Chef Sonny Nguyen Will Open Udon Fifty on October 22
The new Kanto-style noodle house will occupy the former Dochi space in Orlando.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Japanese Food
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Chef Sonny Nguyen is set to debut his latest concept, Udon Fifty, in Orlando on October 22. Located at 1222 E. Colonial Drive, the restaurant will feature a specialized focus on house-made udon noodles.
Why it matters
The opening marks a new addition to the culinary landscape in the Mills 50 neighborhood, bringing traditional Kanto-style preparations to the area. It represents the latest venture for a prominent local restaurateur known for various popular dining establishments.
The 18-seat restaurant features a machine imported from Japan for in-house noodle production and utilizes a proprietary three-flour blend for tempura. Udon Fifty will operate from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and noon to 3 p.m. on weekends.
The players
Sonny Nguyen
He is a prominent Orlando-based restaurateur who owns Domu, Gyukatsu Rose, Rion's Ocean Room, Tori Tori, and Edoboy.
Shuichi Kotani
He is a renowned soba maestro who trained Sonny Nguyen in traditional noodle-making techniques.
The details
Udon Fifty occupies the former Dochi space, serving a menu of hot and cold Kanto-style udon. The kitchen emphasizes artisanal technique, drawing on the owner's two-year apprenticeship under soba maestro Shuichi Kotani.
Timeline
Sonny Nguyen studied under Shuichi Kotani from 2017 to 2019.
The initial concept for the restaurant was first announced in March 2020.
Udon Fifty will hold its soft opening on October 22, 2026.
Culture Shift
The opening of Udon Fifty follows the rapid expansion of the Mills 50 culinary district by adding another niche, high-craft concept to the neighborhood. This project mirrors the broader trend of restaurateurs focusing on highly specialized, small-footprint dining experiences.
Residents in Orlando can anticipate limited seating availability due to the venue's small 18-seat footprint. Diners should plan their visits around the specific weekend lunch hours and weekday evening service times.
The takeaway
The addition of this noodle house highlights the ongoing importance of specialized culinary training in shaping local dining options. Patrons should monitor social media for potential updates regarding the soft opening phase.
Further reading
Learn more about the local dining scene on the Japanese Food section page.
More information
For additional information and menu updates, visit the Udon Fifty official website.
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