Michelin-Starred Israeli Chef Matan Zaken Plans First Restaurant in Tel Aviv

Israeli chef Matan Zaken, renowned for earning a Michelin star at his Parisian restaurant Nhome, is preparing to open his first restaurant in Israel. Zaken is partnering with restaurateur Alexander Sochanovsky, known for the restaurant Gagjin and currently launching two new venues in Tel Aviv and Herzliya with chefs Gadi Bur and Yoni Danon. Their initial project will be an intimate fine dining restaurant in Tel Aviv, inspired by Zaken's Parisian culinary style, offering a meticulously crafted tasting menu aimed at international standards.

Following this, the duo plans to open a high-end bistro to make Zaken's culinary approach accessible to a broader audience. Sochanovsky described Zaken as an exceptionally talented chef who has achieved rare recognition in the competitive Parisian culinary scene. He emphasized the importance of discipline and the unique personal style Zaken brings to his cooking.

While the partners acknowledge that bringing the Michelin Guide to Israel is a complex, larger-scale endeavor beyond a single restaurant, they aim to build a venue that meets Michelin standards and attracts the guide's attention. Sochanovsky expressed confidence in Israel's culinary scene, highlighting the country's quality ingredients, talent, and discerning diners familiar with global cuisine. The project is still in early stages, but both are enthusiastic about advancing Israel's gastronomic reputation.