Two new beachside venues open at Tel Aviv's Gordon Beach

Two new dining spots have opened at the iconic Gordon Beach location in Tel Aviv, replacing the short-lived Greco Beach, which closed unexpectedly in February after occupying the former Cafe London site. After a light renovation, the two adjacent venues opened in the same spot on one of the city's busiest stretches of shoreline, with a clear goal of offering something more serious than the usual tourist-trap beach fare.

The first, Malach Mayim, is a modern Israeli fish-and-skewer restaurant created by restaurateur Nevo Doctori together with chefs Tal Suhami and Elad Dagan, both formerly of Mansura and George & John. Doctori, who also brought Banana Beach to Tel Aviv, said he wants to challenge the old image of beach restaurants and turn the area into a culinary destination. The concept centers on an open kitchen, white ceramic walls and a modern skewer-house feel, while the food includes fish from the sea and the Sea of Galilee, grilled skewers, sardines with fries and Thai sauce, white-wine pasta with basil, Jasper-grilled burger, lamb chops with freekeh, schnitzel, hummus and falafel. Prices range from 58 shekels for a table spread of six salads to 185 shekels for lamb chops, and it also offers a 75-shekel lunch deal.

The second venue, Beach Craft, is a more relaxed beer-and-pizza place that lets customers take food and drinks straight to the beach. It offers more than 50 craft beers served in chilled cups or a beach-friendly bag, plus ciders, slush, margaritas and wine. The food menu focuses on sausages from Eran Bik, including chicken, beef with jalapeño and cheddar, and thin, crisp pizzas in three versions, margherita, Mediterranean and pepperoni. Beach Craft was opened by brothers Dan and Asaf Lavia, founders of the Malka Brewery 20 years ago. Both venues are on Gordon Beach, under the Sheraton Hotel, and Malach Mayim is open Sunday through Saturday from 12:00 to 23:00.