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Knefeh at Francis, on St Francis Street in Wan Chai. Photos: Roy Issa

Francis’ Tel Aviv street food is full of delicious surprises

There are no reservations at the small open-front restaurant/wine bar, so you need to arrive before 6pm for the first sitting, or join a waiting list

Good Eating

This small open-front restaurant/wine bar on St Francis Street in the Star Street area of Wan Chai offers Tel Aviv street food and interesting boutique wines from Lebanon, South Africa, Italy and France. There are no reservations, so you need to arrive before 6pm for the first sitting otherwise there is a waiting list. The food is definitely worth the wait.

Interior of Francis on St Francis Street in Wan Chai.

We started with the baked halloumi with pomegranate molasses and wild oregano (HK$120) – a dish I have gone back for. It was heavenly with a slight sweetness from the pomegranate molasse and tanginess from the seeds. The burnt eggplant with pepper, chilli and yogurt (HK$70) was another winner as were the crispy and soft lamb ribs with orange, yogurt and coriander (HK$150). We wanted to order more of that dish, but the mains beckoned.

The Kafta spring lamb with beef, onion and tahini (HK$160) was another melt-in-the-mouth moment, and we enjoyed the smoked carrots with almond and spiced honey (HK$90). Carrots don’t sound sexy, but these are amazing, with the right balance of smoky and sweet flavours. Another surprise was the cauliflower smothered in yogurt and tarragon (HK$80), which has some grilled crunchy florets and others smothered in sauce.

Other mains we came back to try were the wagyu hanger (HK$210) with spiced butter – but the lamb is better.

For dessert, the knafeh mozzarella with orange blossom and pistachio (HK$80) was a nice ending to a delicious experience.

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