Pictured: Yakitori is another one of the small plates guests are excited about during the soft-opening of Zoto. Provided photo.

Sarasota diners are getting a first taste of something special. Earlier this month, Zoto quietly opened its doors for an extended soft-opening. Zoto is an izakaya, a Japanese-style bar that serves alcoholic beverages and small, shareable plates designed to complement the drinks. The team behind Zōtō holds multiple Michelin stars, and promises to deliver an elevated experience.

“Our guests can expect a trendy, lively, upscale and upbeat atmosphere,” says general manager Janet Kim. “We hope Zoto will become the perfect spot for date nights and celebrations and an everyday favorite for sushi connoisseurs.”

Atsushi Okawara is the executive chef at Zoto, with three Michelin stars under his belt. He is designing a menu that is traditional yet playful with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu has not yet been finalized: in fact, the purpose of the lengthy soft-opening is to allow the team to fine-tune the details, gauge responses, and determine which dishes will make the menu. Some, though, are already standing out.

“All of the crudo seem to be very popular, especially the hamachi blueberry,” Kim says. This dish consists of thinly-sliced yellowtail, pickled blueberry and garlic ponzu.

“People like the punchy flavors of that dish,” agrees beverage director Benjamin Coutts. “It’s very refreshing with the counterbalance of the fattiness of the fish. And it’s fun to be able to pair beverages with that dish because we’re getting guests out of their comfort zone with more savory, umami-driven styles of sake.”

 Zoto is currently taking reservations on Open Table five nights per week. There is no firm date on a grand opening yet, but it is expected within the next month or two. But there’s no need to wait - come get a sneak peek at what is sure to be one of Sarasota’s most delightful dining destinations.

 Zoto, 190 N. Cattlemen Rd. Unit 5, Sarasota, 941-359-9517, zotosushi.com.

Pictured: Yakitori is another one of the small plates guests are excited about during the soft-opening of Zoto. Provided photo.