Kappo Tsan, by Norigami chef David Tsan, will blend ‘Japanese craftsmanship with Taiwanese soul’ near Disney

For nearly three years, David Tsan has been cutting fine figures at Norigami, his eight-seat sushi counter inside Winter Garden’s Plant Street Market. Now the 36-year-old Taiwan-born chef is partnering with James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs Johnny and Jimmy Tung to open a full-fledged restaurant specializing in kappo-style dining later this year.

“We’re blending Japanese craftsmanship with Taiwanese soul to create dishes that are personal, poetical and seasonal,” Tsan says about his 30-seat tourist-sector restaurant slated to open in late fall/early winter. “It’s that dual identity, rooted in two culinary cultures, that will set us apart from other similar concepts.”

Kappo Tsan will move into the space previously occupied by Pagoda Asian Grill at 11815 Glass House Lane (map) and present sushi and cooked dishes in both multicourse and à la carte formats. Its style will fall somewhere between the formal artistry of kaiseki and the casual spirit of an izakaya, allowing Tsan to showcase his culinary journey to guests.

“I want to weave Taiwanese flavors and memories into the kappo framework. That could mean using ingredients like dried shrimp, fermented bean paste or seasonal tropical fruits in ways that feel natural within Japanese techniques. It’s not about fusion — it’s about honoring where I came from while working within the precision and elegance of kappo dining.”

What’s more, two big names will be  joining Tsan in his new venture. Toshi Kishimoto, the former chef-owner of the recently closed Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant, will bring his 30 years of experience to Kappo Tsan as chef de cuisine. “Chef Toshi” will oversee the kitchen and take charge of the cooked items. Think kakumi-simmered pork belly with mustard, grilled tuna tomahawk with kabayaki sauce, and Taiwanese beef noodle soup.

The other big name joining Kappo Tsan is Benjamin Coutts. The former Soseki and Bar Kada beverage director, who earned a sommelier award from Michelin in 2023, will curate the restaurant’s extensive wine and sake list.

Plus, every seat in the 1,500-square-foot space (designed by Jacob Portillo) will provide a full view of the kitchen, be it from the six-seat kappo bar, 14-seat walk-up bar or any of the booths in the main dining room. The idea is to “emphasizes the close proximity between diner and chef.”

Seats at the kappo bar will be available by reservation only on Fridays and Saturdays for special, tasting menu experiences. The 14-seat bar and dining room seating will be open daily for à la carte orders.

Norigami will continue to operate inside the Plant Street Market led by chef Austin Bautista while Tsan focuses on opening the restaurant.

“This is a culmination of my journey. I grew up in Taiwan, came of age in Florida and found my voice in Japanese kitchens. Kappo Tsan is where all those paths meet. It will allow me to tell my story in the most honest way I know — through food, through hospitality and through moments shared across the counter.

Follow @kappotsan on Instagram or kappotsan.com for updates.

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This article appears in Best of Orlando (R) 2025.