If you’ve ever wanted to go out but decided against it and would rather have a relaxed evening at home, Tel Aviv’s new social food club LP, which recently opened in the Imperial Hotel, is a great way to get the best of both worlds. Located in the far corner of a trendy Tel Aviv hotspot, it’s the perfect place to relax, grab some snacks and have a drink or two.
My guest and I immediately realized that LP had more of a New York cocktail bar vibe than what we both knew so well from our aliyah, having both originally come from the city’s suburbs and having lived there ourselves. We compared it to a Manhattan cocktail bar, but couldn’t quite put our finger on where exactly in the borough we would place it.
Yet just a block away is Tel Aviv’s Tayelet (promenade) along the beaches, where you can go from a big city feel to a summer oasis in minutes.
A summer oasis
The menu is reminiscent of a tapas restaurant, small but shareable portions (all in the 30-40 NIS range) perfect for tasty snacks between meals. The dishes are cooked on a Japanese grill, known among foodies for its ability to preserve flavor.
The steak tartare was particularly spicy. Although I was already sold on the dish by the description on the menu, I ended up buying it when I heard that the spiciness might be too hot for some. Normally, I don’t care how spicy something is, but when I hear that spiciness is on the menu, I’m drawn to it like a moth to a flame. The portion size was small, again reflecting the tapas experience, and I regretted leaving without ordering another portion. Honestly, it was a dish that alone would make me want to come back to the restaurant.
Next came the lamb liver kebab, which gave a taste of classic Middle Eastern flavors. The texture of this dish was not my favorite, but my guest had ordered it and I wanted to try it. Although he liked it, it would not have been enough for me. This was immediately followed by a spicy sausage dish that had all the flavors of a sausage, and this time we both regretted not ordering another portion.
Another notable dish we tried was the sashimi. Unlike other raw fish dishes of this type, LP seasoned it with oil instead of soy sauce. It was a pleasant surprise, especially because of the flavor profile it offered.
Some other dishes we didn’t get to try at this not-quite-kosher establishment were an asparagus dish, a Caesar salad (which was unfortunately unavailable that night), and a cheeseburger. The menu was limited for a person who eats kosher, and the limited choices reflect an establishment that is still in its early stages.
The cocktails at LP were a wonderful surprise. I’m not sure if it was the Arctic Monkey music playing over me that changed my mood, but this casual drinker was ready to try what was in store.
My guest enjoyed a classic cocktail, the Whiskey Sour. The alcohol was strong, but the rest of the drink’s ingredients certainly helped mask the flavor. I usually opt for lemonade or water, but LP only had homemade drinks. No sugary, processed, household names – and yet everything was incredibly delicious. My drink, the Clover Club, was exactly what I like. I explained my drink preferences to Dor, the bartender, and he found a drink that was exactly what I was looking for.
Consisting of hibiscus berries, lemon juice, and gin, I couldn’t have asked for a better drink. This drink was perfect for someone who prefers juice to wine at Shabbat meals, and I think I’ve found my new favorite.
LP is the perfect place for a night out when you temporarily leave Tel Aviv. If you don’t feel like getting up from the couch to go out, this cozy and relaxed environment gives you the best of both worlds. LP is a Tel Aviv gem that lives up to its name: it will last a long time and become a popular seaside hangout due to its great service that perfectly matches the great food.
- LP
- Hayarkon 66, Tel Aviv (corner of Trumpeldor)
- Phone: 073-264-9464
- Website: https://ontopo.com/he/il/page/83229959
- Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 18:00-01:00
- Prices: NIS 30–40 per tapas-style dish; NIS 40–60 for individual cocktails and drinks
- The writer and her guest were guests of the restaurant
LP is not kosher and is open on Shabbat.
