Gastro Mechnico Opens in South Tel Aviv with Minimal Investment and Maximal Flavor
Gastro Mechnico, a neo-bistro offering local-European cuisine, opened in November in South Tel Aviv at 22 Chelanov Street. The restaurant is owned by childhood friends chef Pinchas Melotnik and restaurateur Sahar Visotsky. Due to Visotsky’s call-up for 500 days of military reserve duty, Melotnik’s partner, Shama Stark-Melotnik, took over management duties. The trio renovated the space themselves with family help, creating a small, intimate venue that feels like a welcoming home despite the challenging context of war and reserve service.
The restaurant’s name reflects its concept: "Gastro" refers to gastronomy, while "Mechnico" relates to kitchen mechanics, the tools and techniques behind cooking. Melotnik draws inspiration from classic European culinary methods, focusing on slow-cooked stocks, butter, duck, foie gras, and offal, rather than chasing trends. He describes the kitchen as his personal workshop where he cooks what he loves without restrictions, emphasizing the restaurant’s intimate and personal nature.
Melotnik, 37, grew up in northern Israel and attributes his passion for food to his grandfather. After early culinary experiences and a brief engineering study, he pursued cooking professionally, working with chef Israel Aharoni and managing kitchens before nearly quitting. The death of a close friend motivated him to continue his culinary path. The restaurant’s location was chosen for its low rent and potential despite neighborhood challenges.
Signature dishes include the "Under Skin Chicken," inspired by French ballotine, featuring chopped chicken with fresh herbs and foie gras wrapped in crispy skin served with chicken stock and lemon butter. Another highlight is the "Lace Dumplings," filled with veal sweetbreads, tongue, and oxtail, served with a plum sauce reflecting the Eastern European heritage of Melotnik’s partner.
Desserts are provided by neighboring pastry chef Alon Shabo, offering seasonal tarts and classic European finishes like Delice de Bourgogne cheese with honey and seasonal fruit. The wine list, curated by Stark-Melotnik, features gastronomic wines from France, Italy, Spain, and other countries, including accessible natural wines and Israeli boutique producers, with many options by the glass priced around 50 shekels.
The intimate setting, garden views, warm hospitality, and generous pours create a romantic and memorable dining experience. Gastro Mechnico operates Monday to Thursday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 11 pm, offering weekday discounts and requiring advance reservations. Prices range from 28 to 128 shekels per dish, with a typical meal for two costing about 473 shekels excluding drinks and tip.
