A highly talked-about, well-invested, and pretentious Japanese izakaya in Tel Aviv, which the reviewer found less enjoyable.
Insights
IsraeliLevantineSteakhouseJapaneseSeafoodModerateLunchDinnerLate NightCocktail Bar
Last updated: 7/29/2026, 4:57:06 AM
Key Information
ASA Izakaya is a traditional Japanese Izakaya located in Tel Aviv, known for its authentic and impressive design that creates a vibrant dining and nightlife experience. A unique feature is the Japanese 'Irori' charcoal grill, reportedly the first of its kind in Israel, around which much of the menu is centered. The restaurant offers diverse seating options including indoor, outdoor, and a stylish enclosed lounge with a DJ.
Customer feedback is largely positive, praising the outstanding food, excellent hospitality, and beautifully designed atmosphere. Many highlight the unique and contemporary culinary experience, with specific dishes like the Irori Salmon and Skirtsteak meat stick receiving high recommendations. However, some common criticisms include loud music, crowded seating, and occasional slow service. One reviewer felt it wasn't a 'real Japanese restaurant' and described some dishes as 'random market-style', while others lauded the authenticity and finesse.
Additional Details
ASA Izakaya is noted for introducing the Japanese 'Irori' charcoal grill to Israel. It opened in 2025.
The restaurant is open daily, and Friday afternoons have been noted for a great atmosphere. Given its 'vibrant dining and nightlife experience' and 'lounge area with a DJ', evenings are likely popular.
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f you’re looking for a real Japanese restaurant, this is definitely not the place.
The only thing it seems to share with Japan is the word “izakaya” in its name. Inside, it’s pure noise and chaos, with loud music that turns any attempt at conversation into a competition of who can shout louder. The tables are packed so tightly that it feels like you’re dining not just with your companion, but practically on your neighbor’s back.
But the biggest disappointment is the food. It feels more like random market-style dishes than Japanese cuisine. There’s no finesse, no subtlety of flavor, none of the elegance or authenticity you expect when you go out for Japanese food. Just ordinary dishes with nothing distinctly Japanese about them.
If you’re searching for the atmosphere of Tokyo — keep looking. If you just want a loud, crowded place with mediocre food, this might suit you.
a traditional Japanese Izakaya located in Tel Aviv. The venue features an authentic and impressive design that highlights a vibrant dining and nightlife experience.
At the heart of the restaurant is the Japanese "Irori" charcoal grill—the first of its kind in Israel—around which the menu is centered. The menu is diverse, featuring classics like sushi, gyoza, ramen, and skewers, alongside special "Irori" dishes. Reviews highly praise the taste and originality of the offerings. Pricing is considered relatively accessible for Tel Aviv (small plates), but note that the size of the dishes requires ordering multiple items for a full meal, which can increase the final bill. This spot is highly recommended for Japanese food enthusiasts seeking a unique and contemporary culinary experience.
Friday afternoon, two couples, great atmosphere — and starting from the bottom line: we will definitely come back.
The hospitality and service were excellent from the very first moment. Friendly, professional, and genuinely welcoming without feeling overdone. The food was simply outstanding. A beautiful range of flavors, perfectly executed dishes, and presentation that, together with the restaurant’s design, created a truly memorable experience.
We didn’t try the entire menu, but one dish is absolutely a must-order: the Irori Salmon. Easily one of the highlights of the meal.
The restaurant offers three different seating areas: indoor seating, outdoor seating, and a separate enclosed lounge/room with a DJ. The lounge area is very stylish and has a great vibe, but it’s worth noting that not all menu items are served there. We visited in early May and it was quite windy in the evening, so sitting indoors was better choice for us.
And back to the conclusion — highly recommended. A place that manages to combine exceptional food, excellent service, and a beautifully designed atmosphere.
Food:
1. Salmon on the grill 10/10 incredible taste and value for portion size
2. Skirtsteak meat stick was fantastic but very small 9/10
3. Cucumber salad 8/10
4. Iceberg lettuce salad 8.5/10
5. Beef Yukke was nice if you like beef tartare 7.5/10
6. Tuna hand roll is great but tinyyy 7/10
7. Wagyu Gyoza is nice but nothing amazing 6.5/10
8. Chicken skewer was not great 5/10
9. Pork belly skewer was nice but overcooked 5/10
Desserts:
Flan was very mediocre and too watery 6/10
Marshmallow chocolate dessert was great 8.5/10
Service:
A bit slow, the woman who said she was the shift manager is doing a great job there to make sure everything is okay. Regardless there’s not enough waiters so things are slow to get attention.
Biggest problem for improvement:
Get soft drinks, people who can’t drink for various reasons have the choice of still or sparkling water and no other options. Get soft drinks, don’t force people to get cocktails if they can’t drink.
Atmosphere:
Great but music being too loud is not the vibe
We have no words to describe how amazing the food was! There was a great variety of gluten free options as well.
This is a meal we'll remember for sure.
Shout out to Dean and Yehonatan, who were absolutely amazing to us!
