Azia 19: Jerusalem’s Best Asian Restaurant is Hidden in Plain Sight

Since opening, Azia 19 has drawn attention for its ambitious blend of Japanese and broader Asian influences, presented within a stylish setting on Aza Street in the heart of Rehavia, Jerusalem’s hottest neighborhood. 

Azia 19 offers a kosher Japanese experience that aims to bring authentic flavors to a city where high-end sushi and Asian dining options have traditionally been limited. Its concise menu offers just the right amount of variety without overwhelming and every dish we had stunned us with the fresh flavors and balance of textures. All set to a dimly lit backdrop with sake bottles and paper machete fish hanging from the ceiling. 

Azia 19’s menu reflects the clean eating and simple ingredient-forward approach of great Japanese cuisine. Most dishes include only a few ingredients but the quality of the fish and creativity of the creations is what stands out most. Starters like their Nori Tartare is an example of their unique blend of textures and flavors, a piece of nori seaweed is coated in crispy tempura batter and topped with silky smooth salmon tartare and yuzu aioli.

Their Toro handroll provides another prime cut of Tuna Belly placed in between a crisp seaweed wrapper with a dab of wasabi for taste on top. So simple, yet so very effective. Another incredible roll is the Yuzu Futomaki, filled with crispy cod and tamago (Japanese omelette) garnished with 4 forms of Yuzu and a slice of Hamachi for a refreshing and tangy bite. 

Even their “Caesar Salad” is slathered in a sesame peanut butter sauce giving it a strong Asian twist. 

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Of course Azia offers sashimi plates, Izakaya skewers, ramen and gyoza. Each with layers of complex flavors using some of the highest quality ingredients available. But the dish that truly wowed me the most was also the most simple. “Yakizakana,” a flayed whole seabass grilled over an open charcoal grill. The skin is smoky and crispy and the flesh is soft and juicy making for an unforgettable dish, that I will assuredly be coming back for. 

For those with a sweet tooth Azia offers several sweet offerings, I enjoyed the Yuzu tart with Yuzu Ice Cream and a Berry and White Chocolate Tuile, a stunning dessert with a citrusy Asian twist. 

Azia 19 offers a 20% off happy hour for their lunch menu as well as a 10 shekel hand roll menu on select days which provides a way to enjoy some of Azia 19’s fresh fish and ambience for a fraction of the price. 

Overall the cooking is fresh, artistic and packed with flavor, the ambience is top-notch and the service is attentive and caring. This is surely a perfect spot for a special night out or date night.