Wandering about in Palermo I stumbled across this place. Attracted by the name (Hebrew for "land"), I thought, oh cool, a new middle eastern spot in town and perhaps with an Israeli bent rather than the ubiquitous Syrian - Lebanese - Armenian. It's a small spot, with just a few tables, their focus is various types of meat on skewers - a "brocheteria" as they call it - along with some various side dishes and appetizers, and a few types of burgers. Compliments of the house, a couple of stuffed grape leaves, a delicious eggplant and tomato spread, and some hummus. A mug of ice cold mint lemonade (they need better or at least more beers on offer, the choices were Quilmes and Stella Artois). And a choice of two of half a dozen brochettes with one side dish. I went with the highly recommended house skewer of spiced chicken, plus the "turkish" style beef. Both excellent - the chicken one came out a bit undercooked and they immediately whisked it away and gave it another couple of minutes over the fire, and the chef/owner, who is Israeli, came out to apologize, and also to ask where I was from, since I'd asked for a side of hot sauce (fantastic and fiery, freshly prepared), something that no one here of course orders. Great fatush salad accompanying.
Second visit - The shawarma meal, which comes with all the fixings - a trio of nibbles with pita bread - this time, chopped liver, a lovely carrot salad, and couscous with beans; followed by the main event - a dinner plate sized wrap topped with a mix of nicely seasoned beef and lamb together - I'd say chargrilled rather than rotisserie, just as a guess, slathered with hummus, smoky babaganoush, and cucumber salad, and, of course, more of that great hot sauce on the side.
One of my favorite middle eastern spots in the city. read more