Tel Aviv Comes to Life at Carmel

Carmel, one of the newest eateries on Melrose Avenue, is bringing the vibrant atmosphere and flavors of Tel Aviv to life in Los Angeles. The restaurant, inspired by the bustling Shuk HaCarmel market, offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a lively, interactive environment. From the moment guests step inside, they are transported to the heart of Tel Aviv, with an open kitchen, communal dining, and a menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Carmel’s menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes found in Tel Aviv’s famous Shuk HaCarmel market. The restaurant offers a variety of raw seafood plates, including Peruvian sea scallops, Kumamoto oysters, and bluefin tuna tartare. These dishes highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients, with minimal preparation to preserve their natural flavors.

One of the standout dishes is the Peruvian sea scallops, served on the half shell with a vibrant tomato seed vinaigrette and thin slices of spicy green chiles. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

In addition to seafood, Carmel also offers a range of traditional Mediterranean dishes, such as hummus, falafel, and shawarma. These dishes are prepared with a modern twist, incorporating unique flavors and techniques to create a memorable dining experience.

An Interactive Dining Experience

At Carmel, dining is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. The restaurant features an open kitchen, where guests can watch the chefs at work, rolling, kneading, chopping, and frying with enthusiasm. This interactive element adds to the lively atmosphere, making each visit to Carmel a unique and engaging experience.

The chef’s station, a countertop at the corner of the dining room, offers a front-row seat to the action. Guests seated here can interact with the chefs, ask questions, and even participate in the cooking process. This level of engagement creates a sense of community and connection, reminiscent of the bustling markets of Tel Aviv.

Carmel also offers a variety of unique cocktails, such as the “limonarak,” a blend of arak, lemon, demerara sugar, and mint. This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s vibrant dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Celebrating Culinary Heritage

Carmel’s chef, Asaf Maoz, draws inspiration from his Syrian and Italian heritage, as well as his experiences growing up in Israel. This diverse background is reflected in the restaurant’s menu, which features a blend of traditional Mediterranean flavors and modern culinary techniques.

One of the signature dishes is “my grandma’s mushroom cigar,” a crispy dough filled with finely minced mushrooms, pine nuts, and Baharat, a spice blend common in North Africa and the Middle East. This dish, served with a side of chuma paste, is a nod to Maoz’s family recipes and the rich culinary traditions of his heritage.

Carmel’s commitment to celebrating culinary heritage extends beyond the food. The restaurant’s décor, music, and overall ambiance are designed to transport guests to the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, creating an immersive dining experience that is both authentic and innovative.

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