From the Table at Jasmino

From the Table at Jasmino in Tel Aviv, Israel I had the opportunity to taste Israeli cuisine like a local.

In all honesty, Jasmino doesn’t have any tables, just a counter and a constant crowd of people struggling to keep their overflowing pita from falling onto the sidewalk. This may be the smallest restaurant I’ve ever visited. Packed into 100 square feet(?) is a counter loaded with fresh toppings, a cooktop, and as many customers as can fit inside. The atmosphere is lively despite being late at night, the smell of grilled meat fills the air, and the consistent calling of names echos out of the small door.

The menu at Jasmino is small and to the point, they do a few things very well. The quality over quantity mentality is on display. The menu consists of three types of pita sandwiches, chicken shawarma, lamb kabob, and if you’re feeling adventurous veal heart.

Joining the end of the line I had one objective, try veal heart. I had heard that the veal heart was the best thing on the menu so who am I to argue? Despite my full-hearted intentions as the line crept closer to the register, I had too much time to think. I wimped out and ordered the lamb kabob.

“Throw it all in there” were the magic words because before they were fully out of my mouth the man behind the counter began stuffing my pita full of colorful salads, and smooth hummus, topping it with a drizzle of unidentifiable yellowy sauce. Eagerly, I thanked the man and brought my pita outside to join the crowd gathered on the sidewalk.

The first bite exploded with flavor when it hit my tongue. The lamb kabob was perfectly grilled, it was juicy with a slightly smokey flavor. Crisp cucumbers, firm tomatoes, and pickled purple cabbage gave crunch and freshness while the hummus provided a rich nuttiness. All of this flavorful goodness is tucked snuggly into a pita. This pita is the softest, fluffiest pita I have ever tasted. It was just the right amount of chewy and didn’t fall apart while you ate.

I don’t have a picture of my Jasmino pita. Crazy, I know! I was so swept up in my excitement that all I could do was immediately shove the pita into my mouth. I wasn’t thinking clearly but trust me if you were holding a Jasmino pita you’d forget to take a photo too. This is a photo of a different pita I had near the Western Wall in Jerusalem so you can get an idea of what a Jasmino pita looks like.

I can’t recommend this place enough. The next time you find yourself wandering Tel Aviv do yourself a favor and visit Jasmino.

Now my mouth is watering. Is a fourteen-hour flight too far for a sandwich?

Check out the restaurant page on our blog for more restaurant recommendations Table for Two Archives – From the Table (frommthetable.com)