Israeli Restaurant Picks

Chef Michael Solomonov names the Israeli restaurants that inspired the food at his new Philadelphia restaurant, Zahav.

Abulafia Bakery

Located just south of the Jaffa clock tower, this legendary bakery offers several dozen varieties of stuffed breads. 7 Yefet St., Jaffa.

Ali Karavan

Run by the Abou Hassan family since 1966, this tiny hole-in-the-wall hummus shop is widely regarded as the best in Israel. The doors close when the hummus runs out. 1 Dolphin St., Jaffa.

Busi

Spiced skewered meats from foie gras to lamb are the specialty of this old-school kebab house. 41 Etzel St., Hatikvah Quarter, Tel Aviv; 011-972-3-688-1034.

Doktor Shakshuka

Many versions of the popular Israeli egg dish shakshuka are served in pans on communal tables. 3 Beit Eshel, Jaffa; 011-972-3-518-6560.

Hummus Foul Said

The owner hand-grinds chickpeas in a mortar and pestle for each batch of the shop’s stellar hummus. Central market, Akko.

Maganda

Solomonov’s father has been ordering the chicken shish kebabs at this restaurant for 42 years. 26 Rabbi Meir St., Tel Aviv; 011-972-3-517-9990.

Published May 2008