Chef Bentzi Arbel Reopens Calabria in Tel Aviv with Refined Southern Italian Cuisine
Chef and restaurateur Bentzi Arbel, known for his successful Italian dining concepts in Tel Aviv, has recently reopened Calabria at a new location on Ben Zion Boulevard near King George and Dizengoff Center. Arbel, who trained in southern Italy and worked under Jonathan Roshfeld at Herbert Samuel, has built a reputation for blending casual street food vibes with quality, carefully prepared dishes. Calabria focuses on southern Italian cuisine from the Calabria region, complementing Arbel's other venues like Capra Mio and Taverna Romana.
The new Calabria occupies a larger space with both an indoor air-conditioned section and an outdoor seating area with fans, maintaining a lively and informal atmosphere typical of Italian street eateries. The menu is divided into five categories, including fried dishes, antipasti from Rome southwards, pizzas, pastas, and meat dishes. Wine and cocktail selections are basic and understated.
Dishes sampled include focaccia, Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes), and Portobello al Forno, all praised for their high-quality ingredients and precise execution. The Cacio e Pepe pasta was served perfectly al dente with a balanced sauce, while the Apicius chicken skewer, marinated in honey, wine, dates, and garum, was flavorful though slightly sweet. For dessert, the Tortta Caprese, a chocolate almond cake with hazelnut nougat cream and lightly spiced whipped cream, was noted for its balanced sweetness and texture.
Arbel's marketing savvy was highlighted by his recent campaign referencing "Trattoria Una," demonstrating his skill as a spin doctor alongside his culinary talents. The overall dining experience at Calabria was described as very satisfying, offering one of the better southern Italian food options in Tel Aviv, with a price point justified by the quality. The restaurant leans more toward a casual trattoria than a formal ristorante, making it a recommended spot for relaxed, high-quality Italian fare.
The meal cost 455 shekels, including two glasses of Gavi wine, with the food alone totaling 357 shekels. Calabria is located at 1 Ben Zion Boulevard, Tel Aviv.
