Celebrated Orlando chef Amit Kumar is embarking on his most ambitious project to date: SAMA, a fine-dining Indian restaurant slated to open near Ravaudage in Winter Park. Located at the corner of Lee Road and Lewis Drive, SAMA represents a significant expansion for Kumar, who already owns and operates three successful restaurants in the Greater Orlando area: Aashirwad Indian Food & Bar, Bombay Street Kitchen (a three-time Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient), and Tamarind Indian Cuisine in Winter Park.
Kumar envisions SAMA as a “very ambitious and very innovative” dining experience. Currently in the early stages, with demolition underway on the site’s existing structures (a small office, dry cleaner, and former Fuji Sushi restaurant), SAMA is projected to be completed in approximately 18 months, with groundbreaking expected in 3-4 months.
Architect Timothy Gaus’s renderings reveal a two-story, 7,252-square-foot restaurant designed to accommodate 150 guests. Including covered and uncovered outdoor seating on both levels and a mezzanine, the total space will exceed 8,000 square feet. The design features an upscale facade facing Lee Road and a surface-level parking lot at the rear.
Kumar plans to offer a unique dining experience at SAMA, distinct from his other restaurants. The first floor will feature authentic Indian cuisine with innovative presentation, while the second floor will offer a “hip and happening” small plate concept. While the menu and concept are still subject to refinement, Kumar assures that SAMA will deliver something entirely new.
Kumar’s existing restaurant, Tamarind Indian Cuisine, is located nearby on Lee Road, within the Center of Winter Park shopping center. He chose the Lee Road location due to its potential and accessibility. “We always knew that Winter Park had big potential. The people over there are open to trying different kinds of food and something unique. This is more for local people. I don’t want to open something in the tourist areas,” he explained, adding that its proximity to I-4 makes it convenient for diners across the region.
Kumar acquired the 0.72-acre lot in 2022, with Bobby Palta of BLVD Retail representing him in the transaction. Palta noted the demand for more South Asian flavors in Winter Park, beyond Kumar’s Tamarind restaurant.
In addition to SAMA, Kumar has acquired the former Burger King on West Colonial Drive, west of Downtown Orlando. He plans to transform the building into a commissary and test kitchen for his restaurants, as well as a limited-seating, five-course tasting menu restaurant. Palta also facilitated this acquisition, expressing optimism about the future of the Parramore region.