Japanese Kappo-Style Restaurant Opening this Fall in Orlando

Courtesy Tsan By David Tsan

Kappo Tsan Brings an Intimate Japanese Dining Experience to O-Town West

This fall, Orlando’s dining scene welcomes an exciting new addition: Kappo Tsan, a 30-seat Japanese restaurant led by acclaimed Executive Chef and Partner David Tsan, in collaboration with restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung. The highly anticipated opening will take place at 11815 Glass House Lane in O-Town West, just off the new Daryl Carter exit on I-4 West and only steps away from the future TAO Hotel & Restaurant.

A Dining Experience Rooted in Tradition

The name “kappo” translates to “to cut and to cook”, a style of dining that blends the elegance of kaiseki with the approachability of an izakaya. At the heart of the restaurant is a six-seat chef’s counter, where guests can experience the intimate art of kappo firsthand. Multi-course meals are prepared directly in front of diners, engaging every sense through the precision of knife work, the sizzle of heat, the aromas of fresh ingredients and the visual artistry of plating.

Unlike the formality of omakase, kappo emphasizes warmth and connection between chef and guest, creating an immersive and interactive dining experience.

Layout and Atmosphere

Designed by Jacob Portillo, Kappo Tsan will offer several ways to experience the menu:

• 6-Seat Kappo Bar: Open Friday and Saturday, featuring a reservation-only tasting menu.

• 14-Seat Main Bar: Open daily, offering an à la carte menu for walk-up seating.

• Dining Room Booths: Casual, walk-in seating with a full à la carte menu.

Every seat in the restaurant has a clear view of the kitchen, underscoring Chef Tsan’s focus on craftsmanship and transparency.

A Chef’s Next Chapter

Chef Tsan is no stranger to acclaim. His handroll bar Norigami earned MICHELIN Bib Gourmands three years in a row (2023–2025) and built a loyal following. Prior to Norigami, Tsan refined his skills at some of Central Florida’s most respected kitchens, including Morimoto Asia, California Grill, JW Marriott and Kabooki Sushi.

“The last three years at Plant Street Market were an amazing chapter, but I’m excited to finally have more room to create,” said Tsan. “I started my career on this side of town, so opening Kappo Tsan here really feels like coming full circle.”

Joining him is Chef de Cuisine Toshi Kishimoto, the former chef-owner of Orlando’s beloved Hanamizuki, who brings more than 30 years of experience. “As an Orlando native, I grew up eating at Hanamizuki, so it’s an incredible honor to work alongside Chef Toshi,” Tsan shared.

A Menu That Marries Tradition and Innovation

Together, Tsan and Kishimoto will craft a menu that reflects Japanese traditions with a touch of Taiwanese influence, a nod to decades of culinary exchange between the two cultures.

Guests can look forward to signature dishes like:

• Mapo Tofu with Japanese ingredients

• Shirako with dashi butter

• Taiwan beef noodle soup with housemade noodles and grilled toppings

The menu will highlight simmered, grilled and raw preparations, always guided by Florida’s seasonality.

To complement the cuisine, MICHELIN-awarded sommelier Benjamin Coutts has curated an extensive sake and wine list, designed to elevate both the kappo tasting experience and the à la carte offerings.

Anticipation Builds

Kappo Tsan is set to open later this fall, bringing a truly unique Japanese dining concept to one of Orlando’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Guests eager to experience it first can join the waitlist for an exclusive preview at kappotsan.com.

With its intimate atmosphere, celebrated culinary talent, and innovative approach to tradition, Kappo Tsan promises to be one of Orlando’s most anticipated restaurant openings in O-Town West this year.