Al Hamayim in Herzliya serves delicious food in an inviting atmosphere.
By JASON MESKINAl Hamayim in Herzliya(photo credit: PR)
Located right next to Herzliya beach, with the surf a few yards away, Al Hamayim not only offers delicious food, but it also has a wonderful boardwalk atmosphere. It is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a sunset. This prestigious culinary institution, in existence for more than 20 years, is a regular spot for the likes of Bar Refaeli, ambassadors and foreign diplomats who reside in the area.Stepping into Al Hamayim is like going back in time and having homemade food surrounded by seafaring memorabilia. The very welcoming outdoor seating area (enclosed in the winter) has comfortable furniture and a scenic view of the Mediterranean. Over the next few months, the restaurant is offering a 50% discount on the entire menu during dinner time (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) for anyone between the ages of 18 and 32. All you have to do is bring a passport or ID with your birth date. As a result, the restaurant was packed with young people.Both Hebrew and English menus are available, and the day’s specials are detailed by attentive waiters. We perused the menu, which is minimal and interesting, offering an array of salads, pasta, fish and meat dishes. In addition, the restaurant has a rich, colorful sushi bar.We started off with the crispy calamari (NIS 69) on a bed of bean noodles, coriander, ginger and onion with ponzu sauce. This was an excellent appetizer. It had a light, crisp coating that wasn’t greasy or heavy, and the squid was very tender.This was followed by an iceberg lettuce and arugula salad (NIS 52) accompanied by cherry tomatoes, onion, croutons, Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. The salad was simple but good and not drowning in dressing.Next up was beef fillet carpaccio (NIS 69). The high-quality beef was tender and flavorful and was so finely sliced that it just melted in the mouth. The arugula with aged Parmesan cheese and truffle oil blended perfectly with the beef.Our final appetizer was roasted artichoke (NIS 48), presented with tomatoes, raisins, shallots, chili, Parmesan cheese and balsamic sauce. This dish was flavorful and indulgent. It was perfectly seasoned, not too salty, and the roasted char taste of the artichoke gave it a special touch.After a bit of a breather and a few glasses of an excellent white wine blend from the local Astar winery, it was on to the main dishes. We began with the beef fillet (NIS 148) accompanied by potato puree. The high quality of the meat was evident in the taste of the food. It was cooked perfectly. Soft, melt in your mouth and well seasoned. It came with a red wine and citrus sauce on the side, which was not needed since the meat was so flavorful.We were then presented with a beautiful sushi platter fit for a king.This was, without a doubt, one of the best combination sushi plates I have ever had. For one thing, there was none of the low-quality filler sushi you often see in combo orders. It was all high quality, extremely fresh, and very tasty. The quality of the various cuts of fish was out of this world. Buttery tuna was the clear winner, but all the other nigiri and sashimi were of fine quality as well.For dessert we tried the creme brulee and a wedge of ultra-rich chocolate cake. They went well with coffee and ended the meal perfectly.Al Hamayim is a very pleasant eatery with very good food. It’s a little on the expensive side, but you can expect these prices at a specialty restaurant with guaranteed topquality ingredients and excellent service.The writer was a guest of the restaurant.Al HamayimNot kosher4 Hasharon Beach, HerzliyaTel: (09) 951-1812
if(catID != 151){
var cont = `Take Israel home with the new Jerusalem Post Store