“I was served a generous salad of fresh tomato, cucumber and lettuce, freshly baked bread… succulent and juicy grilled chicken breast, rice, and an oriental salad… Aside from being great value for your money, the entire meal was a pleasure from the first to the last bite.” Michael Lazar enjoyed a relaxing mid-day meal at Caf? Monica in Tel Aviv.
It is a real luxury to be able to take a break in the middle of the day and go for an early lunch in the center of Tel Aviv. Most people are too busy with work or work too far away to afford to be able to step out at 12:00 for an hour or so to enjoy a good meal. As a result, yet again I found myself sitting alone in one of the nicest and most welcoming cafes around – Caf? Monica. But that really was ok. One immediately feels at ease here even if sitting alone.
The d?cor is welcoming and for a while you can forget that you’ve just stepped off one of the busiest streets in Tel Aviv. This is a unique place offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It’s the kind of place that one can just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere and the food. A quaint, surprisingly pampering cafe with a slightly European feel to it, Monica is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, which is a busy time in this area. The main focus of the food is therefore breakfast and lunch and there is a small selection of alcohol for those seeking after-work drinks.
The menu at Cafe Monica is well thought-out and offers something for everyone: a large selection of breakfasts, salads (served with bread), sandwiches and toasts (served with salad), pasta and quiches (also served with salad). Everything here is prepared on the premises from fresh ingredients. There is no compromise on quality here and one can understand why the restaurant is popular with tourists, locals and professionals working nearby. A steady stream of people keep the establishment lively, whether they’re stopping off for a quick coffee, something on the way to the office or taking a break from a day at the beautiful nearby beach. Monica offers a very attractive business lunch. Well, I came for lunch so lunch I ordered. I was served a generous salad of fresh tomato, cucumber and lettuce, freshly baked bread, a main course (succulent and juicy grilled chicken breast), two hot side dishes (rice and an oriental salad) and a drink for just 35 NIS. Aside from being great value for your money, the entire meal was a pleasure from the first to the last bite. Oh! And make sure to try their coffee. It’s one of the best around.
All the portions served here are generous and the prices are more than reasonable. You will not leave disappointed or hungry. I sure didn’t. If you do not have the luxury of time to sit, relax and enjoy a meal on the premises, there is no need to worry. Guy and his dedicated staff will send the food to you. All you have to do is call.
Cafe Monica
34 Ben yehuda St, Tel Aviv
Phone: 03-6208451
