Those who had the chance to experience DININGS on The Norman Hotel rooftop know—it was a culinary experience that left a mark. A moment of sand in the heart of the city, where chef Masaki Sugisaki managed to create something that stays with you long after the meal. Although it operated for only about two years before closing during the pandemic, those who tasted the food remember it well. Now, DININGS comes back to life. In the same familiar rooftop space, with the same international chef behind the menu, but this time with a new approach—more accessible, relaxed, and Tel Avivian.
The boutique hotel The Norman Tel Aviv brings DININGS back to the city—the Japanese experience that managed to leave a strong impression despite operating for only two years before closing. The local counterpart of chef Masaki Sugisaki’s London luxury restaurant now returns to the hotel under the name DININGS - Japanese Rooftop Bar, in the familiar space but with a new approach and an updated menu, combining meticulous Japanese cuisine with a contemporary bar atmosphere.
The reopening marks another chapter in DININGS’ legacy—a place elegant and intimate, yet more inviting and open, maintaining Japanese authenticity and culinary precision alongside a relaxed local spirit. The new menu is more accessible, with friendly prices allowing guests to enjoy the experience at any time—from a casual meal to an evening drink with friends. The updated space includes an indoor area with a seating bar and tables, as well as a wide terrace overlooking the city’s urban landscape.
Cooking from the Heart
The kitchen is led by chefs Daniel Tzur and Omer Shadmi, working closely with chef Masaki Sugisaki, creating the culinary language of DININGS. Those who have met Sugisaki know—there is something special in the way he approaches food. It’s clear it comes from the heart, that each dish is not just technique but also emotion. Together, the three combine classic Japanese techniques with a contemporary local interpretation, paying attention to precision, aesthetics, and connection to the Israeli audience.
Leading the culinary team is Su Oh, Sugisaki’s disciple, who oversees the sushi bar and is behind the nigiri and rolls served to guests. The collaboration between Sugisaki, Tzur, and Shadmi is based on mutual respect and a shared culinary language—loyalty to Japanese recipes and techniques while precisely adapting to local taste and the Tel Aviv lifestyle.
What’s on the Menu? (And Why It’s Exciting)
The new menu focuses on dishes inspired by Osaka’s food scene—sushi and nigiri, fried skewers, crispy rolls, Japanese tapas, and rich sauces. Signature dishes include Crispy Rice, Salmon Tartare with Jalapeño Vinaigrette, Chicken and Cucumber Salad with Gomadara, Crispy Yellowtail Roll, and Nigiri Sushi Rolls.
But if there’s one thing you must order, it’s the Bao Burger. This isn’t a regular burger—it’s a special Japanese bao, soft and completely different from anything you know. One bite, and you understand why some people dream about this dish years later. It’s one of those things that simply engrave the flavor in your memory.
Going forward, the restaurant plans to incorporate seasonal ingredients and local produce into the menu as part of the aim to innovate and stay relevant. This is part of the new approach—not just a luxury restaurant for special occasions, but a place that can be part of everyday Tel Aviv life.
“We wanted to bring back the experience, but in a more accessible way”
Yaron Liberman, CEO of The Norman Tel Aviv, explains the new approach: “The new DININGS gives us another way to share The Norman experience with the local audience—a combination of meticulous cuisine, stunning design, and an open, accessible atmosphere. Alongside Alena, which expresses the elegant and refined side of our hospitality, DININGS adds a contemporary layer—Japanese and more accessible Tel Avivian—while maintaining the standards and precision that define The Norman.”
The official opening took place on October 20, 2025, at a festive launch event attended by chef Masaki Sugisaki, who flew in from London especially for the occasion. The restaurant is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, from 18:00 to 23:30.
About The Norman Hotel
The Norman Tel Aviv, which opened in 2014 after a meticulous renovation of two historic buildings in the heart of the “White City,” has become synonymous with luxury five-star hospitality. The hotel, awarded “Israel’s Best Boutique Hotel” by the World Travel Awards, combines historic architecture with contemporary interior design, fine dining, a collection of contemporary Israeli art, and personalized international-standard service.
The hotel features 50 rooms and suites, the restaurant Alena, DININGS - Japanese Rooftop Bar, and The Library Bar cocktail lounge—all open to the public.