At Zoto, a Michelin-level team brings elevated Japanese cuisine to University Town Center.

Inside the stylishly understated, earth-toned restaurant where traditional gyotaku prints adorn the walls, the word "pedigree" comes to mind. And rightfully so. Chef Atsushi earned three Michelin stars, first at Kenzo Restaurant in Napa Valley in 2017, then at Den on Miami Beach in 2022 and 2023.

The restaurant creates a feeling of intimacy courtesy of its mahogany-toned wood walls, lightened by rectangular white sheets of linen, called noren, dangling overhead.

From the outset, the relationship between dark and light evokes a yin and yang that carries through to the menu.

A modern Japanese dining experience from James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung is coming to the Sarasota area later this year.

Zōtō, a restaurant concept blending Japanese bar culture and culinary tradition, will bring an upscale izakaya experience to the University Town Center, according to a news release.

An upscale restaurant and bar featuring Japanese influences is heading to University Town Center in the form of Zoto.

Guests 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…

The menu will feature elevated interpretations of Japanese food, connected with a comprehensive beverage menu including Japanese whisky, Asian beers, premium sake, an extensive wine list, and Japanese-inspired cocktails…

Owned by Jimmy and Johnny Tung, the brothers who started Bento Asian Kitchen and Tampa’s Michelin-starred Kōsen,  Zōtō will feature upscale Japanese izakaya (small plates) with a comprehensive cocktail program that leans heavily into Japanese whisky.

“After seeing the response to Kōsen, we knew we wanted to expand our presence in the Tampa Bay area…”

A new Sarasota area Japanese restaurant and bar, featuring the same James Beard-nominated restaurateurs behind the eatery last located there, is making its debut.

Zōtō is officially open to the public, after quietly hosting a preview week, at 190 N. Cattlemen Road in University Town Center…