Japanese noodle shop opening in Mills 50 this fall

A new handmade Japanese udon shop is scheduled to open this fall in Mills 50, led by the prolific restaurateurs, Jimmy and Johnny Tung.

Zaru is a new 25-seat dining concept with an open kitchen that will be located next to the longtime Vietnamese anchor business, Tien Hung Market, at 1114 E. Colonial Drive [GMap].

Zaru earned its name from the shallow bamboo baskets that are traditionally used to prepare udon noodles in Japanese cuisine. The restaurant will use scratch-made Sanuki-style udon noodles and according to an early press release, the menu will feature a selection of specialties ranging from housemade crab gyoza, zaru udon, ikura shiso udon, and Edo-style tempura items. Sake and Japanese beers will also be available for purchase and guests will be able to customize their own bowls.

“We wanted to carry on the 500-year-old noodle-making tradition. Traveling throughout Japan earlier this year, I loved how the udon tasted there, and wanted to bring that experience back to Florida. We’re sourcing premium udon flour, and working with a local Japanese company for custom equipment  from the Kagawa region.”

– JOHNNY TUNG

Zaru is expected to open this September for lunch and dinner.

Zaru is the first of many new concepts coming into the 10,000 SF market in the next few years. More information on those other projects is expected soon.