Chez Vivi: The Essential Bistro for a Bustling City Street
Chef Asaf Gabay’s expertise shines through at Chez Vivi, where classic French techniques meet seasonal ingredients to create simple, high-quality bistro fare.
About Chez Vivi
Chef: Asaf Gabay
Cuisine Type: Mediterranean bistro
Kosher: No
Design: Naomi Kaplan and Reut Ravhon
Address: 166 Dizengoff St, Tel Aviv
In July 2023, Chez Vivi opened at the corner of Dizengoff and Ben-Gurion streets in Tel Aviv, offering an accessible local French bistro experience. Today, led by chef Asaf Gabay (formerly of Shine), the restaurant offers several dining formats. We focused on the "Open Table" tasting menu (served Sunday–Wednesday), which includes seven appetizers and a main course for 380 NIS per couple—making it one of the most worthwhile dining options in the city.
Why We Chose It
I have held great respect for Gabay since his days at Shine, his wonderful fish restaurant. At Chez Vivi, Gabay’s signature touch is evident: cooking that relies on classic techniques with an emphasis on fish, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. It is not overly complex, but simply good, honest bistro food.
At a time when a dinner for two in Tel Aviv often ends with a bill of 600–800 NIS, the "Open Table" menu offers a sane, satisfying alternative that justifies its price through quality and abundance.
The Chef’s Background
Asaf Gabay, 40, honed his skills at restaurants like Rokach 73 and Rokach in the Port. A pivotal internship with Michelin-starred chef Christophe Dufau at Les Bacchanales near Nice exposed him to the world of seafood, which remains the cornerstone of his culinary identity today.
Signature Dishes and Desserts
A standout is the classic Moules Frites, a dish synonymous with Gabay. He elevates the French classic by enriching the butter and white wine sauce with a deep crab stock. It is served with thin, crispy fries that perfectly soak up the sauce.
The meal begins with a sequence of appetizers: sea fish sashimi, beef tartare on brioche, grilled broccoli, and more. While the savory courses are excellent, the dessert menu could benefit from lighter, more seasonal options to better suit the summer heat.
Atmosphere and Service
We sat at the bar, served by an energetic bartender who clearly loves his craft. The warm, welcoming attitude makes you feel comfortable amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Every major tourist street in a big city needs a good bistro, and Chez Vivi is exactly that.
