M25 is well known to “Tel-Avivians” and foodies in generally. A butcher shop and restaurant offering choice cuts of meat, it has a special place in the dining scene. There are 2 locations, but the one most known is in the Carmel Market, with an outdoor, mercifully covered, dotted with fans patio and tables inside by the display containers and outside by the entrance under an awning.
The food is superb. The Arayes, basically seasoned ground meat stuffed into a bread pocket, are superlative. The tongue is another tasty appetizer. The hummus and tomato starter is excellent too, but given the variety of excellent hummus places nearby (such as Asi and Adnan), it’s not something to fill up on.
To get the full experience though you’ll need to take the notepad sheet with your number given by a waiter or waitress and go to the butcher display case. There the butcher will guide you based on your preferences – such as fattier meat (prime rib) vs leaner (sirloin) or chewier (lamb leg) vs more tender (skirt steak skewers) and, of course, medium or however you like it prepared. Highlights include the sweetbread skewers, the merguez sausage and the prime rib. The meat is served with a mustard on the side that pairs nicely.
This eater avoided a food coma by passing on the seemingly delicious desserts.
The food is superb and the service is attentive. The meal is definitely not cheap. This is a casual place with outstanding food, which you will pay for. It gets quite crowded on Fridays and, if you can help it, try to go off peak as there can be a line. It’s conveniently located in the Carmel Market, so you can explore the area and get some shopping done before or after your meal. All in all, it’s an experience that should not be missed.
