Last week, COOK was thrilled to host a sneak peek of Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka’s soon-to-open University City restaurant, coZara (meaning “small plates” in Japanese).

Zama has come far in his three-plus years on 19th Street on Rittenhouse Square, and his Zama is one of the city’s go-to spots for sushi. Now,  Zama is on the move with a second restaurant. This December, he is set to open a 140-seat, two-story Japanese restaurant whose menu will include yakitori, noodles and dumplings.

The lucky 16 guests at Zama’s class last week got a special, early taste of the menu which was not only beautiful but delicious as well. Below are the menu as well as photos by Yoni Nimrod for COOK.

Just look at that beautiful deliciousness! We cannot wait for coZara to open this winter!!!

Zensai
nanban zuke, wasabi tuna tartare, miso cream cheese with white anchovies

Salada
Jako Jako Salad
arugula, daikon and kaiware sprouts salad with parmesan cheese, fried baby sardine and shiso ponzu dressing

Tsumami
Pork belly, Chilled Chawan mushi, Fugu
salt braised pork belly, chawan mushi, spicy fried blowfish tails

Sakana
Kampachi Kama
yuzu pepper, grated daikon and soy

Toriniku
Teba wing, Tsukune, Yakitori
black peppered chicken wings, tsukune and chicken with scallion

Udon
Cold Sesame Udon
soy dashi sesame with tomato and corn salsa and shredded thin egg omelette