Taiwan-born Lewis Lin loves Japanese food and culture. When he moved to Orlando to study business, he recognized the city’s hunger for something more than the standard sushi and teriyaki on offer at the time. So he changed course, ventured into the restaurant business, and introduced dry-aged fish and charcoal-smoked delicacies to the local culinary scene via his first establishment, Susuru. The response has been impressive.
Lin’s second restaurant, Juju, recently earned a Michelin guide mention. Here, Chef Lin combines two dining styles: izakaya in the main dining room, and omakase at the Kappo Bar, where guests are treated to a multi-course chef’s tasting menu with bespoke sake pairings. Chef Lin complements fresh, premium imported fish with local Florida produce and spices from his own garden.
Nostalgic references infuse the entire Juju experience. Inside, colorful Japanese store signs, anime characters, toy Godzillas, and other pop culture paraphernalia adorn the walls and shelves. Outside, the treatment of the former Pizza Hut building incorporates elements of traditional Japanese architecture.
With their food and a fun, comfortable atmosphere, Chef Lin and his wife, Stephy, have brought a bit of Japan to Orlando.
This episode is part of our original series, “Florida’s Table,” produced in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA.
