Chef Lewis Lin is bringing a new concept to Mills 50. Hayashi Tarō, an omakase bento shop, is opening at 714 N. Mills Avenue [GMap] in April, taking over the former Royaltea storefront.
The menu will feature three to-go omakase bento boxes priced between $35 and $45, featuring sushi made with fish and seafood flown in overnight from Japan. Customers will also be able to add ceremonial-grade matcha to their order. The space will also feature an eight-seat counter where guests can watch the chefs work, and Juju’s sake sommelier Mai Yoshioka will host evening sake tasting events after opening.
The name is inspired by the kanji for Hayashi, which is “林,” the same character as Lin’s surname. The concept itself was inspired by a customer who wanted to celebrate her newborn with a kappo omakase from Juju in her hospital bed, which reminded Lin of his wife’s post-birth cravings.
Lin already operates Susuru (Website), the insanely popular yakitori izakaya near Disney Springs, along with Juju (Website), which earned a Michelin Guide nod. He also has a six-seat omakase counter called Neko San (Instagram) planned for Lake Buena Vista later this year.
