Restaurateur Natalia Levey Launches Latest Asian-Inspired Concept in Downtown Sarasota

February 24, 2021 – Sarasota

Natalia Levey, a chef and restaurateur, and the multi-concept restaurant group Hi Hospitality Group has opened KOJO, its latest culinary destination in downtown Sarasota at 1289 N. Palm Ave.

The doors opened to the new and exciting Asian eatery on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. KOJO marks the third establishment in Hi Hospitality Group’s Florida portfolio, joining the popular and award-winning Italian seafood restaurant Speaks Clam Bar and the upcoming Central Park St. Pete Food Hall.

Levey collaborated with a notable team of restaurant industry professionals to develop the concept. The delectable menu offers diners a variety of comforting yet unique dishes. Familiar fare, such as miso soup and sushi rolls, is paired with more adventurous options, including crispy nori sushi tacos, garlic ponzu grilled gulf oysters and kimchi fried rice, to delight even the most discerning foodies.

With influences spanning the continent of Asia, the idea was inspired by the time Levey spent living and traveling the area, as well as her and her husband’s appreciation of the delicious dishes and captivating culture.

“We’re thrilled to offer a splendid space and an exceptional menu that will become an integral part of Sarasota’s dining scene,” said Levey. “We want our food, cocktails and hospitality to provide guests with a unique and memorable experience. Our team created this space because connection, especially right now, is more important than ever. KOJO is a place where patrons can come, relax, have fun and enjoy family and friends.”

After working in some of New York City’s most prestigious bars and restaurants, nationally awarded Beverage Director David Roth is supervising the spirits behind KOJO’s bar program. Roth has curated a list of fun and tasty craft cocktails, local beers, international wines and top-shelf spirits. KOJO will be the first Sarasota restaurant to offer a world-class premium sake collection. Roth spent the last eight years refining his craft, where he managed the bars at Michelin-Star PUBLIC and Covina, which received back-to-back nominations for Best American Hotel Bar in the U.S from Annual International Spirited Awards.

Discover more about KOJO and make reservations at EatKojo.com.

About Natalia Levey
Natalia Levey is a chef, restaurateur and founder of Hi Hospitality Group. She infuses a culture of wellness with a message of positivity in order to successfully increase employee retention, profits and overall happiness. Originally from Russia, Levey has extensive international culinary and wellness experience, having traveled to over 40 countries, taught and cooked all over the world.

Filling bellies, feeding souls and formulating the future, she received her culinary training at the Art Institute of New York, graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is certified as a nutritional consultant from The American Association of Nutritional Consultants.

She’s a past TEDx speaker, culinary nutrition educator at Healthy Intent and author of “Cravings Boss”. Levey has been featured on The List TV, Sarasota’s ABC7, Daytime TV, Great Day Live Tampa Bay, Truly Alive Magazine, Huffington Post, Elephant Journal, Reader’s Digest and Health.