New Omakase Restaurant Crudo Lab Opens in Herzliya Pituach
Crudo Lab, a new omakase restaurant in Herzliya Pituach, sparked discussion after requiring full pre-payment for its 490-shekel tasting menu, adopting the global ticketing model.
A new and unconventional restaurant, Crudo Lab, opened last Wednesday in Herzliya Pituach. Located near the Calata 15 restaurant, it was founded by the couple Rachel and Andrea Maggi, who own Italian restaurants worldwide.
A Unique Culinary Concept
According to a report by Mako, Crudo Lab offers a concept that combines Japanese techniques for working with raw fish with Italian elegance and design. At the center of the menu is an omakase experience—a Japanese tasting meal consisting of 15 courses based on raw fish, oysters, and Beluga caviar. The meal lasts about two hours and is priced at 490 shekels per diner, excluding drinks or alcohol.
The meal opens with seven crudo and antipasti courses, including oysters, tuna with caviar, sashimi, shrimp tartare, beef tartare, and more. Following this, three nigiri or sushi courses are served, followed by four hot dishes: Angus tataki with truffles, shrimp tempura, black cod, and a slider. The meal concludes with a single dessert.
The Pre-Payment Controversy
According to Mako, after the concept and price details were presented and a menu was even sent to set expectations, a surprising message was received the next day from Tabit. The message stated that to complete the reservation, diners are required to pay the full amount in advance—490 shekels per diner, covering the entire cost of the meal.
Full pre-payment is not a new model in the restaurant world. Many restaurants around the globe require customers to pay in advance, or almost in advance, for the meal. This method is known as the ticketing system and is mainly common in luxury restaurants, Michelin-starred establishments, and places offering fixed tasting menus.
The model is similar to buying a ticket for a concert, a football match, or a flight—the customer books a date and time and pays at that stage for the menu.
One of the main reasons for this is the phenomenon of no-shows, which can cause severe financial damage to restaurants. Pre-payment ensures that the booked spot does not remain empty, protecting the business from sudden cancellations.
The Benefits of Ticketing Systems
An additional advantage for the restaurant is that at the end of the meal, customers do not need to wait for the bill. They can simply get up and leave, except for any additional payments for alcohol or soft drinks ordered during the meal.
