Mob Deli Brings Authentic New York Pastrami Experience to Tel Aviv's Busy Allenby Street

Amid the ongoing light rail construction chaos on Allenby Street in Tel Aviv, a new culinary gem called Mob Deli has opened, offering an authentic New York deli experience. Founded by brothers Hagai and Amotz Bar Lev, Mob Deli opened in early 2024 after the duo traveled extensively across the United States to refine their vision and acquire a large American-made smoker weighing over 300 kilograms for brisket.

Hagai Bar Lev brings extensive culinary experience from renowned restaurants such as Shila and Mansoura, as well as bakeries and eateries in London and Berlin. Amotz, with a background in restaurant management and wine bars in Israel and hospitality studies in Australia, handles the business side. Their approach emphasizes handcrafted quality, with everything made in-house, from slow-smoked meats to freshly baked breads and homemade sauces.

The signature pastrami brisket sandwich, priced at 71 shekels, features 130 grams of tender, cherry wood-smoked beef brisket served on rye sourdough with mustard-mayo, pickled cucumber, and red onion. Another highlight is the lamb neck brioche sandwich (73 shekels), combining rich local flavors with chimichurri, garlic aioli, mixed greens, and pickled chili. The surprising standout was the cold-smoked salmon bagel (56 shekels), praised for its freshness and balanced ingredients.

While the prices are relatively high for quick lunch sandwiches in Tel Aviv, the brothers justify the cost by the artisanal preparation and premium ingredients, including expensive cuts of meat and labor-intensive curing and smoking processes. Mob Deli aims to offer a top-tier deli experience comparable to Manhattan's legendary delicatessens, making it one of Israel's best sandwich spots currently.

Address: 49 Allenby Street, Tel Aviv.