In the bustling streets of south Tel Aviv, Studio Gursha has emerged as the world’s only Ethiopian fine dining restaurant, captivating diners with innovative dishes and spiced cocktails since its opening six months ago. Owned by chef Elazar Tamano and his wife Dana Hai, this spot is breaking culinary barriers by elevating traditional Ethiopian flavors to fine dining levels, drawing crowds and earning accolades amid Israel’s evolving food scene.
Revolutionizing Ethiopian Cuisine in Israel
Studio Gursha opened its doors in early 2025, transforming a modest space into a hub for pan-African inspired meals. Chef Elazar Tamano, with roots in Ethiopian Jewish heritage, blends age-old recipes with modern techniques, creating plates that surprise and delight.
The restaurant’s menu features artfully plated items like doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, and injera flatbread reimagined with gourmet twists. Diners rave about the spiced cocktails, which incorporate Ethiopian spices like berbere for unique flavors not found elsewhere.
This venture comes at a time when Israel’s restaurant industry faces challenges from economic pressures and shifting tastes post recent global events. Yet Studio Gursha stands out by taking risks, proving that bold ideas can succeed.
Owners Share Their Journey and Vision
Elazar Tamano and Dana Hai met through shared passions for food and culture, leading to this dream project. Tamano, a seasoned chef, draws from his family’s traditions while Hai handles operations, ensuring smooth service.
In interviews, they describe the past six months as a whirlwind. “We are redefining what people expect from Ethiopian food,” Tamano said, noting how initial skepticism turns into enthusiasm once guests taste the dishes.
The couple aims to expand awareness of African cuisines globally. With Israel’s diverse population, including a significant Ethiopian community, Studio Gursha serves as a bridge between cultures.
They plan to introduce cooking classes and pop-up events in 2026, building on their success.
Recent awards, including Restaurant of the Year nods, highlight their impact. This recognition boosts tourism in south Tel Aviv, an area rebounding from past economic dips.
Launching a Bold New Brunch Experience
Next week marks the debut of Studio Gursha’s African-inspired Saturday brunch, a first for the restaurant. This menu will feature brunch staples with Ethiopian twists, like teff pancakes and spiced egg dishes.
The brunch aims to attract families and weekend crowds, offering a relaxed yet upscale vibe. Reservations are filling up fast, signaling strong interest.
To prepare, the team tested recipes for months, ensuring each item aligns with their fine dining ethos.
This launch ties into broader trends in Israel’s food scene, where fusion brunches gain popularity amid rising interest in global flavors.
Breaking Stereotypes Through Food
Many visitors arrive with preconceptions about Ethiopian cuisine, often associating it with simple street food. Studio Gursha challenges this by presenting sophisticated versions that honor traditions.
Staff training emphasizes cultural education, helping non-Ethiopian employees appreciate and promote the menu.
Here are some key ways the restaurant breaks barriers:
- Innovative plating turns humble stews into visual art.
- Vegan options highlight plant-based Ethiopian staples.
- Pairings with local Israeli wines create unexpected harmonies.
- Community events foster dialogue about African heritage.
Diners leave with new perspectives, often sharing stories on social media that amplify the restaurant’s reach.
Menu Highlights and Dining Details
The menu at Studio Gursha changes seasonally, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Popular dishes include kitfo, a minced beef tartare seasoned boldly, and vegetarian lentil stews.
Pricing remains accessible for fine dining, with mains around 100 to 150 shekels. The restaurant seats about 50, creating an intimate atmosphere.
| Dish Name | Description | Price (ILS) | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doro Wat | Spicy chicken stew with injera | 120 | Chicken, berbere spice, onions |
| Kitfo | Minced beef tartare | 130 | Beef, mitmita spice, clarified butter |
| Vegan Shiro | Chickpea stew | 90 | Chickpeas, garlic, berbere |
| Spiced Cocktail | Berbere-infused gin drink | 50 | Gin, spices, citrus |
This table showcases core offerings that blend tradition with innovation.
Cocktails, a standout feature, use African botanicals for drinks like a teff-infused martini.
Impact on Tel Aviv’s Food Scene
Studio Gursha’s success inspires other chefs to experiment with underrepresented cuisines. In a city known for Mediterranean fare, this spot adds diversity.
Local economy benefits as it draws international visitors, especially from food tourism sectors growing post-2024 travel rebounds.
Experts note that such restaurants help integrate immigrant communities, with Ethiopian Israelis gaining visibility through culinary achievements.
As global interest in African foods rises, Studio Gursha positions Israel as a leader in this niche.
Future Plans and Community Ties
Looking ahead, Tamano and Hai eye expansions, possibly a second location in Jerusalem by late 2026. They also plan collaborations with African chefs for guest events.
Community involvement includes donations to Ethiopian youth programs, tying back to their roots.
This approach not only builds loyalty but also educates on cultural richness.
In a world craving authentic experiences, Studio Gursha offers just that, promising more innovations.
What do you think of this culinary breakthrough? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to food lovers you know.
