_Kosen
Omakase + Sushi Experience by Chef Wei Chen | Tampa, FL
Photography credit: AM Photo
Kosen was recognized with a Michelin Star in the 2024 Michelin Guide.
At Kosen, we embraced the essence of omakase—a ritual rooted in trust, simplicity, and precision—through an architectural language deeply inspired by Japan itself. The design reflects cultural cues of Japanese minimalism, where every detail serves purpose, and silence carries weight.
The centerpiece of the space, the circular bar, anchors the experience both physically and conceptually, symbolizing connection and fluidity. Geometric explorations pull from nature and heritage—the curve of clamshells, symbolic of the delicate ingredients, and the bold form of the rising sun, Japan’s enduring emblem of renewal and balance. These motifs are reimagined in linear patterns, radiating across ceilings and backdrops, creating a rhythm that feels intentional yet serene.
Materiality is restrained but layered, celebrating textures over ornamentation: natural stone, soft-hued woods, and muted tones ground the design, while subtle details—like the interplay of light on surfaces—mimic the artistry of each plate. The interplay of shadow and glow pays homage to Japanese aesthetics, where light is as much a material as the walls themselves.
Kosen is not just a space; it is a canvas for the omakase journey—a stage where every seat, every detail, and every moment unfolds with intention. Here, the design becomes part of the experience: calm, deliberate, and deeply reflective of the craft it serves.