The Israeli public’s love affair with Japanese cuisine has long since passed the stage of a fleeting romance – it’s now a full-on committed relationship, one that doesn’t go a week without a meeting. What began as an exotic corner of the menu has become one of the city’s most popular dishes, ranging from authentic Japanese to full-on Tel Aviv glam. Whether you’re into refined sashimi or blingy rolls, Tel Aviv delivers any Japanese whim with precise craftsmanship, premium ingredients and irresistible aesthetics.Time Out gathered for you the best sushi restaurants in Tel Aviv– places that excel in culinary level, sushi chef skill, value for money and overall experience that might save you a trip to Japan (or just make you want it even more, sorry).

>> יפן סיפור אהבה: 19 מקומות מומלצים לאכול בהם סושי בתל אביב
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New and noteworthy

1. ASA

The new izakaya ASA, by restaurateurs Guy Gamzu, Mosh Budnik and Itzik Changol (behind Helena and Chakuli), is the most authentically Japanese we’ve seen yet. The spotlight goes mainly to the stunning design and the Japanese charcoal grill filling the air with intoxicating aromas — but just say“Sashimi Omakase”and you’ll get an impressive display of top-tier sushi. It won’t be easy to skip the grilled dishes, but try.
54 Ahad Ha’am St, Tel Aviv

2. Gaijin

Some say this is the best Japanese restaurant in the city – and they might be right. Gaijin defines itself as an izakaya, but every bite says fine dining (except for the stools – best avoided). The sushi section focuses on sashimi, nigiri, and hand rolls (temaki), made from carefully chosen rice blends and top-quality ingredients – from bluefin tuna to foie gras. If not for the construction outside, you could swear you’re in Ginza.
29 Lilienblum St, Tel Aviv

More Japanese than Japan itself. Gaijin (Photo: Instagram/gaijin.tlv)

3. Saka Ba

This Levinsky izakaya doesn’t try to impress – it just offers a quiet moment with sake and perfectly paired bites. Owner Asaf Menachem (of Men-Ten-Ten, listed later) spent 15 years in Osaka and fell for its laid-back charm. “Saka Ba” is all about unpretentious bites, steady drinking, and a menu faithful to the Japanese original. Rolls are restrained yet excellently executed, and the glass smoking booth in the middle of the restaurant makes for both conversation and intimacy. Try to leave room for the summer specials—like tuna tartare over rice and nori “deconstructed sushi,” or juicy Japanese beef schnitzel.
8 Zvulun St, Tel Aviv

Captivating Japanese simplicity. Saka Ba (Photo: Instagram/saka_ba_tlv)

4. Sachi Sushi

The area around Dizengoff Square keeps evolving, and Sachi Sushi adds what was missing — a proper Japanese-Thai (not “Asian”) restaurant. Chef Idan Malisi (formerly Oven Koven), who studied under sushi master Medad Siboni, created a menu where rolls, salads, sashimi and gyoza coexist peacefully. Purists may frown, but in Tel Aviv 2025, cross-cultural fusion works.
98 Dizengoff St, Tel Aviv

Sachi Sushi (Photo: Lishi Zatlawi)

5. JMT

Okinawa’s Korean sister is all about gimbap – Korea’s plump cousin of sushi rolls wrapped in nori, filled with vegetables and your choice of extras, with a touch of sesame oil on top. Choose between beef bulgogi, crazy salmon, katsu, crispy tofu, and more, or go for the Naked Gimbap – a giant sushi rice roll wrapped in fish and packed with tofu and veggies. After K-pop and Squid Game, we’re happy to welcome another export from Korea.
3 Ahuzat Bayit St, Tel Aviv

Korean twist done right. JMT (Photo: Amir Menachem)

6. ZO

Restaurateur Yaki Kabir (TYO, Yauza, Serafina) brings his experience to ZO – equal parts restaurant and party. Think golden dragon in midair, vibrant design and beats that move. The kitchen draws inspiration from Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, and if you look closely you’ll find inside the rolls: fillet and foie gras, tuna tartare, crème fraîche, and other fancy ingredients. Prices match – bring your rich uncle.
11 Rothschild Blvd, Tel Aviv

Fillet & foie gras roll, ZO (Photo: Asaf Karela)

Classic and Excellent

7. TYO

The long-running Shabazi restaurant hasn’t aged a day. Quite the opposite – Chef Yama San’s menu still channels the spirit of Japan to your table, with several particularly creative and luxurious rolls. Staying in tonight? Their delivery packaging is among the most elegant in town.
58 Shabazi St, Tel Aviv

TYO (Photo: Instagram/tyo_tlv)

