Restaurants

Competitive pricing and generous portions ensure that Aviv retains a loyal following, and you’ll need to book in the evening. On our visit service was efficient, and complimentary crudités with pink mayonnaise arrived as soon as we sat down. Starters of meaty chopped liver, minced meat cigars and duck pancakes were cleared away fast (slightly too hastily, in fact); the first two were spot-on, but the thinly filled pancakes were a bit short on sauce. The set menus offer a variety of dishes, for three generous courses. Quantity is never an issue, whether you opt for half a barbecued chicken, the hefty kevas batanur (lamb on the bone) or perfectly grilled rib steak. With chips, rice, vegetables and salad arriving in abundance, plates soon jostle for space on the unadorned tables. The meat was inconsistent, however, even on one plate, with a mix of tender and chewy pieces. Sauces lacked finesse; an oversweet barbecue sauce was heavy with chilli, while the goulash lacked paprika and a mushroom sauce was over-salted. Dairy-free versions of classic desserts such as tiramisu aren’t the best choice; instead, go for sticky toffee pudding or fresh fruit salad. Overall, great value if you choose wisely.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008