Zozobra — Restaurant in Herzliya

A very good restaurant, original spicing methods that are a bit better than most Israeli restaurants of that class. Instead of bombarding everything with blends that eventually tastes generic, every cuisine gets a thoughtful theme and direction. Esoteric rather than general. Prices are average and not that of a luxury restaurant. Great candid service ethics, it seems like the staff is happy to work there, good attitude for a chic restaurant in North district TelAviv suburbs in Israel, No one is pretentious for the sake of style and any dissatisfaction would be dealt with a smile and fast replacement. People talk quietly and the background music is faint and that's a huge advantage! The only reason this restaurant gets 4 out of 5 is the stiff traditional style collective or stylish ancient asian working class benches you have to sit on. It adds visualization and atmosphere but no cautioning and quite a challenge for skinny people or people with back pains or anyone who can't sit very long without a back rest. You do get a chair to place at the edge of the built - in traditional working class benches, if you ask for one, but then it means only one person gets a chair, and they're a slight taller and a tad distant fron their fellows. If you do like the contemporary Israeli interpretation for Asian food, then The food and the calm quiet air do worth the sitting challenge...

The place was full and had a waiting list. As I was alone, I got a seat right away without any problems. There were quite a few waiters taking care of the customers under the guidance of their supervisor who was observing the place like an eagle but not in an overbearing or demonstrative way. I was just lucky to get a spot at the front of the restaurant and as I had no dinner partner to converse with, I did watch the proceedings. To me it looked like a well oiled machine. Everyone was very attentive, super friendly (not that type that feels fake but the pleasant one) and even though it is clear that they want a high throughput, I never felt pressured to leave. The menu was explained to me (perfect English of course) and I did not have to wait long for either the order to be taken nor the food to be brought. I had the vegan pho and it was very tasty and had a good selection of mushrooms included. I let the supervisor know that she can be proud of her team. Not all Patrons were in a chill mood but they sailed through that like a knife through butter. Gosh, a long review but that needed to be said. Cliff notes: great staff, great food, very reasonable price. Can only...

I much prefer the Herzliya location to the TLV one. We had the Burma curry and the first option on the noodles of wide rice noodles with the pulled beef.

My goodness, the portions were gigantic! The food was super yummy, the beef was amazing just pulled apart, and the noodles were yum, really enjoyed the greenery in it as it made it more fresh and zingy in the palate.

The curry was HUGE. The sauce was super moreish, the bamboo shoots added some lovely texture, loved the Thai basil, the chicken was really moist and tender and the rice was nicely cooked. I lit had to unzip my pants at the table, we were absolutely stuffed.

I didn't catch our waiters name, a young guy with a hostage's dog tag around his neck. He was EXCELLENT! Really beyond attentive and sweet.

I've tried all the showy offy Asian places in TLV and they are small portions and not that authentic even though they claim to be. This may be more fusion or influenced than authentic, but it's yummy, and you don't...