Kyoto Sushi Restaurant in Herzliya Closes After 27 Years as Culinary Pioneer

Kyoto, one of Israel's pioneering sushi and Japanese cuisine restaurants located in the Herzliya Pituah industrial area, is closing after 27 years of continuous operation. The restaurant's management has officially informed staff of the decision to cease operations by the end of August, with the likely closing date set for August 27, 2026.

Founded in the late 1990s, Kyoto quickly became a culinary and social landmark in the Sharon and central Israel region. At a time when sushi rolls were considered exotic and rare in Israel, Kyoto was among the first to popularize the concept, blending modern Japanese cuisine with a luxurious lounge atmosphere and attentive service.

For two decades, the restaurant on Shenkar Street attracted a clientele of high-tech professionals, businesspeople, diplomats, and local food enthusiasts. Its menu featured classic sushi alongside Japanese-Asian fusion dishes, offering a comprehensive dining experience that combined quality alcohol with precise Asian flavors.

Kyoto's closure reflects the ongoing challenges facing Israel's restaurant industry in recent years and marks the end of an era for one of the country's most influential and longstanding culinary institutions that shaped Israeli dining habits around sushi and Asian cuisine.