October 04
Bistro 56 is an up market restaurant that suits its location in the up market Arena mall. Park in the yellow area and take the elevator straight up to the restaurant on level 1. Access is wheelchair friendly. Parking is free.
Bistro 56 is a spacious restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant boasts an expansive deck overlooking the mall plaza and the picturesque boat marina.
The lovely indoor area is modern and sleek. There is a variety of seating options at tables, banquettes, and if you like to watch the cooking, at the counter of the open kitchen. We think of this as a California style restaurant, with open space, comfortable seating, modern decor and a relaxed but classy atmosphere.
Bistro 56 is a French style meat restaurant with a Mediterranean flair. The menu offers a pleasant balance of meat, fish and vegetable dishes at each course. From start to finish, from the decor to the dessert, Bistro 56 is a very professional endeavor. It is obvious that this restaurant was planned and is run by a very skilled and experienced hand. Indeed, owner Ronny Klein has a wealth of restaurant experience both in Israel and abroad. He has been a part of some of the greatest Israeli culinary successes, and from the looks of it, Bistro 56 is about to be another.
Why "56?" Does this number have any significance? We tried to figure it out.
My dinner companion and I chose a snug indoor table for two, along the glass wall that abuts the outdoor deck. The menu, in sturdy holders, is available in both Hebrew and English.
"You'll want the Buffalo Wings!" we were told, for a meaty starter with some kick.
This may be the only place on earth where buffalo have wings, and we weren't about to miss this. This dish turned out to be just chicken wings, but it did not disappoint. The wings had a crispy coating and a delectable barbecue flavor. Delicious as it is, this dish does present a challenge to polite restaurant etiquette. A refuse dish offered along with the wings and a finger bowl afterward took care of this issue.
 I chose the mushroom salad which was a generous portion of fresh mushrooms served on a bed of lettuce with pine nuts and garlic slices, flavored with a lovely dressing. This was quite a delicious way to start our dinner.
The salmon main dish is beautifully presented on a bed of stir-fried vegetables. This dish is a delight for the eye and the pallet. My companion enjoyed a steak prepared just as he likes it, and served as a fan of sliced meat on a tower of potatoes, mushrooms, and dried tomatoes. We noted that our choices were presented on plates that were appropriate for the food and not necessarily matched sets.
You can expect the extras in a restaurant of this caliber and sure enough, sorbet was served between courses and after the main course came moist towelets. Fresh cutlery came with every course, and there was not a wish that wasn't met.
What is the significance of the number "56," we asked. "After dessert" came the reply.
Bistro 56 prides itself on the desserts, which are outstanding parve delicacies made exclusively for the restaurant by the in-house pastry chef. The Apple Crumb is served with a scoop of ice cream that will have you wondering about the parve. The fancy Cherry Amareno dessert topped with Grand Marnier liqueur is a one-of. Though I have rarely heard anyone rave about parve desserts, I can imagine coming to this restaurant just for these treats.
The parve limitation does not seem to inconvenience Bistro 56 in any way. On Fridays this restaurant offers a brunch menu without milk and without cheese. The menu includes French toast, pancakes, eggs, as well as delicious breads, fish, salads, and even some meats. How's that for chutzpa!
Bistro 56 has seating for up to 160 people. You can feel comfortable coming to this restaurant with as many friends as you have, or you can hold your simcha at this restaurant.
And the "56" - this restaurant was born in Israel's 56th year. From the way it looks, we will be explaining this well into the millenium.
Appetizers: NIS 30, Main courses NIS 59 - 95, Dessert approximately NIS 30.
Business lunch till 5:00pm ranges from NIS 59 to NIS 95 per person. The eLuna discount coupon does not apply to the business lunch.
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