Israeli chef Yuval Ben Neriah has introduced the new laidback Japanese bistro Ya-Pan in Tel Aviv. The 70-seat restaurant is anchored in cuisine and design by approaching the western bistro typology via a Japanese lens.
Baranowitz & Goldberg Architects and Pitsou Kedem Architects collaborated on the design of the restaurant, centered around a long central bar that serves as a dynamic social nucleus. The bar area is narrow with high ceilings and features a colorful lighting installation dressed with tin netting, which emits a vivid effect inspired by Japanese kite festivals when met with natural light from the street. The indoor-outdoor dining room is also clad with small circular mirrors that recall typical bistro mirrors to produce a visual quiet and a variety of viewpoints.
