restaurant review: port sa'id in tel aviv

When the hubs and I started telling friends that we were visiting Israel to research its cuisine, we received worried glances due to multiple reports of unrest and stabbings that started in Jerusalem and spread to other parts of the country and to the West Bank. The terror threats in the general Middle East region didn't assuage our friends' fears either. Interestingly, my parents, who've visited Israel a few years ago, were not so concerned. So, I figured that if then-70 year olds were adventurous enough to visit the country, my middle aged self should go ahead and check it out. So, off we went to experience this dynamic country's cuisine. Our first stop was Tel Aviv and our first dinner was at Port Sa'id, a restaurant recommended to us by the bartenders at the Imperial Bar.

Port Sa'id.

The Scene 

This place was crowded. Located off Allenby Street and across from the Great Synagogue, this place was jumping on a Thursday night. Almost all seats were taken (we had no reservations but luckily snagged two seats at the bar) by a decidedly college-aged and young professionals crowd who were enjoying dinner in a covered but open air patio. 


Although we did see a few Americans, most of the clientele appeared to be locals. 

Our seats at the bar gave us a glimpse of the kitchen. It also gave us easy access to the bartender who kindly kept on sending us complimentary shots of our choice (rum).

Note that Port Sa'id somewhat enforced an anti-cell phone policy (but the bartender allowed me to look at mine).

The diners.

The Food 

• Grilled Eggplant - I absolutely adored this dish. Served at room temperature, it was smoky and rich.

Grilled Eggplant.

• Sourdough - The bread was beautifully sour, doughy and perfect for sopping up all the sauces, tahini and hummus.

• Minute Steak - The meat was cut thinly, served with tahini and lots of black pepper. It was so tasty. Also, the rich sauce that came with the dish was a perfect complement to the chewy sourdough. 

Minute Steak.

• Freekeh Salad - To be honest, I ordered this dish because of its name. No, I am not five years old. The salad was made of couscous and textured with salt and herbs (such as parsley and basil). 

Freekeh Salad.

• Tahini Plate - The tahini was rich but light. The bread they served with it was different (lighter) and I thought the sourdough would have been a better pairing. 

Tahini.

• Butchers (Hangar) Cut - Served very hot, the slow cooked beef had lots of black pepper. It paired well with the tahini. 

Hangar Steak.

The Service 

For a casual and crowded place, the service was pretty good. The host was communicative about our chances of getting a seat in the main restaurant area (our chances weren't good) but provided us bar seating options (which we immediately grabbed). The bartender was busy but still friendly. 


The Price 

With booze and tip, dinner for two cost under $100. For such tasty food in an entertaining environment, it was well worth the price.


The Verdict 

I enjoyed the food at Port Sa'id. I definitely recommend dining at this very casual, lively and just plain fun restaurant. I am glad I went to Israel and taste the offerings of Port Sa'id.


What country have you visited that people thought was "unsafe"?