In the spring of 2022, Bottarga emerged as an oasis in the bustling alleys of Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market. Spanning a mere 12 square meters (130 square feet), this petite restaurant started as the dream of Priel Shabo — a young woman with an old soul and a culinary passion cultivated in the kitchen of Tel Aviv’s Azura restaurant. Shabo’s culinary style echoes that of a seasoned grandmother. You can find her daily at her vibrant stand, serving homemade delights in antique bowls, some of which were passed down to her by her grandmothers.

Priel Shabo. Photo: Noam Prisman

“Shabo’s pots with her take on Jewish ethnic dishes gently simmer over burners that ensure the dishes are caramelized to perfection. And those who are fortunate, get to relish the charred bits at the bottom of the pots,” Adeena Sussman remarks. “My favorite dishes include onions stuffed with rice that are cooked in pomegranate concentrate and sweet date molasses; an array of meat patties — with a special fondness for the tender ones with lemon and za’atar; chraimeh on the bone; and a zesty herb salad with any fruit currently available at the market at the peak of its season.”

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