Eyal Shani Opens “Miznon”

Israeli super chef Eyal Shani has long been the proprietor of high end restaurants with prices to match. Jerusalem’s Oceanus was a favorite for tourists who seemed to be the only people at the time in Israel that appreciated the food or who could pay the prices. Oceanus met its end as most chef restaurants eventually do. Fast forward to Salon, Shani’s restaurant that is opened two nights a week only. Fast fast forward to the Israeli version of the reality show Master Chef and Shani becomes a cultural icon with his seething although poetic critiques (and occasional flattery) of the participant’s creations.

Fast fast fast forward to early February when Shani’s new venture “Miznon” (buffet) opened at 21 Ibn Gvirol in Tel Aviv. It seems that the concept this time is street food and fast food at higher prices. Everything is served in a pita. The menu is written on an overhead blackboard and is heavy on meat. Steak and eggs are served in a pita. Short ribs (“shrpondra”) in a pita. Pita with “whatever there is” (“ma she’yesh”). Whatever you order is put into a doughy pita with your choice of delicious tehina, sliced tomatoes, red onions, hot sauce, salsa, crème fraiche etc. Squishy but actually very tasty.




Vegetarians have a baked potato option stuffed into a pita with lots of olive oil, salt and crème fraiche. There also whole roasted heads of cauliflower sitting on shelves available for 35NIS each…not sure how you’d eat them unless you are guaranteed a seat at the bar or at a table.


Prices vary from 22 NIS to about 45 NIS per pita…not exactly the same price as a falafel or shawarma on Ibn Gvirol. The inside bar is quite small but there are tables and chairs outside. The service is very casual so time your visit so as not to be there during busy hours.

Miznon – 21 Ibn Gvirol, Tel Aviv - 03-7168977 - open 12- midnight



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