Hansen (Meshek HaOfaimme)

Menu
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An appealing farm to table, kibbutz-like place to kibbitz with lots of simple and fresh eats!

Hansen is a former leper colony and hospital turned event space and farm-to-table cafe. You read that correctly.

If you ever pine for the 50’s and 60’s of Israel with a Kibbutz feel while sitting among the dirt and stones and rickety tables and equally earthy yet woke clientele, with fresh picked vegetables on your plate, Hansen is for you.

Climb the tower for some great views of the city.

This is a chic and hip eatery with down to earth prices. I was one of the oldest people in the joint for breakfast, and at 47, that is saying something. The prices were geared for the youth and not the parents, which I appreciated.

The location is large and is also used for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, gatherings and delegation events. There is a small cafe in the upper corner that can be accessed on Marcus or Gedalyahu Alon Streets that serves fresh meals daily.

Each dish is served on old hospital like trays that are linen white with black trim. The feel was reminiscent of the Israel of Ehskol and Meir. The Israeli salad was served in large chunks and tasted like these veggies were in the ground a few hours earlier.

The organic presentation was un-Israeli minimalist, yet perfect. The eggs with spinach, basil and scallion was very good and unlike other cafes, they only came with 5 sides and not 15. Little went to waste. The lasagna was very cheesy but surprisingly tasty. Served like Shakshuka in a round, piping hot skillet with only a minimal amount of pasta and in lieu of sauce, it was covered in fresh cut tomatoes. The organic and purest style struck me right.

The ambience was relaxed and inviting. Some people found little nooks and hide outs on couches away from the main kitchen for a more private and romantic meal. There was no music in the background and you could hear the person you were sitting with easily. Also, since this is a fortified location with walls around it, there was little outside noises and distractions.

Head inside to the store and you can see some of those same vegetables that adorned your plate that you can take home, along with flowers, organic honey, farm made cheeses and some sweets.

Hansen is a fun, fresh and organic experience cafe that will please your palate, along with your other senses.