaurant will offer a unique dual dining experience and accommodate up to 150 guests. The space, currently under development, is expected to enhance the local dining scene with its upscale offerings and community-focused approach, eagerly anticipated to open in 18 months.
Winter Park Welcomes SAMA: A New Fine-Dining Indian Experience
Exciting news is cooking in Winter Park! Chef Amit Kumar, a well-known name in the local dining scene, is gearing up to launch a brand-new fine-dining Indian restaurant named SAMA. Nestled at the busy intersection of Lee Road and Lewis Drive, this culinary venture promises to bring a fresh and authentic taste of India to the community.
A Taste of India Right in Your Neighborhood
For those familiar with Chef Kumar’s work, you may recognize his thriving trio of restaurants in the Greater Orlando area: Aashirwad Indian Food & Bar, Bombay Street Kitchen, and Tamarind Indian Cuisine. The accolades for Bombay Street Kitchen have been nothing short of impressive, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for three consecutive years! With SAMA, Kumar aims to elevate the standard even further by crafting a unique dining experience that resonates with both locals and food enthusiasts alike.
Development Update: Getting Things Started
Currently, demolition work is underway to clear the land for SAMA. This involves removing three existing structures, including an office, a dry-cleaning business, and the now-closed Fuji Sushi restaurant. Excitement is brewing as Chef Kumar is finalizing the contractor for the construction work, promising that this culinary oasis will be ready to welcome guests in approximately a year and a half.
What to Expect at SAMA
Plans submitted to the City of Winter Park reveal some intriguing details about this upscale establishment. Stretching across 7,252 square feet with room for an impressive 150 seats, SAMA will offer guests a delightful dining experience on two floors, plus a mezzanine! The outdoor seating area, made up of both covered and uncovered spaces, expands the total area to over 8,000 square feet, allowing diners to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while sampling top-notch Indian cuisine.
From the renderings, it’s clear that SAMA will boast a stunning design that will certainly turn heads. Situated right on Lee Road with a convenient surface-level parking lot at the back, accessibility has been a top priority for Chef Kumar. The location is also perfectly positioned not far from I-4, making it easy for visitors from all around the area to stop by and indulge.
Two Unique Dining Concepts
One of the standout features of SAMA will be its dual dining concepts on each floor. The first floor will focus on traditional presentations of Indian dishes, celebrating the rich heritage of this beloved cuisine. Meanwhile, the second floor will take a different approach with a menu centered around small plates, perfect for those who love to sample a little bit of everything. This way, guests can choose their dining adventure, whether they’re looking for a hearty meal or a festive sharing experience.
Focused on the Local Community
In a conscious move to strengthen community ties, SAMA will cater primarily to local patrons, steering clear of tourist-heavy attractions. Chef Kumar’s intent is clear: create a cozy and accessible location that resonates with the residents of Winter Park, while still offering a polished and fine-dining experience.
Looking Ahead
But that’s not all—there are whispers of yet another restaurant venture on the horizon for Chef Kumar, targeted for W Colonial Drive. This new spot is set to feature a commissary and testing kitchen, where innovative menu items will be born alongside a limited-seating restaurant offering a fabulous five-course tasting menu.
As Winter Park prepares to welcome SAMA, food lovers are eagerly waiting to indulge in the flavors of India that Chef Kumar so passionately provides. One thing’s for sure—Winter Park is about to get a whole lot tastier!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Allure Lounge Set to Open in Downtown Orlando
Walt Disney World Announces Major Expansion Plans
Central Florida’s Restaurant Scene Faces Temporary Shutdowns
Universal’s Epic Universe to Open in May
Amazon Signs Office Lease in Wynwood Plaza
Winter Park’s Luxury Real Estate Market Hits New Heights
Discover Orlando’s Best Buffets for Food Lovers
California Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles County
Orlando Faces Cold Snap, Locals Turn to Hearty Soups
Shifting Tides in Orlando’s Restaurant Scene: Navigating Post-Pandemic Challenges and Emerging Trends
Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: New Restaurant from Acclaimed Chef in Winter Park
- Orlando Date Night Guide: Outdoor Dining in Orlando
- Orlando Weekly: Masala Magic
- Orange Observer: Guru Indian Restaurant Celebrates 10th Anniversary
- Gainesville Sun: Indian Aroma, First Watch and Wild Pie Openings
- Wikipedia: Indian Cuisine
- Google Search: Indian Restaurant News
- Google Scholar: Indian Restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indian Cuisine
- Google News: Indian Food News
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
