Chef Roy Sofer Elevates Kosher Japanese Cuisine at Hilton Tel Aviv's Onami

Onami, one of Israel's pioneering Japanese restaurants established in 1999 in Tel Aviv, has expanded with a kosher branch at the Hilton Tel Aviv hotel, replacing the former Yakimono restaurant. The new kosher outlet, opened in January 2024, maintains the original's culinary DNA while introducing specially developed dishes emphasizing sushi, sashimi, hot plates, and an omakase menu. The kitchen is led by Chef Roy Sofer, a seasoned culinary professional with extensive experience in Japanese cuisine and international kitchens.

Chef Sofer, 54, from Petah Tikva, discovered his passion for Japanese cooking during multiple visits to Japan, where he immersed himself in local techniques and ingredients. After working in prominent Israeli and New York restaurants, he returned to Israel to lead acclaimed venues such as Pangea and Sardinia. His approach at Onami Hilton creatively adapts traditional Japanese dishes to kosher requirements, including developing a kosher alternative to dashi broth, and incorporates local Israeli produce and flavors.

Signature dishes include the Wasabi Combo featuring fresh wasabi from the Golan Heights paired with toro tartare and various wasabi plant parts, and a condensed omakase box offering nine exquisite bites inspired by Sofer’s recent Japan visit. The dessert menu highlights a Japanese chocolate confection called Nema, created in collaboration with Hilton’s pastry chef, combining smooth textures with miso crumble and Japanese whiskey caramel sauce.

The wine and alcohol selection, curated by Eyal Ziv and restaurant manager Liran Ben-Or, focuses mainly on Israeli wines and an extensive sake range, with detailed tasting notes. Sofer personally hosts guests at the bar, providing an immersive dining experience. The kosher Onami offers lunch and dinner service Sunday through Thursday, with reservations required. Prices range from 26 to 420 shekels per dish, with a typical meal for two costing around 700 shekels excluding drinks and tip.

Onami Hilton represents a significant step forward in kosher Japanese cuisine in Israel, blending authenticity, innovation, and local influences under Chef Sofer’s expert guidance.