I may be infatuated with the modern Levantine cuisine which we found in a casual set back restaurant on one of Tel Aviv’s busy main streets. During a late afternoon rush around with sweet man in tow dripping from the humidity, his patience level at an all time low and gasping for a drink, he suggested we stop to eat! Not one to refuse the respite from the heat , the thought of cool air-conditioning and long icy cold drink, I hastily agreed. Cutting short our wanderings we dived into a somewhat empty but well chilled and welcoming Bertie restaurant.
This establishment is situated on King George street, to the left of Dizengoff center towards Masaryk Square and nearly too well camouflaged by potted green bushes! For those brave enough to sit outside by the high European profiled windows, the positioning of the greenery gives the illusion that this is a secluded area, removing diners from the bustling road only a few feet away. Not that easily found unless you are very local or have a recommendation. The interior of Bertie is decorated in the style of an old European classic bistro, with a many shelved well stocked bar, wooden furnishings, white table tops and high ceilings supporting hanging mood lighting.
With ‘ge
t in the spirit of it music’ playing in the background, an easy atmosphere and a lunchtime special menu we were off to a good start.
Deciding on a main course was far harder than I expected, as there were many seafood dishes that sounded interesting (such as octopus wrapped in cabbage leaves). Craving a little carb I opted for a rice dish, chopped prawn and vine leaf risotto. Sweet man had no such difficulty, directly ordering seared calamari with humus beans, humus puree and his all time favorite, grilled eggplant
As this was a lunchtime deal, each main dish included a starter course and soft drink within the price. We were served a small plate of gravalax glistening in aromatic olive oil (a little heavy on the oil but nevertheless moreish) plus a crisp lettuce and dried tomato salad with a deliciously sweet citrus vinaigrette dressing. Little meze dishes of savory mashed lentils & a paste of crushed spices (like Yemenite skoog) were accompanied by crusted bread.
Our main courses did not disappoint. Although my risotto rice was slightly al dente, the prawns were beautifully cooked and I loved the tang of the vine leaves, the tiny crunchy celery pieces plus the kick of finely chopped fresh red chili. The combinations were delicate but with a punch and very appetizing.
Sweet mans dish was equally acceptable. Looking pretty I insisted I photograph it and take a mouthful before he woofed it all down. The calamari had a great smoky char grilled flavor which n
icely complimented the nutty humus and piquant eggplant
Needing a little sweetness between us, we ended up by ordering a rich chocolate dessert comprising of cocoa coated cubes sitting in a pool of coffee cream,( yummy ). As a complimentary dessert from the very attentive manager, we were served with one of their signature puddings (not to be missed on a first visit). Malabi. Quickly losing interest in the chocolate sweet but passionate about this 
pudding, hubbie dived in! I did get to taste a few spoonfuls of the delicate creamy dessert, surrounded by sweet rose syrup and topped by wisps of crunchy strands, lovely.
Bertie restaurant serves an updated version of Levantine cuisine. Using creative recipes which give a twist to the old eastern classics they manage to maintain the flavors that need to be present.
I liked too that our meals were plated on old fashioned white china or glass tableware and the tables set with large white cloth napkins. The service was pleasant and the chef seemed happy to discuss his passion for his cuisine with us….
Levantine Cuisine
88, King George St.
Tel:+972-72-251-2950
Our lunchtime (special deal) bill was just under 200NIS (which is a fair price to pay for this level of food in Tel Aviv).
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