Review of TLV - Tel Aviv Restaurant in Great Neck, NY

TLV - Tel Aviv offers delicious, upscale Israeli cuisine, often with a creative, gourmet twist. Meals are made on premises from fresh ingredients and the food is kosher. But you don't have to be observant to enjoy the hummus, babaganoush, matbucha and other exotically delicious favorites.

From fish and meat entrees to salads and small plates, TLV offers an upscale dining experience in Great Neck.

If you're walking down Middle Neck Road and you notice TLV's unpretentious awning, you might walk past the restaurant, writing if off as just another eatery in Great Neck. But you'd be making a big mistake. Inside the restaurant with its cozy wooden tables and banquettes, you'll find some of the best Israeli food around in addition to some very creative offerings. From small plates, mezze and soups to mouthwatering entrees, tasty sandwiches (only at lunch time) and luscious desserts, this glatt kosher restaurant will please your palate whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a variety of tempting appetizers.

My husband and I enjoyed a number of small plates and all of them were amazing. I think their Hoomoos TLV is the best hummus I've ever tasted... no matter how you spell it. A combination of yellow chickpeas, fava beans, tahini and hard-boiled egg, this savory creation is topped with tasty dried onions and practically swims in a sea of luscious olive oil.

But you don't have to stop there. TLV offers eight different types of heavenly hummus including one with mushrooms, another with tahini and shawarma, and other types, all served with freshly grilled, warm pita.

We also enjoyed the wonderful babaganoush made from eggplant and seasoned with garlic and lemon. The Matbucha, a delightful blend of stewed tomatoes, garlic, paprika and chili peppers combines all these fresh ingredients into a spicy treat. One surprise was the creatively crafted Roasted Cauliflower and Tahini Salad, the restaurant's delectable signature dish. And the Falafel with Green Tahini did not disappoint.

I spoke with Israeli-American chef/owner Michael Ginor who also owns Lola Restaurant in Great Neck and co-owns Hudson Valley Foie Gras. He explained that TLV goes beyond the usual kosher fare. There are Indian and Thai-inspired items on the menu, like the Three Pastels, a full-flavored blend of herbed potatoes tucked into a phyllo pastry triangle.

If you'd like to experience outstanding, upscale food while also cutting cholesterol, take note: there are no butter, cream, cheese or other dairy products used in this kosher establishment. However, you'll never notice this once you bite into after-dinner treats like the luscious Halwa Parfait topped with Silan date honey. There's a distinct creamy mouthfeel to this decadent dessert, but it comes from coconut and almond milk.

Enjoy house-made beverages like watermelon juice or rosewater soda, or opt for beers including Hebrew Ale, Hebrew Bold, Heineken and others. Wines are served by the bottle or the glass.

Tel Aviv Restaurant also delivers and they cater as well.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.