New Japanese restaurant opening in Sarasota, replacing fast-casual Asian eatery
A fast-casual Asian eatery has closed its doors in University Town Center, but customers won't have to wait long for its replacement to open: a new Japanese concept by the same, James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs.
Zōtō plans to open at 190 N. Cattlemen Road this summer, according to a press release. That location was formerly home to Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, a Florida-based chain serving a variety of Asian dishes such as its namesake bento boxes and sushi that opened in UTC in January 2021 before recently closing its doors.
The new concept was created by Jimmy and Johnny Tung, who founded Bento and were semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurateur in the 2023 James Beard Awards, the food world's equivalent of the Oscars. Zōtō's executive chef will be Lwin Siss, who has worked at multiple acclaimed restaurants including Kōsen in Tampa, which is also operated by the Tungs and has earned a Michelin star for two consecutive years.
“After seeing the response to Kōsen, we knew we wanted to expand our presence in the Tampa Bay area,” Johnny Tung said in a statement. “Sarasota has world-class beaches, and is on the rise as a top travel destination. It just felt like the right move.”
The menu will offer premium sushi, Japanese sharing plates and "elevated interpretations of Japanese fare." It will also have a beverage program featuring Japanese whisky, Asian beers, premium sake, an extensive wine list and Japanese-inspired cocktails by mixologist Mike Western, Kōsen's beverage director.
Zōtō's team will also include Mike Western (pictured here), beverage director at Tampa restaurant Kōsen, which is also owned by the Tungs and is Michelin-starred.
The restaurant will include a 60-seat dining room and 50-seat outdoor patio, taking cues from contemporary Japanese minimalism, pairing natural textures with intentional lighting and sculptural details. Guests will enter a dark and moody space framed by soft oak wall panels, woven ceiling elements, natural greenery, and a glowing central bar that anchors the room.
“Zōtō was designed to feel both intimate and open — a space that respects quiet moments, but also buzzes with energy around the bar,” Johnny Tung said in a statement.
Zōtō will include a 60-seat dining room and 50-seat outdoor patio.
It's one of numerous new restaurants set to open in University Town Center, along with Olivia and On Swann — Tampa restaurants that serve modern Italian and contemporary American, respectively, helmed by the same chef, Chris Ponte — Bulla Gastrobar, which is inspired by Spain's tapas scene, and a second location for St. Armands Circle Greek restaurant Blu Kouzina.
Zōtō will be the first part of a two-part project, with phase two unveiling a hidden omakase room called Yūgen, offering a more intimate, chef’s table experience. For more information and future updates, visit instagram.com/zotosushi and instagram.com/yugen.fl.
