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 Perception
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.
The atmosphere and decor of the place is amazing. They clearly invested a lot to build the place and it looks very authentic. Vibe is excellent with a nice DJ music in the background. Unfortunately, this all ends when it comes to good. Portions are ridiculously small. We ordered an AgadashI tofu for 36 shekels and literally got one piece of tofu. Dishes were hit or miss with taste with the Ramen being especially tasty. Other items, such as the “chirashi”/poke bowl - looked liked it was premade and came from a convenience store. Overall, I would suggest this is a place to come on a weekend for drinks and some snacks to enjoy the atmosphere
An absolute 10/10 experience!
We sat at the bar and had an amazing time. The food was incredible, and the service was top-notch. The bartender offered to curate the menu and choose the dishes for us, and it was a great decision. every single dish was spot-on and absolutely delicious. Highly recommended, we will definitely be back!
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
What a great restaurant!
It brings the spirit and ambiance of a Japanese Izakaya to the heart of Tel Aviv
First and foremost, I'd like to praise the staff for their hospitality, we had arrived an hour late (due to a misunderstanding) and they went the extra mile to fix us a table, and our waiter hagar was super helpful as well
Second, food was delicious, everything we tried was tasty (ramen, hand tuna roll, gyozas and more). Dishes are all 2ppl bite-sized sharing dishes, so you can taste a wide variety and not get bloated
Two things to be aware of:
1. It could get quite noisy (music is a bit loud) - wasn't a problem or a bother to us, and I'm sure the staff would attend any complaint on this matter
2. This is an upscale place, we've found the prices to be reasonable, around the mid-high range for Tel Aviv - so just be aware.
Book a table online or by phone - the restaurant is usually full
I will recommend to my friends and be back myself
