YU Asian Tapas and Bar Reopens With A Refreshed Interior And Updated Menu

YU Asian Tapas and Bar, the contemporary Japanese-inspired dining destination on the ground floor of The Onyx Hotel, has officially reopened following a soft refurbishment that began on 30 November 2025. Known for bringing a modern take on Asian dining to Cape Town’s Foreshore, YU is entering a new chapter with an elevated interior and an updated menu that further refines its signature approach to Izakaya-style cuisine.

A Refreshed Look Inspired by Authentic Japanese Design

The redesign was led by interior designer Candice Judd from Judd Design Studio, who approached the project with the intention of uplifting the restaurant without losing the moody, urban-Japanese atmosphere that has always defined it. Judd explains that she and restauranteur Rory Jossel, owner of Yu asian tapas and bar — among other spots — had discussed collaborating for years but waited until the timing felt right to reimagine the space following its successful seven-year run. “We wanted to refine YU so that the interiors truly matched the calibre of the brand, the food, the experience, and the wine list,” she says.

“After seven years on the Foreshore, it felt like the right time to refresh YU and enhance the overall dining experience,” says Jossel. “Our updated look, together with new menu additions, reflects our commitment to staying connected to both the local and international food scene, while remaining true to the consistency our guests know us for. This next chapter gives YU the comfort, confidence and foundation to continue evolving.”

The refreshed look maintains YU’s characteristic dark palette but introduces new layers of warmth and texture. Judd incorporated additional wall lights and authentic silk pendant lights to deepen the ambience, while custom joinery and rattan panels soften the space and subtly balance the ceilings. Inspired by Japanese shoji screens, she introduced carefully placed dividers to create privacy and separate the kitchen from the dining area.

Because the restaurant is naturally spacious, the design process also focused on giving the room more definition. Judd reimagined the layout by creating distinct zones that suit different dining moods; including a lounge area near the bar, a central bar space, the existing dining area, and new seating at the sushi counter. Each zone has its own lighting circuit, allowing the team to adjust the mood throughout the evening so the space feels dynamic and considered.

The updated palette draws on mid-century influences with rich woods, earthy greens, rust tones and warm neutrals. Judd notes that these tones were selected to complement the dishes themselves, allowing the food to stand out naturally against the backdrop of the space. Among her favourite design details are the dual banquettes framed by dividing shelving, which create striking symmetry, and the reimagined back-of-bar, which she describes as “a beautiful work of art”.

A New Menu to Match the New Mood

Coinciding with the refreshed interior, YU is introducing an updated menu from 1 January 2026 with several new additions. While the restaurant remains rooted in contemporary Japanese dining, the updated offering will continue to push the boundaries of Izakaya-style cuisine with a selection designed for sharing, including signature dim sum, sushi and Asian tapas that encourage a shared, social experience.

A Foreshore Favourite, Reimagined

Situated on the ground floor of The Onyx Hotel by Newmark — an upscale apartment-style hotel in the heart of the Foreshore — YU continues to be a standout dining destination for both locals and international travellers. The redesign brought Judd and Jossel’s original vision to life with striking accuracy. “Everything turned out exactly as planned, and the space now truly reflects the calibre of the culinary experience,” she says.

Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adds: “With the reopening of YU, our guests now have an even richer dining experience right downstairs. As The Onyx attracts a growing mix of business and leisure travellers, the refreshed design and updated menu at YU create a seamless connection between the hotel’s contemporary aesthetic and its dining culture. The new YU strengthens The Onyx’s position as a hub for exceptional food and modern hospitality in the Foreshore.”

The newly refreshed YU Asian tapas and bar is now open for reservations.