The former Nihon Whisky Lounge that closed during the pandemic will reopen as Yabani, which means ‘Japan’ in Arabic. Under the same owners (Khaled Dajani of Bar 821 and Tsunami sushi) with consultant Mohammed Zegha (both born in the Middle East), the venue has changed in decor with Jordanian movie poster collages around the space, and in cocktail design.
The 6 highballs on tap are available with your choice of 7 base spirits or 3 nonalcoholic ones, making for 60 potential combinations. These and a set of 6 more batched noncarbonated drinks include Japanese and Arab spices and spirits: arak, mastika, matcha, labneh, sake, shochu, dates, yuzu, and more.
But interestingly, none of the ingredients are fresh – they make infusions, syrups, and citrous ingredients from dried herbs, spices, hydrosols, and mineral powders.
I visited the site as they were still finalizing recipes, photo gallery below.
Yabani opens this Nov 6, 2026. Follow their instagram here.
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