Orlando, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Kappo Tsan, a new 30-seat Japanese restaurant led by Executive Chef David Tsan, will open this fall in O-Town West, Orlando. The restaurant will offer a unique kappo-style dining experience that blends kaiseki and izakaya. Guests can expect a menu featuring seasonal Florida ingredients, Taiwanese influences, and a showcase of culinary artistry in a warm, interactive environment. Reservations will be available for the kappo bar, with walk-up options and casual booth seating as well.
Orlando
Kappo Tsan to open this fall in O-Town West, offering a 30-seat kappo dining experience
Kappo Tsan, a new 30-seat Japanese restaurant led by Executive Chef and Partner David Tsan in collaboration with restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung, is scheduled to open later this fall at 11815 Glass House Lane in O-Town West, Orlando. The restaurant will present a kappo-style experience that blends the refined sequence of kaiseki with the accessible, convivial atmosphere of an izakaya. The venue is located near the new Daryl Carter exit on I-4 West and is a short walk from the future TAO Hotel & Restaurant.
Key operational details and seating
The 30-seat layout is organized to provide close views of the kitchen from every position. Seating options include a 6-seat Kappo Bar (reservation-only tasting menu, open Friday and Saturday), a 14-seat Main Bar (daily, à la carte for walk-up seating), and dining room booths (casual walk-in seating with a full à la carte menu). A six-seat chef’s counter will allow diners to watch multi-course meals prepared directly in front of them, emphasizing knife work, heat control, and visual presentation.
Menu concept and culinary team
The menu will focus on simmered, grilled, and raw preparations guided by Florida seasonality and will combine Japanese culinary traditions with Taiwanese influences. Signature offerings are expected to include dishes such as Mapo Tofu, Shirako with dashi butter, and Taiwan beef noodle soup with housemade noodles. The dining format emphasizes interaction and warmth between chef and guest to create an immersive experience.
Chef Tsan previously operated the handroll bar Norigami, which received MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recognition from 2023 through 2025. His prior experience includes work in Central Florida kitchens such as Morimoto Asia and California Grill. Joining him as Chef de Cuisine is Toshi Kishimoto, a former chef-owner of Hanamizuki, bringing more than 30 years of culinary experience.
Design and beverage program
The restaurant’s interior was designed by Jacob Portillo with the intent to highlight Chef Tsan’s focus on craftsmanship and kitchen transparency. The layout ensures that every seat offers a clear view of the kitchen to reinforce the kappo principle of hands-on preparation and chef-guest connection.
The beverage program includes an extensive sake and wine list curated by MICHELIN-awarded sommelier Benjamin Coutts, aligning beverage selections with the restaurant’s seasonal and multi-course offerings.
Access, neighborhood context, and preview opportunities
Kappo Tsan aims to introduce a distinct Japanese dining concept to one of Orlando’s rapidly growing neighborhoods. Its location near a major interstate exit and a planned hotel and restaurant development is positioned to attract both local diners and visitors. Guests interested in an early preview can join a waitlist at kappotsan.com for an exclusive preview prior to the official opening.
Background on kappo dining
The term “kappo” translates to “to cut and to cook” and describes an intimate style of Japanese dining where dishes are prepared and plated in front of guests. It combines the formal progression and attention to detail of kaiseki with the social, approachable nature of an izakaya. Kappo emphasizes direct interaction between the chef and diners and highlights technical skills such as knife work, heat application, and the visual arrangement of ingredients.
What to expect at opening
At launch, the restaurant will offer multiple ways to experience the menu: a reservation-only tasting at the kappo bar on weekends, daily walk-up options at the main bar, and casual booth seating for à la carte dining. All seating formats are planned to provide visibility of the kitchen and the preparation process. The restaurant’s approach centers on seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques, and a blending of cultural influences to create a focused, experiential dining option in Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Kappo Tsan open?
The restaurant is scheduled to open later this fall. A specific date has not been announced.
Where is Kappo Tsan located?
Kappo Tsan will be at 11815 Glass House Lane in O-Town West, near the new Daryl Carter exit on I-4 West and close to the future TAO Hotel & Restaurant.
How many seats does the restaurant have, and what are the seating options?
The restaurant has 30 seats total: a 6-seat kappo bar (reservation-only tasting menu), a 14-seat main bar (daily, walk-up à la carte), and dining room booths for casual walk-ins with a full à la carte menu. Every seat has a clear view of the kitchen.
What is kappo dining?
Kappo is a Japanese dining style meaning “to cut and to cook,” emphasizing live preparation, chef-guest interaction, and a sequence of thoughtfully prepared dishes. It merges kaiseki’s formality with izakaya’s approachability.
Who is behind the restaurant?
Executive Chef and Partner David Tsan is leading the kitchen in partnership with Jimmy and Johnny Tung. Chef de Cuisine Toshi Kishimoto will also be involved. The space was designed by Jacob Portillo, and the beverage list is curated by sommelier Benjamin Coutts.
How can I join a preview or make a reservation?
Interested guests can join a waitlist for an exclusive preview at kappotsan.com. Reservations for the 6-seat kappo bar will be required for the tasting menu; other seating will be available for walk-up service.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 11815 Glass House Lane, O-Town West, Orlando |
| Total Seating | 30 seats |
| Seating Breakdown | 6-seat Kappo Bar; 14-seat Main Bar; Dining Room Booths |
| Chef | Executive Chef and Partner David Tsan; Chef de Cuisine Toshi Kishimoto |
| Culinary Focus | Japanese traditions with Taiwanese influences; seasonal Florida ingredients |
| Beverage Program | Extensive sake and wine list curated by sommelier Benjamin Coutts |
| Design | Interior by Jacob Portillo emphasizing craftsmanship and transparency |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orlando Magazine: Japanese Kappo-Style Restaurant Opening This Fall
- Wikipedia: Japanese Cuisine
- Eater Miami: Tasting Menus Restaurants Orlando
- Google Search: Kappo Dining
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kaiseki
- Google News: Orlando Restaurant Openings
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange 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 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
