Selas
Butter-sautéed salmon on black risotto with beans & cashews
Selas Restaurant is located in Jaffa's flea market district and is owned by chef Or Ginsberg, who won the second season of the Israeli TV format “Chef’s Games” in 2016. Fun fact: about 3 years ago, my colleague and I were invited by a TV team to participate in a documentary about Israeli food culture for Galileo, a German TV format. Little did we know, we were going to be hosted by chef Or Ginsberg, who cooked for us in a charming loft in south Tel Aviv. Watch the TV report here. In those days, he primarily hosted private dinners and only cooked for exclusive guests.
A while later, in 2018, he finally opened his own restaurant, where he hosts open concept evenings for the public as well as private events. The menu has a unique Asian character and emphasizes on fresh and fine ingredients. In particular, fresh fish, sushi and sashimi. In fact, the chef actually goes fishing himself (check his Instagram), which adds an extra good feeling, knowing exactly where the fish comes from. Based on fresh ingredients, the chef's daily special dishes will be added to the menu each evening.
The wall along the restaurant is packed with over 400 jars, filled with different spices and pickled foods, such as ginger, which is served along with the unique sushi rolls. You can order a tasting menu for 300 NIS and let the chef create your meal, oder simply choose your favorite dishes from the menu. We ordered the wakame salad, Selas roll, sautéed salmon and the grouper fish - my absolute highlight (of the main dishes) was the butter sautéed salmon, which was served on a bed of black risotto with beans and cashew nuts - it was covered with a smoke-filled cloche, which was only removed at the table and added even more excitement to our culinary experience.
Last but not least…dessert time. Now I want you to focus, because this is very important: you must try the hot chocolate soufflé - it’s heaven on earth to say the least. I have never had a tastier dessert in my entire life. It’s basically a hot, fudgy chocolate cake which is slightly crispy on top and liquid inside - infused with miso and served with ice cream and crumble on top. To die for.
Conclusion: My favorite fish restaurant in town - beautiful ambience, authentic food and truly caring staff.
