A Taste of Tel Aviv in NYC

There are a number of excellent Israeli restaurants in New York City, where you can not only savor delicious Israeli dishes but also enjoy superb Israeli wines.
One of the oldest and coziest of these is 12 Chairs.

12 Chairs is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive experience. This neighborhood gem has been serving up authentic Israeli cuisine for over two decades. Born in the heart of Soho as a small café, it has evolved into a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, with a second location in trendy Williamsburg.

The restaurant's unwavering commitment to fresh, homemade food shines through in every dish. Prepared to order, each creation is a testament to quality and flavor. From the creamy, garlicky hummus served with warm pita to the weekend-only Jachnun, a Yemenite bread baked overnight with date honey, the menu is a celebration of Israeli culinary traditions.

12 Chairs offers a diverse range of dishes reflecting the rich tapestry of Israeli cuisine. Indulge in crispy falafel, savory sabich, or the flavorful shakshuka. For heartier appetites, try the stuffed cabbage or tender, slow-cooked brisket. Don't miss the restaurant's homemade Israeli salad, a refreshing blend of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. You'll also find Eastern European influences, like hearty borscht and delicate blintzes, alongside the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

But it's not just the delicious food and Hebrew street signs that create the authentic Tel Aviv vibe. A carefully curated selection of Israeli wines perfectly complements the restaurant's authentic dishes. Be sure to try one of our wine pairings for an unforgettable experience.

A rare find, Ramat Negev Neve Midbar Orange is an Israeli orange wine produced from Pinot Gris and Semillon grapes cultivated in the Ramon Negev highlands. Unlike traditional white winemaking, where grapes are typically fermented without skins, this wine undergoes a unique process. The grape must was fermented and soaked with peels for two weeks, resulting in a wine with intense color, aroma, and flavor.

On the palate, you'll discover a complex interplay of nutty undertones, citrus peel bitterness, and refreshing acidity. The wine's robust character is complemented by intense tannins and a rich finish.

This extraordinary wine pairs exceptionally well with grilled halloumi cheese, falafel served over tomato tahini or delicious mushroom pierogis with sour cream.

No wine could better pair with 12 chairs fish dishes, such as Moroccan Fish or Sea Bream A La Plancha, than Pelter Sauvignon Blanc. This fun, fruity, and crisp wine is the perfect complement to the delicate flavors of sea bream filet, whether it’s cooked in spicy Moroccan tomato sauce or pan-grilled and served with fresh herbs salad and harissa lemon sauce. Bursting with a vibrant bouquet of green apple, wild flowers, and citrus notes, this lively white offers a clean, dry palate and a delightful balance of acidity and fruitiness.

With its light to medium body and complex fruit and floral profile, Pelter Sauvignon Blanc enhances the fish's natural flavors, adding a bright and invigorating dimension to your meal. The wine's crisp finish leaves a refreshing taste on the palate, perfectly complementing the sea bream's delicate texture.

Another great pairings are 12 Chairs chicken schnitzel or grilled chicken with Pelter Unwooded Chardonnay.

Unlike traditional Chardonnays, Pelter Unwooded Chardonnay forgoes oak aging, allowing pure fruit flavors to take center stage. This unique wine is characterized by tropical aromas of pineapple, pear, and grapefruit, with hints of lime zest and honeysuckle. This Pelter wine is rich and complex, with almost buttery undertones, yet it maintains a crisp, refreshing character and subtle green notes.

The Unwooded Chardonnay’s crisp and lively character with mineral undertones complement the chicken texture and honey mustard dressing, creating a harmonious pairing.

A versatile Rosé from the Upper Galilee's Kishor Winery is a delightful complement to many light dishes. Its luminous salmon hue instantly evokes summer. Bursting with vibrant flavors of strawberry, cranberry, and grapefruit, the wine is enlivened by sun-kissed Mediterranean herbs and a crisp mineral edge. Enjoy its pleasantly dry, easy-drinking character with a variety of stuffed blintzes. It’s also great with hummus – choose the style to your taste!

And for red wine lovers, we recommend a stunning blend crafted by a small boutique winery from the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights: Ein Teina Talia's Blend. A harmonious composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot, this wine offers a complex and deep profile of ripe fruit flavors with subtle spicy undertones. Aged for 13 months in French oak barrels, it develops layers of elegance and power.

A testament to the winemaker's artistry, particularly a woman's touch, Ein Teina Talia's Blend embodies a symphony of dark berries, blackberries, and hints of licorice. The wine's full body is supported by refined tannins, leading to a smooth and lingering finish. Subtle notes of vanilla and toasty warmth are imparted by the French oak aging.

This versatile wine pairs exceptionally well with a variety of Israeli dishes. It complements classic Middle Eastern fare like Arayes - grilled pita filled with minced lamb - or even heartier options such as 12 Chairs famous Lamburger with its enticing blend of spices. 

Vegetarians could enjoy this flavorful wine with spicy and aromatic vegetarian couscous. It’s also a pairing made in heaven.

These are just a few suggestions from the dozens of delicious options offered at both 12 Chairs locations. Pair these exceptional Israeli wines with the perfect dishes and find your favorite combination!

Discover more Israeli culinary gems in this in this great article by JTA.