Contemporary Japanese restaurant sets opening date at UTC

A new upscale Japanese restaurant called Zoto is opening at University Town Center on Oct. 8. It is owned by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jim and Johnny Tung, who also own Kosen in Tampa.

Zoto will offer sushi, craft cocktails and Japanese shareable plates, among other items. On the menu will be raw offerings such as crudo and cold tastings, sushi rolls and seasonal nigiri and sashimi featuring fish flown in from Japan, according to a statement. Grilled meats like yakitori will complement those offerings, as will entrees such as miso salmon and pork katsudon. Japanese whiskey, Asian beers, sake, wine and Japanese-inspired cocktails will also be available. 

Executive Chef Lwin Siss will lead the kitchen, with more than 15 years of experience including at Michelin-recognized restaurants Norigami and Kosen.

Located at 190 N. Cattlemen Road, Zoto features a 60-seat dining room and 50-seat outdoor patio as well as a glowing central bar. It is the first part of a two-phase concept; the second piece called Yugen will provide a chef’s table experience for 10 to 12 guests at a sushi counter in a space adjacent to Zoto, which a spokespersons says will open by the end of the year.

Before the Oct. 8 opening, Zoto held a preview week with a limited menu, enabling the team to fine-tune the guest experience. According to the Zoto website, preview week was Oct. 1 to 5.

“Our preview week has been about listening to feedback, refining the menu and perfecting service,” General Manager Janet Kim says in a statement. “We’re overwhelmed by the support we’ve received so far.”

Zoto will be open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.