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Claro, Tel Aviv


Claro, a very pretty restaurant in the Sarona complex, is located in an original Templar building erected in 1886.  This building, over the span of its existence, was used as the Official State Printing office and the headquarters of the British command during WWII.  Even the Mossad and the Defense Ministry used this space in the 60's.  On the eve of the Declaration of Independence, Hebrew mailing stamps were printed here.

Today, Claro, calls this grand building home.  This open kitchen restaurant has large wooden beams, lots of exposed brick, wrought iron fixtures, and a nice variety of flowers and plants.

To be honest, I am a bit torn about my feelings when it comes to this restaurant.  I loved the decor and the atmosphere of the place.  I loved the food, which was both delicious and creative.  However, the service was abysmal.  I don't know if they were overwhelmed,  understaffed, or simply had an off day, but this was the worst service we experienced while in Israel.  Everything seemed to have fallen apart after our appetizers were served.  We had to ask four times for water, we had to wait well over 45 minutes for our main entrees to arrive, and when they did, my son's chicken was barely warm, we had to ask three times for the check.  We felt completely ignored. The waiter, who brought the bill and took the payment, did so without saying a single word.  There was no "thank you", ""toda", not even an eye contact, nothing.  We paid, got up, and left in silence.

Having said that, I would probably give them one more chance since the food was excellent and the setting very special.







This whole wheat bread with labneh, matbucha (dish of cooked tomatoes, peppers, garlic and chili), and olives, was really delightful.


A huge wooden board with marinated herring, chopped liver, pickled veggies and challah.


This roasted broccoli with mustard vinaigrette, bacon butter and parmesan was outstanding.



Oven roasted half chicken with farm vegetables, citrus sauce, salsa verde.


Smoked trout from the Dan River with potato salad, horseradish sauce and green beans.


Claro burger on a brioche bun with homemade bbq sauce, picked vegetables and home fries.


Annoyed with the service, we gave up on dessert.  Maybe next time.


Claro
HaArba'a Street 23

Joanna


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