News Summary
Orlando is expanding its dining options with the upcoming openings of Neko San and Kappo Tsan, two Japanese restaurants by Chef Lewis Lin and Chef David Tsan. Neko San will feature a quick-style omakase experience, while Kappo Tsan will offer a blend of kaiseki and izakaya dining. Both establishments promise to enhance the city’s vibrant food scene with unique menu offerings and inviting atmospheres.
Orlando is set to welcome a pair of new Japanese restaurants, enhancing its vibrant dining scene. Renowned Chef Lewis Lin is expanding his portfolio with the upcoming openings of Neko San and Kappo Tsan. These new ventures follow Lin’s successful launches of Susuru in Lake Buena Vista and Juju in Colonialtown.
Neko San, a quick-style omakase concept and sake bar, will be located at 8546 Palm Parkway, next to Susuru. This restaurant is expected to open by the end of the year. The name “Neko,” which translates to “cat” in Japanese, serves as a tribute to the feral cats Lin has cared for behind Susuru since its inception. Lin has personally adopted two of these cats, ensuring their presence is part of the restaurant’s identity.
The dining experience at Neko San will feature a one-hour, nigiri-focused meal that starts at $65. Guests can anticipate a selection of fish sourced from Tokyo’s prestigious Toyosu Fish Market, including kanpachi, madai, and fatty tuna in its varying forms—akami, chutoro, and otoro. Seasonal offerings like ishidai, nishin, and kinki will also be available. The sushi rice served will be a refined blend of koshihikari and tamanishiki to guarantee a balanced texture.
Interior design for Neko San will be handled by Make Design Studios, known for its work with other prominent Orlando restaurants. The layout will feature a six-seat omakase counter complemented by a six-seat sake bar, with decor that celebrates the cat theme. Initially, Lin had plans for a handroll concept named Mao Mao but has now transitioned to this omakase format for a broader appeal.
Reservations at Neko San will be facilitated through Resy, while customers can indulge in sake as they wait at the sake bar. The restaurant aims to offer a more approachable dining experience compared to the more formal kaiseki style offered at Juju.
Meanwhile, Kappo Tsan is scheduled to open this fall in O-Town West, situated at 11815 Glass House Lane. Executive Chef and Partner David Tsan will steer this new establishment, which aims to create an inviting atmosphere characterized by an intimate dining experience. A notable feature will be the six-seat chef’s counter, where diners can enjoy multi-course meals prepared right in front of them.
The Kappo Tsan menu will harmoniously blend kaiseki elegance with the casual nature of izakaya dining. Signature dishes are expected to include Mapo Tofu, Shirako with dashi butter, and Taiwan beef noodle soup, incorporating Taiwanese flavors woven into Japanese culinary techniques.
For those interested in a curated experience, Kappo Tsan will offer a reservation-only tasting menu during its kappo bar sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, in addition to an à la carte menu available every day. The restaurant’s design will allow every seated guest a clear view of the kitchen, fostering a sense of transparency during meals.
Chef Toshi Kishimoto, with over 30 years of experience and previously the chef-owner of Hanamizuki, will take on the role of Chef de Cuisine at Kappo Tsan. Meanwhile, the beverage program will be curated by MICHELIN-awarded sommelier Benjamin Coutts, ensuring a carefully selected drink menu to complement the dishes offered.
While Kappo Tsan is set to become a highlight on Orlando’s culinary map, Tsan’s former restaurant, Norigami, will continue to operate within Plant Street Market as he redirects his focus to the new venture. Both Neko San and Kappo Tsan are poised to contribute to Orlando’s growing appreciation for authentic Japanese cuisine, promising diverse and unique dining experiences for locals and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Magazine: Japanese Kappo-Style Restaurant Opening
- Orlando Weekly: Kappo Tsan Opening
- Eater: Best Tasting Menu Restaurants in Orlando
- Orlando Date Night Guide: Michelin Star Restaurants
- Orlando Weekly: Michelin Stars on Orlando Restaurant
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Google Search: Japanese restaurants in Orlando
- Google Scholar: Japanese cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Google News: Japanese restaurants Orlando
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.
