Chef Moti Sofer Opens Lento, A Refined Italian Gastro-Bar in Hof HaCarmel

Chef Moti Sofer, well-known in Israel for his previous Italian restaurant La Repubblica, has launched a new dining concept called Lento in Hof HaCarmel, near Haifa. Opened in mid-April 2024 after a soft start following the closure of La Repubblica in October 2023, Lento offers a fresh take on Italian cuisine with a focus on high-quality ingredients and precise preparation rather than typical family-style pasta dishes. The restaurant is located behind a busy shopping center in Shfayim, with a spacious, modern interior featuring concrete, wood, iron, and abundant greenery.

The menu is concise and changes daily, including starters like pickled sardines with a poached egg, veal tartare, asparagus with sheep cheese, and focaccia, as well as main dishes such as pappardelle Romano, razor clams, risotto cacio e pepe, and a single steak option. The dishes emphasize minimal seasoning and highlight the quality of the raw materials, reflecting Sofer’s slow food philosophy and farm-to-table approach. The razor clams, a specialty more common in Spain, were praised for their perfect texture and generous portion.

The dining experience at Lento is described as quiet, clean, and refined, appealing to diners who appreciate subtlety and culinary precision rather than bold or extravagant flavors. The wine list is modestly priced, with no bottle exceeding 200 shekels. The total cost for a meal including several dishes but excluding drinks and service was about 474 shekels, offering good value for the quality provided.

Lento is positioned as a gastro-bar rather than a traditional Italian family restaurant, suitable for those seeking excellent food without the usual Italian clichés. Reservations can be made by phone at 09-959-5955. The restaurant adds a valuable culinary option to an area previously lacking in diverse dining choices.