Restaurant: Brunch at Piccotto in Zichron Yaakov

We happened upon this restaurant while strolling through Zichron Yaakov, looking for a place to eat brunch. It turned out to be an excellent deal in a very pleasant setting — about a dozen mezes, alongside fresh-baked bread, coffee and an omelet/shakshuka of your choosing, for 56 shekels a person (about $13).

Fresh vegetables and local herbs played a large role in the mezes, of which all but one (the smoked salmon) were vegetarian. Lots of tahini sauces, and lots of fresh zaatar. My favorites included the sprouted lentils in sage oil (I’m already sprouting my own in order to create an imitation), seared peppers with feta and smoked eggplant salad. Here’s the full menu in Hebrew.

In fact, I almost had no room for my shakshuka. There are some days when I just wish I were capable of eating more.

It turns out we came at the right time, however — the regular menu is significantly more expensive (80-120 shekels per main dish) and aside from say, two, appetizers, it has no vegetarian dishes.

Still, getting that great range of dishes, and for that price, made it well worth it for me. Some of them will certainly be inspiring my next brunch at home.

Piccotto, 41 Hamesaydim, Zichron Yaakov. (04) 629-0646. Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Not kosher.
פיצ’וטו, המסיידים 41, זיכרון יעקב