Hotel Montefiore

The area is a mix of homes and businesses, which isn’t especially practical for the average visitor. As of 2025, nearby streets are also going through major infrastructure works, which makes the setting less attractive. Still, this really captures what a boutique hotel can be: a beautifully renovated 1900's house, decorated with care down to the smallest detail. The restaurant is exceptional.

It was disappointing for the price. The food itself was very good, but service fell short: the waitress seemed stretched too thin, and our main course arrived before we’d finished the starters. The menu was confusing, too. It’s also a very noisy place, fine for a tech crowd celebrating, but forget having a conversation with the people you’re dining with.

Getting there by car or cab was awkward, since there’s nowhere for one to stop beside the restaurant. We ended up blocking traffic while getting out. Once inside, the place looked elegant, though the design didn’t feel especially elevated. The air conditioning was poor and I was sweating a lot. We were seated in a bright corner early on, but after about an hour it filled up and got so loud we couldn’t hear each other. The staff were great with the two older women I was with, one blind and the other barely able to walk even with a cane. They helped them during the meal and got us to the cab afterward. The dishes were beautifully presented, including the bread and butter: hot mini baguettes and butter on a cold black ivory stone slab. I had the foie gras, which was great, though I’ve never had a restaurant foie gras that wasn’t. My companions had well-cooked calamari and okay shrimp, but the shrimp salad had so much coriander that one diner didn’t like it. My mom enjoyed the asparagus with whipped cheese, though it wasn’t peeled and she had to spit out the skin with each bite. The second calamari dish my partner ordered was even better than the first, and it was the first calamari dish I’d personally order and enjoy. My pork chop with bacon and cheese was cooked well, but nothing special; the sweet sauce worked nicely, and the buttery mashed potatoes were heavenly. Mom’s fish and sides were merely decent. Our friend’s fillet steak was amazing, one of the day’s best dishes, though the pepper and potato side was unpleasant and everyone agreed. For dessert I had chocolate mousse with whipped cream. It was well made, but nothing special, though the silver serving ware made it feel fancy. Mom and her friend had Crêpes Suzette, which were decent but unremarkable. My beer was okay, but it came from a bottle, as they don’t have draught beer. The bill came to 1064 shekel, which is cheap for fine dining. Given the various faults, the price reflected my experience fairly and felt agreeable.

The atmosphere worked perfectly with the food, and the flavors were delicious. I especially recommend the tortellini, goose breast, and crêpe Suzette. Thanks for such a lovely experience!