At the helm of Zōtō’s kitchen is Executive Chef Lwin Siss, whose culinary journey spans over 15 years. Raised in Miami, Chef Lwin began his career at the iconic Blue Ribbon Sushi in South Beach, where he developed a deep respect for traditional Japanese technique and flavor.

His pursuit of excellence led him to hold executive roles at acclaimed restaurants such as Novikov and Komodo, before joining the ranks of MICHELIN-recognized establishments. Most notably, Chef Lwin contributed to the success of Kōsen, a 1-MICHELIN-Star Japanese Chef’s Table in Tampa Heights also operated by Zōtō founders Jimmy and Johnny Tung. There, he helped the restaurant retain its coveted MICHELIN star for two consecutive years.

With precision, and a balance of tradition and innovation, Chef Lwin brings a refined yet approachable sensibility to the Zōtō kitchen. His menu celebrates the essence of Japanese izakaya dining: elevated, shareable, and always seasonal.