New Japanese Bistro Coming to Needham

NEEDHAM, MA - A new restaurant will take the space formerly occupied by the New Garden Restaurant.

Ko Bistro, owned and operated by Li Feng Lin, was granted a liquor license by the Board of Selectmen Tuesday.

This will be Lin’s second restaurant. He owns KO Sushi & Grill in Hopkinton. Similar to his other restaurant, Lin said his Needham location will be a Japanese fusion bistro with a sushi bar. The restaurant will seat 104 patrons, which is a decrease from the New Garden, which had 110 seats.

The board had no objections to the application, remarking on Lin's other venture.

“From what I’ve read about your business online, it looks terrific,” Chairman Matthew Borrelli.

Selectman Daniel Matthews reminded Lin to be responsible with the license.

“The liquor is to help the food, not to be the main thing in your business,” he said.

"Serving dinner is the restaurant's focus," Lin replied.