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Lifestyle I Food

With Tokyo soon becoming an EL AL destination, Israelis will be able to experience the beauty of Japan as frequently as they desire. Until then, any longing for the Land of the Rising Sun can be overcome in one of Tel Aviv’s many Japanese eateries – from cozy lounge bars to urban delis, the choice is vast. Here are five of the White City’s best Japanese restaurants \ By Sharon Ben-David Heading East 5 places to get a taste of Japan

UMAI | Japanese lounge bar and chef’s restaurant Chef Alex Abramov came back to Israel after a few years in Japan, where she perfected her knowledge of Japanese cuisine. Umai is a cozy studio lounge bar where guests are served intricate tasting menus in an intimate atmosphere. Word of mouth has been so good, she’s recently had to move into a bigger space in Jaffa’s Old City. Chef Abramov’s food is all about extreme attention to detail, quality seasonal

produce and the marriage of traditional technique and modern flavors, as her Kaiseki - a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner - beautifully expresses. The Izakaya (Japanese food bar) menu offers small, sophisticated dishes aside delightful cocktails. The limited number of guests maintains the intimate muffled ambience of traditional Japanese restaurants. Private events can be organized here as well, upon prior reservation. umai-tlv.com, 8 Abed El Rauf El Bitar st, Jaffa

OOMAI I PR

Oomai Urban deli and sushi bar Notwithstanding their names

sounding similar, Oomai is completely different to Umai. Oomai is an urban deli inspired by the vibrancy of fast paced modern-day Tokyo. Fresh salads are served alongside sushi, gyozas, and other Japanese finger food-type delicacies. There’s also an abundant choice of sweet and savory Japanese packaged treats, such as wasabi candy, seaweed rice crackers, mochi cakes, soft drinks, Japanese beer, sake and more. You can enjoy your Oomai haul, either on one of the nearby boulevard benches, at home, or in the office. Sushi platters are available for order as well. Oomai has brought Shibuya and Shinjuku to the heart of downtime Tel Aviv. oomai-tlv.co.il, Rothschild blvd 37, Tel Aviv

22 ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2022 UMAI I Photo: Amir Menafhem