New Japanese restaurant led by Michelin chef opens at University Town Center
University Town Center’s newest restaurant officially opens Wednesday.
Zōtō is a Japanese izakaya — or tavern — that features sushi, small plates, premium sake and craft cocktails with a Japanese twist. Located at 190 N. Cattlemen Road, Zōtō held a preview week with a limited menu ahead of Wednesday’s opening.
“We’re overwhelmed by the support we’ve received so far,” general manager Janet Kim said in a news release. “Our preview week has been about listening to feedback, refining the menu and perfecting service. We are thankful for the patience and encouragement of our early guests — it has truly fueled our team as we prepare for the soft opening.”
James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung created the concept, with executive chef Lwin Siss leading the kitchen. Siss has more than 15 years of experience at award-winning restaurants, including Michelin-recognized Norigami in Winter Garden, Florida and Kōsen in Tampa.
Zōtō restaurant opens at UTC
Zōtō’s menu features sushi rolls, seasonal nigiri and sashimi fish flown in from Japan, according to the news release, as well as grilled meats such as kushiyaki and yakitori.
Kushiyaki is grilled food on skewers, which can include various ingredients such as meats, seafood and vegetables. Yakitori are grilled chicken skewers.
The menu also has kitchen entrees such as miso salmon and pork katsudon, beverages featuring Japanese whisky, Asian beers and premium sake, according to the news release.
The space holds 60 seats inside the dining room and 50 seats on an outdoor patio.
Zōtō will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are made at info@zotosushi.com or through OpenTable.
The restaurant is part one of the Tung’s two-part concept, with Yūgen, a hidden omakase room offering an exclusive chef’s table experience, opening in the future.
For more information, visit ZotoSushi.com.
