Abbalé Telavivian: Miami Spice 2023 Highlight
On a quiet side street South of Fifth, only a few blocks from the frenzy of South Beach, lies one of the best restaurants in Miami - Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen. Once you step through the lush arch of flowering bougainvillea and into the restaurant’s patio dining area you feel instantly transported to a casual-chic Mediterranean bistro. Indoors the relaxing garden vibe continues with a ceiling festooned in hanging flowers.
Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen was opened in 2021 by Executive Chef Samuel Gorenstein and Omer Horev who have expertly accomplished their intention of sharing with Miami the fresh and vibrant flavors of Israeli, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.
Abbalé Televivian joins the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau 2023 Miami Spice months beginning August 1- September 30, and should be on your “must visit” list.
Offering lunch for $30 or $35, Sunday Brunch- $35 and dinner $45 or $60, there is no reason to not book a reservation (or two).
For openers try the signature Abbalé Spritz Cocktail, a refreshing combination of pomegranate juice, red vermouth and a splash of Prosecco garnished with colorful pomegranate arils, lemon, fresh mint and a dusting of sumac. Perfect on a sultry Miami summer’s evening.
While sipping your drink be sure to order some appetizers. A favorite starter to share is the Salatim, a combination of babaganoush, hummus, pickles and fire baked pita.
The Crunchy Cauliflower transforms a simple vegetable into a caramelized treat drizzled with a slightly tangy tamarind glaze, a “smear” of savory tahini and a dusting of sumac.
The Grilled Octopus Shashlik pairs smoky, grilled octopus with a cold “matbucha,” described to us by our wonderful waiter A.J. as an Israeli “salsa” composed of chickpeas, green olives, tomato, jalapeño and dollops of tahini. Delicious!
Another winner is the Local Fish Ceviche which is made with black grouper, served with a crunchy pita crisp decorated with dots of avocado mousse and garnished with slices of radish and pink grapefruit sections. The flavors are bright, fresh and citrusy with a slight hint of heat from the addition of thinly sliced jalapeño.
Moving on to the main course, the Sumac Lamb Kefte Shashlik (or optional as Sumac Chicken) is a well-seasoned ground lamb kabob served on a satisfyingly chewy grilled flatbread accompanied by tangy pickled red cabbage, marinated tomato salad and a spicy grilled Turkish long pepper. (Warning- this pepper is NOT for the faint of heart!).
Another great offering is The Moroccan Spiced Local Fish: black grouper which is expertly braised in a rich tomato sauce and served with a grilled cipollini onion and a buttery, grilled Jerusalem sesame bagel perfect for dunking in the flavorful sauce.
And let’s not forget dessert. One of the unique aspects of Miami Spice is the inclusion of a dessert offering. The Pistachio Baklava made with orange blossom-cardamom syrup and topped with a scoop of tahini ice cream is a traditional favorite.
Other Miami Spice options include Sticky Date Feta Caramel Cake and Seasonal Sorbet.
For something a bit different, we opted to try the Lemon-Olive Oil Cake with Braised Strawberries, Whipped Labneh and Pistachio Ice Cream. Although not offered on Miami Spice, this is worth ordering separately. This cake has just the right amount of sweetness and is incredibly moist. The strawberries braised in a bit of sugar and rosewater are delicious, the whipped labneh (yogurt) adds depth and richness and the pistachio ice cream on top…well, just why not?!
The service at Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen is friendly and relaxed yet very professional. The staff is expert at explaining the menu and helping navigate through the various offerings.
If you have not yet been to Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen now is the perfect time to book a table and check out their prix fixe Miami Spice menus.
864 Commerce St.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305 902 3477