International Chef Eyal Shani’s Favourite Food in Tel Aviv

Eyal Shani has opened multiple ventures across town, where everything from seasonal vegetables to the humble pita is elevated to culinary rockstar status.

Each of Eyal Shani’s restaurants has a different menu, vibe and atmosphere. Miznon is the restaurant that made Shani’s name. It’s casual and chic and pays tribute to the simple Israeli pita, stuffed with endless creative combinations of meats and vegetables.

North Abraxass is an upscale eatery where reservations are a must. Here, Shani’s whole-roasted and slightly charred cauliflower served on a sheet of baking paper (he often eschews plates, serving his beautiful meals on bits of cardboard or straight onto the table) is known throughout the city as the dish to try. ‘Lamb melting into a soft bun’ is another favourite when available. Though the restaurant is all about fine dining (albeit with simple ingredients), there’s a subtle club vibe as waiters pour shots for guests mid-meal to the sound of pumping music. Indeed, many of Shani’s restaurants tread a fine line between restaurant and club – in food-obsessed Tel Aviv, a club offering a full chef’s menu comes as little surprise.

Romano is an ultra-hip restaurant, bar and lounge located in south Tel Aviv, between the Levinsky Market and Jaffa. With great music playing overhead, its ever-changing menu is based on local, seasonal vegetables and seafood.

At Port Said, Shani’s iconic and perennially cool Tel Aviv nightspot near the Great Synagogue, a young and hip crowd explores his take on Israeli classics while listening to an incredible vinyl collection.

Malka is ahead of the curve of a burgeoning trend of kosher chef restaurants in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, HaSalon (open on Wednesdays and Thursdays only) is one of the best places to experience dishes created with local produce.

Shani keeps himself busy running his Israeli eateries, as well as his ever-growing portfolio of restaurants in Paris, Vienna, New York and Melbourne. On the rare occasion that he’s off-duty, however, and like any other great chef, Shani has his own list of favourite places to eat in his hometown.