SRQ Magazine

Yugen promises an intimate chef-to-guest experience within a hidden dining room adjacent to Zoto. Led by Jacob Portillo, the design embraces Japanese minimalism with dark, moody tones balanced by warm white oak wood for a serene, immersive atmosphere. The menu has been designed by Zoto’s executive chef Atsushi Okawara.

Bradenton Herald

The restaurant is an omakase, which means dining is “face-to-face with the chef,” according to Michelin. Omakase’s literal translation is, I’ll leave it up to you, but when used at restaurants it means, chef’s choice. Okawara, who has 20 years of experience, will have a multi-course kaiseki menu at Yūgen that focus on hot and cold Japanese dishes.

Herald-Tribune

After recently opening a restaurant in the Sarasota area, a pair of James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs will soon debut another dining concept adjacent to it.

Yūgen will open in University Town Center at 190 N. Cattlemen Road, according to a press release. The restaurant will offer a Japanese chef's counter experience, or omakase, which is Japanese for "I'll leave it up to you."