For fun dining, consider a feast built that starts with miso soup and goes on to sushi and sashimi. Personally, I consider beer or sake the best beverages with such a meal but if wine is what you want, try a local or imported Gewurtzraminer or a sparkling white such as the Blanc de Blanc of the Golan Heights Winery. Following is a list of what I consider the six best places in the country for such a meal. Unless otherwise noted, prices are reasonable to moderate.

Yakimono, on the corner of Rehov Yordai ha Sira and Rehov Hayarkon, Tel Aviv. My nominee for the very best sushi and sashimi in the country today. Open daily from 12:00 - 01:30.

Yakimono Rothschild (modern Japanese) 19 Rothschild. (03) 517-5171. Daily 12:30 - 24:00.
Beauty and luxury in an elegant home of Japanese cuisine that hints of the best of French cookery methods and ingredients. Inventive sushi, some with delicious and far from traditional sauces; excellent soups (including the ghawan mushi in which steamed eggs add a custard like consistency); delicious tepanyaki dishes. Expensive. ****

Kyoto, Rehov Montifiore 32, Tel Aviv. A good choice of sushi and sashimi, served attractively in a comfortable setting. Open Sunday - Thursday from 12:30 - 02:00 and on Fridays and Saturdays open from 13:00 - 02:00.

Onami Sushi Bar, Rehov Ha'arba'a 18, Tel Aviv. Tel. 03 5621172. Excellent and often creative and original sushi and sashimi in a charming and very "in" setting. Definitely worth trying!!!! Open daily 19:00 - 02:00 or later.

Sushi Bar, The Hilton Hotels, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem: The Tel Aviv sushi bar is located on the very attractive, newly decorated lobby and that in Jerusalem on the terrace floor, with a lovely view of the Old City. The sushi here is prepared by the sushi chefs of Yakimono (see above). Open daily 18:00 - 23:00. Somewhat dear but worthwhile. Kosher.

Sakura: Rehov Jaffa 31 (in the Finegold Court), Jerusalem. There is nothing at all fancy about this little place but the sushi and sashimi, like nearly all of the other dishes served here, are genuinely
Japanese and genuinely delicious. Open Saturday - Thursday 12:00 - 17:00 and 18:30 - 24:00. Friday evenings only. Closed Sunday.

Sushi Bar, Rehov Ashtori haParchi, Tel Aviv: Without pretensions, but with good sushi and sashimi, this "in" place offers reasonable prices whether one sits at the bar or at one of the small tables set on the sidewalk. Open Sunday - Thursday 12:00 - 24:00 and on Fridays and Saturday from 17:00 - after midnight.

© Daniel Rogov