Ger-Nis INTERNATIONAL, LLC

New/Notable Restaurants

Messa,
Tel Aviv, Israel

In a section of Tel Aviv unknown to tourists and tucked inside what seems to be a commercial building in a very drab area hides Messa, an exciting restaurant different from any other in Israel. One can only describe their first visit here as mesmerizing and posh. Yet, Messa is also amazingly laid back and casual especially for a restaurant renowned for its elegance and well known for attracting Israel’s elite for dinner and drinks.

Upon entering Messa, you are struck by the white on black motif that is simply stunning and elegant. The large communal table that travels the length of the restaurant is surrounded by smaller private tables with black velvet couches and high back chairs. The setting is reminiscent of the grand feast of the Old English, yet it is modern to the extreme. The white lights of the chandelier make you feel that everyone is shining. The white curtains and the black pillows make you feel like a VIP. In a strange way you also feel like you could be alone in your sandals. The restaurant is elegant and simple and you feel as if Messa is there to entertain you not make you feel like you were not good enough.

The chef and owner, Aviv Moshe, is of Kurdish-Iraqi decent and describes his food as French style eclectic with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. Of course, Moshe also incorporates the local ingredients of Israel as the main characters of his recipes. The seafood, meats, fresh vegetables and herbs are paired perfectly together on a menu that changes daily.

One of the most written about appetizers is a calamari dish with lentils, herbs and goose breast served in a cauliflower cream. The ravioli stuffed with shrimp mascarpone and figs with herbs in a delightful sauce is another memorable and notable dish. The use of herbs in these dishes is perfect; the herbs are not overwhelming although they are abundant as is typical in Israel. We were pleased with the beautiful and creative pairing of the herbs in the dishes and the variety of pairings that were found on our plates.

The desserts were just as spectacular as the dinner, and the drinks are exotic, fresh and creative. The wine list is fabulous but expensive. This is also typical in Israel. To top it all off Messa has a bar next door that is just as posh and special. You can eat, people watch and mingle while the DJ plays music and people get tipsy and dance!! Overall, Messa was quite a lovely experience. It is a very special place that differs from all the normal tourist stops in Israel. My compliments to the chef and owner, Aviv, who uses his delicious food to allow his customers to feel grand in his elaborate and beautiful setting.

4 of 5 herbs