At Chanan Margilan, one will find most classic Bukharian dishes, such as steamed dushpera dumplings, chebureki meat pies, and all of the other deliciously comforting, simple, yet wonderful dishes which originated from what was once the Bukharian Emirate in Central Asia. We must not forget that a Bukharian kitchen is never complete without the special main courses, such as palov, with carmelized onions and savory meat. If one’s heart is seeking a unique culinary experience, allow Chanan’s family to serve you a warm and traditional meal!
Restaurant Tag: Steakhouse
Turk Lachmajun
Turk Lachmajun not only has one of the best shawarmas in Israel, but also a full Turkish menu! Hunger enducing smells engulf visitors the moment they walk in, which has been the case since this restaurant was established. On the menu, one can find a thin and perfected lachmajun pita, a selection of stuffed vegetables, and kebabs to die for. This restaurant is always packed with hungry diners who know where to find satisfaction!
Itzik Hagadol
A boutique deli for pieces of Wagyu meat and quality local beef, and a selection of great Itzik salads to take home.
Yom Tov Deli
In 1947, Yomtov Levy had already opened a delicatessen in Turkey. When he arrived in Tel Aviv in the sixties, he envisioned his deli opening once again. Yom Tov Deli proudly serves homemade marzipan, jam, and almond cookies. On the savory side, cheeses, salads, and pickled fish quench patron’s appetites. Shopping at Yom Tov always turns out a tad pricier than expected though, as it is too easy to succumb to delicious treats which weren’t on your intended shopping list!
Sima
The mythical meat restaurant whose name has been around for over 40 years is in the heart of the Mahane Yehuda market.
Sima immigrated from Iraq in the early 1950s, and has always “had it” in everything to do with cooking, business, and the joy of life. In 1969, Sima initiated the establishment of the Jerusalem restaurant on Agrippa Street in the Mahane Yehuda market, which proudly bore her name – Sima.
In the beginning, the restaurant was based on home cooking and satisfied the hunger of the market workers. Over the years, the name of the restaurant went before it when the flagship dish was and is – the Jerusalem mix and the dinner crowd expanded beyond the residents of the capital.
Rafael Butchery
At Rafael’s Butchery, Moshe makes his father Rafael proud by managing his shop to this day. This butchery is the secret behind many renowned Jerusalem chefs. It has been open for more than 37 years, providing fresh and kosher meat to four generations of customers! They sell lamb, beef, veal, and more. Rafael claims the secret behind a quality steak is good rhythm, and he must be right as he is considered an expert in his field on a national scale!
Hazot (Midnight) Steakhouse
Legend has it that Jerusalem mix was invented in 1970 within the walls of a Hazot restaurant. It all started when the place’s founder, Avraham Agami, discovered that he did not have enough charcoal to roast the meat. So he decided to roast the pieces of meat on an iron plate heated on the gas. Everything else is history.
The name of the kosher restaurant was given to it thanks to another concept that was considered pioneering at the time – entertainment from midnight to the small hours. Since then, the place has become a Jerusalem institution, specializing in grilled meats, home-made dishes and of course the legendary Jerusalem mix that gets its flavors from a secret spice blend. The menu at Midnight Restaurant includes quality meats that are roasted at a temperature of 150 degrees. The salads are fresh and based on the seasonal offer that the Mahane Yehuda market has to offer.
The long-standing tradition of the Midnight Restaurant in Jerusalem is continued by the second generation of the Agami family, who skillfully handle meats and feed diners with no summer love.
Grill Plus
After a while spent strolling along Palmach Street where Rechavia meets Katamon, browsing the Islamic Art Museum, soaking up the authentic Jerusalem ambiance, you might work up quite an appetite.
And since Palmach Street is one of the places where Jerusalem’s Ashkenazi old guard used to gather and discuss the affairs of the day (some of them still do), why not satisfy that appetite with some Ashkenazi takeout food? No, not Chinese – Grill Plus, next to venerable Palmach cafe Duvshanit, which is ready for all your meat-related takeout needs with rows of hot, freshly-cooked meat dishes, many from the grill as the name might imply, encompassing both traditional European Jewish fare (lots of chicken) and selections from Jewish cuisines further south (more chicken).
Images by Eli Raz via Google
Morris
Before the trend of taverns took Tel-Aviv by storm, Morris was already a well-established hot spot, infused with a friendly, family-oriented vibe. Whether you arrive to embrace the Greek atmosphere, the exceptional food, or simply to meet the infamous Morris, one will leave with a feeling of satisfaction. Morris arrives every morning to supervise the cooking and ensure his delicacies are prepared from the heart. Here, one will find only the most authentic Oriental cuisine, including beer, arak, and classic Persian dishes from the charcoal grill. Many regulars rave about the skewered meats, entrecote steak, and particularly fresh salads. This restaurant offers something for everyone, be it a fulfilling meal or simply a beer, snack, and a happy tune to satisfy the soul.
Fortuna
The story of how chef Eyal Vaknin opened Fortuna is that of a fairy tale. After leaving the world of luxurious gourmet restaurants behind, he decided he wanted to open a classic, Israeli grill, which he did, deep in the heart of Jerusalem’s market. Fitting to the mood of the ethnic Israeli market and inspired by the local produce, Eyal serves homemade pita and laffa which is accompanied by generous mezze platters. Although the atmosphere remains casual, Eyal brings his gourmet background to Fortuna, which is evident in what is considered the Rolls Royce of grilled skewers and kebabs. This grill house is a definite go-to for traditional Israeli grill for locals and tourists alike.
