University Town Center Japanese izakaya restaurant Zōtō's sister concept, Yūgen, will begin service Valentine's Day week. Yūgen will offer a multiple-course kaiseki menu, showcasing a range of Japanese cooking techniques, ranging from raw preparations to grilled proteins to steamed fish and more. 

“With kaiseki, I can cook in many ways and follow the season,” says Zōtō chef Atsushi Okawara, who will lead the restaurant. “My hope is that guests feel comfortable, enjoy each part of the meal, and feel the thought we put into every dish.”

Okawara previously cooked at Miami's Michelin-starred restaurant The Den. His career spans Japan, Canada and the U.S., with collaborations alongside many multiple Michelin-star-winning chefs.

The restaurant will offer only 10 seats at the chef's counter, with reservations available for two seatings Wednesday through Sunday evening. Each night's menu will be paired with optional wine and sake pairings, along with uni and caviar enhancements.

Yūgen’s owners, brothers Jimmy and Johnny Tung, first launched the fast casual Gainesville-based Bento Asian Kitchen before moving into the fine dining space. Their omakase restaurant Kōsen, also 10 seats, received a Michelin star in 2024.

“Our guests told us they wanted this level of dining closer to home,” Johnny Tung says. “Yūgen is our answer—a personal, chef-driven experience that transports you to a different time and place.” 

Yūgen will open on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 190 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota. For more information, click here.