Each year, we run two roundups highlighting noteworthy restaurants that opened during the Hebrew and secular calendar years – just ending. With the war over, renewed energy has been infused into the culinary scene, and there is a bumper crop of establishments to be reviewed. So for the first time, we offer a foretaste of the full article that will follow in early 2026.
The following restaurants are just a few examples of the kinds and range of restaurants that will be featured in our expanded list this coming winter. Here, for example, we find Italian, Asian and contemporary Israeli cuisine side by side – including one that is certified kosher. All the restaurants have bilingual menus, and (as usual) they are not ranked, but rather listed in alphabetical order. Finally, be sure to read to the end, where we reveal a surprise bonus.
Ambiance: Capri, one of only two fine dining restaurants in BIG’s new upscale fashion mall in suburban Tel Aviv, is the newest in the Pomo family of outstanding Italian restaurants in central Israel. This large, elegant restaurant extends over several indoor seating areas, including at the large handsome bar. The seating is comfortable, and the service is friendly and attentive. A D.J. plays a mellow soundtrack at a comfortable decibel level.
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Zucchini blossoms at Capri
(Photo: Buzzy Gordon)
Drinks: The full bar serves eight specialty cocktails, along with classics. There is a nice international wine list, with reasonable availability by the glass. Both imported and domestic beers are on tap, while Israeli craft beers are on offer in bottles.
Menu: The lengthy menu comprises six sections: Aperitivo (Starters), Primi (first courses), Crudo (raw fish), Pasta, Principale (main courses) and Pizza. There are ample vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free options, the latter including also most of the pasta dishes, but not the pizzas. There are daily specials worth asking about if the waiter does not mention them. Pork is not on the menu, but seafood definitely is. The separate dessert menu is loaded with very tempting options.
Recommended: Zucchini blossoms; Ashed brie salad; Mediterranean tuna; Artichoke alio e olio; Grilled calamari (when available); Pecan bread pudding
Capri. BIG Fashion Mall, Glilot; Route 2, Ramat Hasharon; Tel. (03) 698-9815.
Ambiance: The new Ramesses by the box was born as a result of the merger between the veteran Jaffa establishment Ramesses and “by the box,” the former Jerusalem restaurant of Chef On Mishan. The sprawling premises in the flea market area (right off the clock tower square) takes up an entire pedestrian alley lined with shrubbery; most seating is al fresco, although there are some seats indoors at counter of the open kitchen. There is a separate room for private events, and an even a hall for larger events. The white tablecloths lend a touch of elegance, in slight contrast to the hard wooden chairs. The interestingly eclectic soundtrack features music from classic rock to contemporary Arabic. (Note: Ramesses by the box is a sister restaurant of The 85/15, reviewed previously on these pages here.)
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Ramesses by the box
(Photo: Buzzy Gordon)
Drinks: There is a full page of specialty cocktails, as well as a section itemizing unusually creative spritzers. There is an adequate international wine list, although very few vintages are available by the glass. Only one brand of beer is served: Estrella in bottles.
Menu: As noted, the food menu is by talented chef On Mishan, formerly of Meshuga in Manhattan’s SoHo. The one-page printed menu contains no section headings: what is itemized starts with the house breads and progresses to salads, first courses and then mains, with all dishes suitable for sharing. There are very limited vegetarian/vegan options, with adequate gluten-free choices. Pork is not served, but seafood is prominent. The four truly distinctive desserts are prepared by a dedicated pastry chef.
Recommended: Papushka rolls; fennel salad; yellowtail sashimi, mussels in marinara sauce; boneless chicken wings; strawberry pop tart.
Ramesses by the box. Not kosher. 7 HaGimnasia Ha-Ivrit St., Jaffa. Tel. (03) 616-3885.
Ambiance: Sumo, which has long been strategically located in the heart of Holon’s Mediatheque complex, is in this roundup by virtue of its having become kosher this year. The sprawling premises consists of two seatings sections indoors, with the dim atmosphere of a bar (where there is also counter seating), plus outdoor tables on a wide sidewalk along the city’s main drag. A DJ plays deafening music to a full house on Thursday nights (after 21.00), rendering dinner conversation close to impossible. The service can get spotty when the restaurant gets crowded.
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Tuna tartare in a rice paper shell. Sumo Sushi and Asian Kitchen
(Photo: Buzzy Gordon)
Drinks: The full bar serves six specialty cocktails, along with classics and mocktails. There is an adequate wine list of predominantly Israeli vintages, although only three are available by the glass. Three imported beers are on tap, including the Japanese Kirin.
Menu: The extensive dinner menu comprises no fewer than 16 sections. Appetizers, Starters, Soup, Buns, Salads, Wok, Main courses, Steaks, Sumo specials (sushi rolls), Combinations, Inside-out fish, Inside-out vegetarian, Futomaki, Nori maki, Cones, Nigiri and Sashimi. There are ample vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free options, but only three desserts – two Asian and one western.
Recommended: Tuna tartare in a rice paper shell, salmon garden; sea bass bun; hashi noodles and mushrooms (salad); red curry (stir fried noodles).
Sumo Sushi and Asian Kitchen. Kosher. 6 Golda Meir St., Holon. Tel. (077) 806-6300
Vitrina, whose award-winning burgers are among the most popular in Tel Aviv, has always had a fried chicken sandwich option as well, but recently it introduced a new one that is a must-try: the Caesar crispy chicken sandwich.
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Caesar crispy chicken sandwich. Vitrina
(Photo: Buzzy Gordon)
When paired with Vitrina’s signature side of mixed potato/sweet potato fries sprinkled with parmesan, and washed down with one of the homemade exotically flavored lemonades, you have a full and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Vitrina. Not kosher. 36 Ibn Gvirol St., Tel Aviv. Tel. (03) 696-0304. (There is also a branch on Lilienblum Street)
Dining and Cooking