George and John restaurant, a restaurant that is actually a treat for the curious. Beyond the famous flagship dishes, you don't really know what to expect next time The menu is updated (to the extent that the menu is reprinted every day) Personally, I can fall in love with the concept, you can experience something different every time, how wonderful!
The restaurant is inside the luxurious Drisco hotel Tel Aviv, has a great bar, great vibe. The hostess was pleasant and sent the sommelier to offer me a glass of wine while I smoked on the cool patio outside For me, it's already a good start... I felt like taking a selfie with her...
The atmosphere in the place was indeed amazing, just as expected from a chef's restaurant of this level.
A little after we sat down, we received the daily menu (yes, daily) with an explanation that it's really like a whole show combined with all this atmosphere
I have to admit that before we arrived, we were a little skeptical about it, but we asked, and the menu really does change and is reprinted every day!
We were a little surprised that they didn't have our favorite Gewurztraminer, but the sommelier surprised us and managed to introduce us to a white wine from 2020 that they happened to bring that day (did I say hello already?) While looking at the menu, you have to remember that the staff understands and knows the menu and of course the new dishes and can stimulate you and help you choose the dishes because even in half an hour we didn't understand what we wanted because we wanted...
In the end, according to the recommendations of the waitress who actually took down a picture from the wall to show us the original George and John and tell us about both the menu and the place
I had a fun date!
We ordered grilled and smoked kohlrabi, baby calamari on the plancha, grilled lamb chops, beef tartare with brown butter aioli and locust fish in a sour asparagus sauce.
We wanted to taste the famous pasta with the crabs and the shrimp dish but we arrived late and this is probably the punishment for that - the dish ran out.. We need to return again and this time arrive early and not half an hour before the kitchen closes as happened to us... The lamb chops were amazing in taste, I wat a little upset about the size of the chops because we shared them together, but one person is definitely enough
The tartare is delicious and beautifully served and fun to photograph, the locus fish with a nice piece of cheese on top, was surprising with the flavors and the way the taste combined with the sauce - it was amazing!
We looked around at the luxurious and sophisticated design of the restaurant, but at the same time the atmosphere is warm and not arrogant
For example, the tables are placed at a distance from each other that allows pleasant conversation and maximum privacy, great for those who don't like having their noses pushed into matters (hey)
On the walls are pictures related to the place and the personal past of George and John, which drove the staff a little crazy but they were happy to answer all the questions and also about the history of the Drisco hotel itself.
It's unpleasant to admit, they took down rations for us to take a closer look and presented them along with the story, it's not clear if it was impudence on our part but the experience we got was phenomenal.
In conclusion: The dishes were incredibly delicious, the flavors varied and rich
The service, throughout the meal, was at a level you don't see much in Israel, there were also interesting and beautiful tourists
The alcohol: we introduced a new wine to love but forgot to order a special drink, when we return (which is quite soon) I will share with you the bar experience The place: in one word: boom. We had a pleasant, tasty and above all...
Read moreA sad example of what happens when a great culinary vision is failed by poor service.
The server first assigned to us gave us the menus and disappeared for 20 minutes. We then asked for help from another server, who said she didn’t know the menu well enough and called for yet another server - our third one - who seemed very disinterested in explaining the menu or making recommendations. We also don’t eat beef for religious reasons - which was present in all the meat dishes despite not being mentioned on the menu - and when we flagged this he asked “not even a little bit?”. Strange that in a country so accustomed to special dietary requirements we would be treated with such disrespect; can’t imagine he’d ask a diner who doesn’t eat pork this question. We asked him to check if this could be accommodated and he disappeared without a trace. We then turned to the manager to express our disappointment, and he tried to help with some of the dishes but was not particularly nice either; the overall attitude of everyone (except for the sommelier) was that they’re doing us a favor by serving us at all. Upon leaving the restaurant, though three staff members were standing at the hostess’s station (including the manager), not a single one said goodbye or thank you for coming.
This is all tragic because aside from one average dish (apricots with goat cheese and vine leaves - nice concept but overly acidic), the food was delicious. Special mentions go to the sashimi with avocado and local caviar, the fish cigar, and the pistachio dessert with strawberry ice cream (which we were given on the house); the cocktails were also lovely.
In short, we came here after hearing lots of positive reviews and had to see what all the hype was about. With its prestigious location, reputation for excellence, and the price tag (no less than 300 ILS per person for a filling meal), we had high expectations for a fabulous night. We are extremely disappointed that this did not come to pass.
We later heard that the service is much better on the bar, so I’d recommend it for anyone still wanting to try this place out. But with the wealth of incredible restaurants in Tel Aviv that offer delicious food at equally lux settings (and often with less exorbitant prices), I’d hesitate before recommending George and John at all.
I hope they place a greater emphasis on friendly, attentive staff, and creating an overall experience that honors the food...
Read moreNestled in the heart of Tel Aviv-Yafo, George & John is a culinary haven that transcends ordinary dining. This restaurant combines a contemporary menu with a rich historical ambiance, resulting in a truly enchanting experience.
From the moment you step inside, you'll be immersed in an atmosphere that seamlessly merges the past with the vibrant Tel Avivian scene.
Start your culinary journey with the "STARTERS FOR COUPLE," a symphony of flavors that includes Parmesan Tartlet, White Corn Cream, Crispy Peruvian Corn, and a delightful Puff Pastry "Shrimp Patisserie" with Smoked Crème Fraiche and Caviar. Each bite is a revelation, showcasing the chef's dedication to artistry.
The "GEORGE & JOHN SALAD" is a refreshing interlude, combining mixed greens, fruits, and seeds with a zesty Lime, Honey, and Black Pepper Vinaigrette. It's a testament to the restaurant's commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients.
For those seeking unique and bold flavors, the "THINLY SLICED PLUMS" with Plum Vinaigrette, Shachat Cheese, Caramelized Macadamia Nuts, and Baby Cucumber or the "CHINESE EGGPLANT" marinated in Burnt Eggplant Glaze are exquisite options.
The seafood offerings are equally enticing, with dishes like "SEA FISH TARTARE," "TUNA TARTARE," and "SEA FISH TATAKI" showcasing the chef's mastery in handling delicate flavors and textures.
To round off your unforgettable meal, indulge in the "WHOLE SEA BASS" roasted in a 72 Hours Pumpkin Glaze or explore the "DENVER CUT GRILLED IN JOSPER" for a taste sensation like no other.
Visit to this establishment is a romantic and memorable experience that lingers in your heart long after...
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