News Summary
Zoto, an upscale Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar, is set to open in Sarasota’s University Town Center in summer 2023. The restaurant will offer a 60-seat dining room and a 50-seat patio, showcasing elevated Japanese cuisine and a curated beverage menu. Founders Jimmy and Johnny Tung, known for their success with Kōsen in Tampa, aim to enhance Sarasota’s dining landscape. Zoto’s design emphasizes contemporary Japanese aesthetics and will also introduce an intimate chef’s table experience in its second phase.
Sarasota Welcomes Upscale Japanese-Inspired Restaurant Zoto
Sarasota is set to welcome a new upscale restaurant and bar, named Zoto, which is inspired by Japanese culinary traditions. Conveniently located at 190 North Cattlemen Road in the University Town Center (UTC), the restaurant is projected to open its doors in the summer of 2023.
Zoto will feature a 60-seat dining room and a 50-seat patio, catering to both intimate dining experiences and larger gatherings. The design of the restaurant embraces contemporary Japanese minimalist aesthetics, creating a sophisticated ambiance for guests. Upon entering, patrons will notice a dark and moody environment accentuated by soft oak wall panels, woven ceiling elements, and abundant natural greenery. A striking central bar, designed to illuminate the space, will serve as a focal point for patrons.
Concept and Offerings
The culinary offerings at Zoto will showcase elevated interpretations of classic Japanese cuisine. Diners can expect a menu that not only highlights traditional flavors but also introduces innovative presentations. Additionally, the beverage menu will feature a curated selection of Japanese whisky, Asian beers, premium sake, an extensive wine list, and meticulously crafted Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Zoto is part of a two-phase project, with the first phase focusing on the main restaurant space. The second phase will introduce a hidden room named Yugen, dedicated to providing intimate chef’s table experiences. This unique setup aims to create a personalized dining journey, allowing guests to engage directly with culinary creations.
Founders and Future Plans
The development of Zoto is spearheaded by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs, Jimmy and Johnny Tung, who are also behind the acclaimed restaurant Kōsen located in Tampa. The Tungs have expressed a desire to expand their culinary presence in the Tampa Bay area following the success of their Kōsen establishment. They believe that Sarasota, identified as a top travel destination with its world-class beaches, presents a prime opportunity for their latest venture.
University Town Center, where Zoto is located, is rapidly evolving as a distinctive shopping district on the border of Sarasota and Manatee counties. The area is witnessing a surge in new businesses, making it an increasingly popular destination for both locals and visitors. Zoto is poised to enhance the dining landscape of UTC, attracting food lovers eager to experience an upscale Japanese dining environment.
Sarasota’s Culinary Landscape
The introduction of Zoto adds to the growing diversity of dining options available to residents and tourists in Sarasota. As the culinary scene expands, establishments like Zoto aim to elevate the dining experience while incorporating cultural influences from around the world. The Tungs’ commitment to quality and innovation sets a promising precedent for what patrons can expect from this new restaurant.
With its opening approaching, Zoto is anticipated as a significant addition to Sarasota’s vibrant food culture. The restaurant promises to deliver memorable dining experiences rooted in authentic Japanese influences while catering to the tastes of a diverse clientele. As the summer rollout nears, excitement continues to build around this upscale culinary establishment in the heart of UTC.
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Additional Resources
- Business Observer: Upscale Japanese Spot UTC
- Wikipedia: Japanese Cuisine
- Business Observer: Sarasota Optometrist Retires
- Google Search: Sarasota Optometrist Retirement
- Bradenton Herald: Local News
- Google Scholar: Sarasota Culinary Scene
- My Suncoast: Pineapple Drop in Sarasota
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Sarasota Magazine: Growing Homeless Problem
- Google News: Sarasota Homelessness
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