8. Onami

While the veteran branch on Ha’Arbaa St has seen mixed reviews, the kosher Onami in the Hilton Hotel is a success story. A refined location, top-notch ingredients, and experienced chef Roy Sofer show in every precise roll and cone – and of course, in the price.
205 Hayarkon St, Tel Aviv

Here comes another big wave. Onami Hilton (Photo: Instagram/onami.hilton.tlv)

9. Wat Sang Sushi & More

Founded by MOON alumni (don’t worry, they’re coming up), this neighborhood favorite keeps gaining fans. The menu hides gems like shrimp ramen and cucumber salad, but sushi takes center stage – rightfully so. Ask the team to help you navigate maki, temaki, inside-out rolls, sashimi, nigiri, chirashi, special rolls andbattera(pressed sushi from Osaka). Praiseworthy too: the design and the pleasant stretch of Harakevet Street.
12 Harakevet St, Tel Aviv

Wat Sang Sushi & More (Photo: Zohar Shtrauch)

10. Okinawa

We have a soft spot for these cozy Japanese bars in Gan Hahashmal and Neve Tzedek – great spots for sushi and a drink without taking out a loan. The rolls are unfussy, the food reliable, and the happy hour even better. No need to overcomplicate things.
11 Levontin St, 46 Shabazi St, Tel Aviv

Okinawa (Photo: Amir Menachem)

11. Ze Sushi / Food Terminal

When couple Inbar and Yves returned to Israel after a year in Japan and started making sushi at home, they didn’t imagine it would grow into Ze Sushi and Food Terminal (the latter serving burgers and Vietnamese/Korean dishes too). Their success lies in offering sushi without the pretense – for those who love the flavor but not the ceremony.
14 Eshtori Ha-Parchi St, 150 Begin Rd, Tel Aviv

Ze Sushi (Photo: Instagram/ze.sushi)

12. Lai Fu

Heavy users of Asian fare name Lai Fu as a casual go-to – as a proper street-style eatery should be. Maki, nigiri, sashimi, and creative rolls are served with zero fuss and fair pricing, so you can add bao and gyoza for a full-on Asian feast.
31 Bograshov St, Tel Aviv

Lai Fu (Photo: Instagram/laifutlv)

13. Moon

Sushi shouldn’t require a mortgage – and Moon is here for you. This long-standing chain is a beloved go-to for casual roll cravings, drinks and comfort. During happy hour (Sun-Thu, 12:00-18:00) prices drop 15%, making life – and pain – a bit easier to swallow.
58 Bograshov St, Tel Aviv

Moon (Photo: Instagram/moon.sushi.bar)

14. Men-Ten-Ten

No need to elaborate on the ramen – but there are more reasons to come: serious sushi that would pass inspection in Tokyo, and sashimi from fish that were swimming hours ago. Want to feel even more downtown Tokyo? Have your drink at the adjoining izakaya, and don’t miss the luxurious Japanese toilet.
57 Nachalat Binyamin St, Tel Aviv

Men-Ten-Ten (Photo: Instagram/men_tententlv)

15. Nini Hachi

This long-standing kosher Japanese spot on Ben Yehuda does not compromise on color or joy. For pregnant women avoiding raw fish, there’s a separate prep bar for veggie and cooked rolls. Heading south? Look for sister restaurant Nini Kai in Eilat – a little flower in the desert.
228 Ben Yehuda St, Tel Aviv

Nini Hachi (Photo: Instagram/ninihachi)

16. Selas

Chef Or Ginsberg’s place isn’t fully Japanese, but it earns its spot here for one reason: the fish. A former fisherman and Game of Chefs star, Ginsberg constantly sources the best fresh catch. Expect sushi that’s creative, colorful, beautiful – and as fresh as it gets.
6 Rabbi Tanchum St, Jaffa

Selas (Photo: Instagram/selas.rest)

17. Fu Sushi

The Kisu Group’s Asian fusion style shines in Fu Sushi – a bar-restaurant for those who want their sushi colorful and wild. And yes, there’s room for that too in a free country, even if it’s a bit over the top.
302 Dizengoff St, Tel Aviv

Fu Sushi (Photo: Instagram/fusushitlv)

18. San Yang

No, not the scooter brand – but another playful fusion spot from the Fu Sushi team, located inside the INK boutique hotel. Designed space, sexy vibe, and vibrant sushi combinations that excite both eyes and appetite.
14 Brenner St, Tel Aviv

Morning at San Yang (Photo: Apic Gabay)

19. Green Roll Sushi

Every vegan we know keeps Green Roll in their favorites for sudden munchies. Combinations, sushi sandwiches, nigiri and more – all plant-based and pregnancy-friendly too, for unlimited roll indulging without worry.
40 Montefiore St, Tel Aviv

Green Roll (Photo: Yoav Ben Dov)

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