The Drisco Hotel in Tel Aviv Unveils New Culinary Concept

George & John Restaurant blends modern Israeli cuisine with broader Mediterranean flavors at the city’s new hip dining establishment

The Drisco Hotel just unveiled George & John Restaurant, a new culinary concept under the helm of rising star Chef Tomer Tal.

Inspired by the grand atmosphere of the Tel Aviv property and its storied past, the new dining establishment pairs modern Israeli dishes with broader Mediterranean influences. Named after American colonists George and John Drisco, who set out to create the very first luxury hotel in the region in 1866, the restaurant draws inspiration from historic dinners served to famed international guests over the years. It is also inspired by traditional dishes and cooking methods used by Israel’s diverse communities, Chef Tomer Tal’s ability to pair, fuse, deconstruct and re-imagine dishes, and a respectful homage to Chef Haim Cohen’s iconic Keren restaurant previously hosted in the Villa Drisco (now part of The Drisco Hotel), one of the last original houses of the American Colony neighborhood.

After honing his skills at Tel Aviv’s best restaurants, Chef Tomer Tal decided to take over the kitchen at The Drisco and fuse antique and modern cooking techniques, such as smoking, grilling, pickling, as well as use local, indigenous herbs and high-quality products. The result is an elevated dining experience featuring a menu reflective of the cultural and gastronomic melting pot in Tel Aviv, complete with meat, fish and vegetable-centric dishes inspired by Asian, Levantine, Italian and French cuisines.

Standout items include Amberjack Sashimi with blood orange, coriander seeds, spicy-sour Hass avocado, and Israeli caviar, Coal Smoked Cabbage grilled in a Burmese pot with sumac yogurt, and Veal Cheek cooked overnight, glazed in its own gravy, with pan-grilled root vegetables and roasted kohlrabi. An impressive wine list with Old World and New World selections was developed by a team of talented Sommeliers, providing perfect pairings for the rich yet delicate dishes served in the hotel’s alluring restaurant space.

George and John Restaurant continues to offer the hotel’s sumptuous traditional Israeli breakfast with rich, fresh and healthy options, along with à la carte brunch dishes. Breakfast is served daily starting at 7am, and dinner is available Sunday through Friday from 7pm to 11pm. For reservations, please visit the restaurant’s website.

The Drisco Tel-Aviv is a luxury boutique hotel located in a restored landmark building in the heart of the American Colony, a hip and eclectic neighborhood at the southern tip of the city. The property is steps away from the beaches, the famous Rothschild Blvd, the charming Neve Tzedek district, Jaffa’s Flea Market, Carmel Open Market and Old Jaffa. It is conveniently located a short drive from Ben Gurion International Airport and Ha-Hagana Train Station. Rooms start at $400 for double occupancy.

For more information or to book a stay at the hotel, please visit www.thedrisco.com.