The Old Man and the Sea — Restaurant in Tel-Aviv

Review for The Old Man, Tel Aviv: A Culinary Gem

From the moment you step into The Old Man in Tel Aviv, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that effortlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance. This restaurant, tucked away in a vibrant corner of the city, has quickly become one of my favorite dining spots, and for good reason.

Upon entering, the warm, inviting decor sets the tone for an unforgettable culinary experience. The interior is adorned with vintage photographs and local artwork, creating a cozy yet stylish ambiance. The lighting is perfectly dimmed, allowing for an intimate dining experience without sacrificing a sense of liveliness. The layout of the restaurant encourages both social gatherings and quiet dinners, making it suitable for all occasions, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or enjoying a casual meal with friends.

Now, let’s talk about the food—an absolute highlight of any visit to The Old Man. The menu is a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary Israeli cuisine, showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets. Each dish is a testament to the chef’s creativity and passion for food, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of Tel Aviv.

For starters, I highly recommend the roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce—it's a dish that redefines simplicity. The cauliflower is perfectly caramelized, offering a delightful crunch while the tahini adds a creamy, nutty richness that elevates the entire experience. Another must-try starter is the homemade hummus, served with warm pita bread. It’s incredibly smooth and flavorful, and you can taste the freshness in every bite.

Moving on to the main courses, the grilled sea bass is nothing short of spectacular. Cooked to perfection, the fish is flaky and tender, complemented by a zesty lemon and herb dressing that brightens the dish beautifully. For meat lovers, the slow-cooked lamb shank is a revelation. It’s incredibly tender, falling off the bone with the slightest touch, and served with a rich, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with the accompanying couscous.

Vegetarians will also find plenty to delight in, including a stunning beetroot risotto that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. The risotto is creamy and rich, with the earthy sweetness of beetroot providing a lovely contrast. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, showcasing the chef’s ability to create dishes that are equally satisfying for all dietary preferences.

The dessert menu is equally impressive, and I recommend saving room for the chocolate fondant. It arrives warm, with a gooey center that flows out like molten lava, paired with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect indulgence to conclude your meal, and I can guarantee it will leave you with a smile.

Service at The Old Man is attentive and friendly without being intrusive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and eager to recommend dishes based on your preferences. They genuinely seem to care about providing a memorable dining experience, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the evening.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the restaurant's drink selection. The wine list features an impressive array of local Israeli wines, which perfectly complement the menu. The bartenders are also skilled in crafting delightful cocktails, making it easy to find the perfect drink to accompany your meal.

In summary, The Old Man in Tel Aviv is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression. With its exceptional food, charming ambiance, and outstanding service, it’s a place I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting the city. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, make sure to include The Old Man on your culinary itinerary—you won’t regret it. I can’t wait for my next visit to explore more of their...

Im really going to enjoy writing this review, as it's a one off imho. First, bad points, the place is a hole, plastic tables and chairs, not welcoming, quite dirty, impersonable - hurded in an rushed through to get you out. It's open Friday night, so is very busy then, which is why we reserved a table - needn't have bothered- they just ignored that and sent us to the back of the queue. We eventually got sat and presented with the most ridiculous array of meze dishes, maybe 25 or so, Inc bread and a jug of sweet lemon drink. Then.. we were given the menu. Nobody explained any if this to us - and they won't to you, so here's how it works. The massive salad meze is served to everyone (you'll get the same size and amounts if you're alone as you will for 4 people - but it'll keep getting replenished if it runs out - which it won't.. ever. If you choose any main course, then the meze is free, otherwise it's 60sheks per person without a main. My menu was whipped out of my hand before id even looked at it, but we ordered the sea bass and a lamb kebab (even though I was told it was beef - it was fairly l definitely lamb). Then we were asked if we didn't mind moving tables, and I don't mean moving to another table, i mean, picking the table - food and all - up and pushing into a corner. We did that too. I wouldn't describe any of the food to be absolutely top notch, but I would say that it's fantastic for the type of food and place. The sea bass was fresh and very well cooked, and the kebab (which I only ordered on principle) was excellent. Id say half the meze dishes were fab, basic fresh and perfectly oversized, the other half were merely very good - mostly no frills - but solid performers. Stuffed isn't a strong enough word, and I really had to restrain myself, as im a fat pig. We even took a container full home with us, no qualms, no hesitation (some reviews have mentioned not being able to do so, but we did without fuss). A few fried honey puffy balls (whatever they were) later, and coffee too - all part of the freebies - enough was enough. Finally.. the bill.. different reviews quote different prices, and I was expecting some snag or catch.. but no.. kebab was 84, sea bass was 119 - total 203sheks before tip, about £50. Nothing else is charged. So in essence, it's a 3 star place, the food quantity takes it to a 4, the quality goes up to beyond a 5, therefore i really want to give this magic hell hole a 6.. imagine if they sorted out the negatives.. they'd be a 7/5 stars phenomena. Well done guys, and shame on you at the same time... Massively...

A Gastronomic Sojourn at "Old Man and the Sea" - A Maritime Delight

My recent culinary expedition to "Old Man and the Sea" in Tel Aviv proved to be an experience beyond the ordinary. With an Arabic touch, this seafood haven etched itself into my memory as profoundly as the ocean's horizon.

Upon arrival, a delightful procession of appetizers graced our table – an array of nearly 20 salads, each nestled in its own charming vessel. These culinary gems arrived swiftly, and their flavors were nothing short of captivating. Yet, amidst the gustatory symphony, the mayo brigade might have slightly overstepped its bounds, akin to an encore that outshines the main act.

The heart of the matter was undoubtedly the fish, where choice reigned supreme. The "Platter for 2" emerged as the star of the show, draped in a luscious butter and garlic sauce that danced on the palate. It was a performance that merited an encore – except, perhaps, for the enigmatic lobsters that tantalized our curiosity. Regrettably, their grand entrance lacked a pivotal tool: a lobster claw whisperer.

Our host, a waiter of remarkable charm, steered our journey with professionalism and a warm smile. And as if the culinary experience hadn't already exceeded expectations, complimentary lemonades and teas graced us at the end, bidding farewell like a gentle ocean breeze.

Amidst the bustling ambiance, "Old Man and the Sea" exuded a certain allure, reminiscent of an elegant establishment where time moved at a pace reminiscent of the tides.

In conclusion, my visit to this esteemed establishment was a delightful exploration of flavors, punctuated by a touch of elegance. If you are seeking a seafood sanctuary with an Arabic twist, I wholeheartedly recommend indulging in the offerings of "Old Man and the Sea." Here, the flavors are rich, the service is polished, and the experience, like the vast ocean, is profoundly...