Raffaello: A nostalgic trip for heavenly Italian food - review

• Published date: 17 September 2023

Since I was asked to write about the chain, there was no alternative but to set off on this culinary adventure. The journey took an hour, and the lunch we enjoyed made it a journey well worth the effort

It was something of a sentimental pilgrimage, as this year we are marking 50 years since we made aliyah, and our first home was the absorption center in Kiryat Yam, very close to our destination.

You have to pay to go through the Haifa tunnels to the North, but I was told by my son, David, who has good friends in Haifa, that you can ask Waze for a route that avoids the tunnels.

Italian food lovers, this is the place for you

For lovers of Italian food, Raffaello is a favorite destination. The place is very attractive, surrounded by windows looking out onto greenery, a black and white marble floor, impressive chandeliers and a whole wall dedicated to displaying food-themed items.

We decided to decline the offer of cocktails, as we had a long drive ahead. However, I did indulge in a glass of cava, a Spanish sparkling wine with a real champagne feel to it, which was very uplifting (NIS 39).

Our meal began with two very good starters. My choice was "Buche Brulee Gnocchi," which were a lovely shade of purple, thanks to the addition of beetroot to the mix. The dish was topped with a sort of cheese pancake, and loads of Parmesan was grated on the top, as well as fresh cream sauce with chestnuts and nutmeg flavors (NIS 59).

My companion's first...