I was running late for my restaurant reservation at Zoti, a new Mediterranean chef restaurant opposite the boardwalk in Tel Aviv. When I arrived with my husband at 8:30 p.m. (late for us to eat dinner, but we were going with the Tel Aviv flow), we were met by a red velvet rope at the entrance and a man who looked like a bouncer.
When we walked in, we saw a space that looked like a cross between an Arabian palace and an upscale cave, and there were plenty of free tables. By the time we left around 10:30, every seat was taken, the DJ was going strong, and there were dancers with fire that made it more than just another restaurant. I was the only woman not wearing high heels and makeup.
It’s loud here, so it might not be the best place for a first date, but we’ve been married for so long that not being able to talk to each other is really not a big deal. The vibe is fun and very Tel Avivian. If you haven’t gotten to go abroad, this could be your chance to pretend to be overseas. Tel Aviv is really almost like being in a foreign country.
Cocktails are pricey but worth every shekel
The service here is excellent (and not just for journalists). Napkins were changed at least five times during the meal, and the servers all seemed to really care that we had a good meal. They were also familiar with the menu and had excellent suggestions.
The cocktails are pricey but worth every shekel (NIS 72-78). The bar’s unique design is a surprise I’ll leave for you to discover. Just remember to look up!
The chef here, also one of the partners, is Daniel Marciano, a young Jerusalemite who is also a partner in several restaurants in the capital.
Several of the dishes seem to be Jerusalem-inspired yet with a unique twist. For example, one of the appetizers we had was nems, a Vietnamese dish of crispy deep-fried spring rolls with chicken and vegetables. Here, there were nems made with brain that had a kick from cilantro, harissa, preserved lemon, and schug (NIS 118). It may be the only nems in the world made with brain.
We also tried the crispy hamachi (NIS 89), which were balls of crispy rice topped with yellowtail sashimi and a sauce made of yellow tomatoes, basil oil, and pesto aioli. Another winner.
A DJ, a live dummer, and a fire dancer
By now, the DJ had ramped up the volume, accompanied by a live drummer and a woman dancing with fire.
For our main dishes, we shared lamb chops (NIS 248) and a sirloin steak that was thinly sliced and cooked perfectly medium-rare, accompanied by a fried potato gratin (NIS 198). Both were excellent, and among the best pieces of meat I’ve had in recent months.
We were pretty full by the time we got to dessert, but it may have been the most unique dessert I’ve ever had. Called simply “Zoti” (NIS 154), it was a sparkling wine bottle made of chocolate, filled with chocolate mousse and vanilla ice cream. It was a huge dessert, easily enough for four people, and the bottle was incredibly realistic. When the server poured melted chocolate over the bottle, it broke open. A fun ending to a special evening.
This is not an inexpensive evening, but I think it’s in line with Tel Aviv prices. So, if you have a special occasion coming up, make the pilgrimage to Zoti in Tel Aviv. You will be glad you did.
Zoti
6 Kaufmann
Hours: Opens Sun.-Thurs. from 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. Closes around midnight.
Reservations: seats.zotitlv.com/index.html
Kashrut: Rabbanut Tel Aviv
The writer was a guest of the restaurant.
