Opening up a restaurant is hard at any time -- it requires passion, hard work, time and investment. Now add on the hardships brought on by COVID; the challenges are amplified. Thankfully, that didn't stop Jonathan and Benjamin Mishaev from opening their east end restaurant, Limon, in October of 2020.
Born in Tel Aviv, the brother duo has been enjoying and thinking about food for as long as they can remember -- dining out in family-owned restaurants, being inspired by new flavours and falling in love with Israeli cuisine. Eventually, they realized that they wanted to bring Israeli food to more people.
The brothers intend to run an elevated Israeli restaurant, one that showcases their experience and roots. Given all of the current restrictions we're facing (and have been facing since they opened), they were forced to rethink how best to introduce their food to people. Fortunately, their food lends itself well to takeout. On the menu, you can feast on offerings like kefta, killer falafel pita sandwiches and fried cauliflower.
Salatim (Israeli spreads and salads) are offered to-go as well. In addition to meal items, they've also curated a range of delightful pantry items like halva, honey, coffee beans, locally-made hot sauces and pita chips. They've also put together a bottle shop of 30+ beers from various top-notch local breweries and a vast selection of low-intervention wines from around the world.
As we wonder what the spring and summer may bring, the brothers are hopeful for new opportunities -- planning for dine-in services with incredible cocktails, opening a patio with the help of CaféTO and having a cafe with pastries to bring in people strolling by their storefront. Their pastries and baked goods feature tehina (what you may know as tahini) cookies to halva chocolate brownies.
So next time you're craving Israeli-style food, try Limon, located at 1968 Queen St. E. and available for takeout or delivery as we await getting the whole experience.
