Port Said, Tel Aviv

Located across the street from the Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv, Port Said is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. This restaurant is a brainchild of the iconic Israeli chef Eyal Shani of Tzfon Abraxas, HaSalon, and Miznon.

Most of the dining tables at Port Said are set up outdoors, and the interior of the restaurant is comprised of vinyl records stacked on floor to ceiling shelves, a bar with a small counter and the kitchen. This is one of those restaurants with a very cool, young people vibe that not everyone would find appealing. The wait for a table can be very long, the staff can be somewhat brusque, and the cigarette smoke might be bothersome. The food, however, is spectacular.

The menu at Port Said is very similar to Tzfon Abraxas and, just like there; it changes daily according to the season.

I was glad to see that they had this creme fraiche, tomato pulp and olive oil dip, which came with a couple of slices of challah.

We ordered the terrific eggplant with tahini, tomato seeds and hot pepper.

I have to say that Shani is an absolute genius when it comes to vegetables; his cauliflower, green beans, beets and sweet potatoes are among the most memorable dishes I have had in Israel.

My son could not pass on this butcher's cut with root vegetables.

I was thrilled that my favorite Jericho beans with garlic, lemon and olive oil, as well as the delicious sweet potatoes were on the menu.

And then came the beet carpaccio with horseradish and crème fraiche, a dish so delicate, flavorful, and mouthwateringly delicious, I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The chocolate mousse with whipped cream was the perfect way to end the evening.

The restaurant was packed by the time we left.

Port Said
5 Har Sinai
Open every day 12pm till the last customers leaves
Closed Friday night.

Joanna

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