Biga, Kenyon Ayalon
November 2024
Biga is a chain of over 20 premium cafe/restaurants located in shopping malls throughout Israel. Each branch restaurant is characterized by its charming and inviting decor, a full dairy menu and a Boulangerie where you can purchase freshly baked breads and pastries.
"The best things in life come from the oven" the sign says, and Biga is proof of this. Even if you are just passing by you won't be able to pass on the baked goods - the breads, croissants, muffins, all are freshly baked at the restaurant in a stone oven.
The Biga Restaurant in Kenyon Ayalon is among our favorite branches. This restaurant could not be more convenient, located In the middle of the mall, second floor, at the top of the escalator and around the bend. There is seating in the large space in the center of the mall and inside, out of the flow of the shoppers.
Yishai, one of two owners of this franchise is a British oleh. You’ll notice the influence of The Kingdom on this restaurant in the polite service, the presentation of the dishes, and the serving spoons.
Biga is a retreat from the hectic business of shopping. Have a seat and relax, while the kitchen works frantically to get the food to your table. Every day there are 2-3 chefs in the kitchen and on Friday there can be as many as 5 chefs preparing the baked goods and orders.
There is no wonder the kitchen is a hub of activity. Biga has a full menu of pasta dishes, soups and salads. Sandwiches (that come with a side salad) are served on the Biga signature sour bread. There is also a long list of fish dishes all under 100 shekels. Vegan, gluten free, and spicy dishes are clearly marked on the menu. When you are all done, you haven't finished. You must top off your meal with a shake and yummy desserts.
What are we going to eat? As we perused the menu.
My companion went straight for the shakshuka.
Of all the specialty items to choose from, you want shakshuka? Besides, this is dinner! Who eats shakshuka for dinner?
Turns out the full Biga menu, including the breakfasts, is available all day. So if you don't have a nagging wife, you too can have shakshuka for dinner.
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The highlight at Biga, says Yishai, is the Italian menu. By that he means the pastas spaghetti, risotto, pappardelle, tortellini, ravioli, cannelloni and 5-6 types of pizza. So, pasta it will be.
My companion started this meal with a generous bowl of creamy "orange soup"
which was served pleasantly warm, and not too salty. It came with focaccia and olive oil and balsamic vinegaret dip.We then shared the cauliflower starter. This was a nice warm dish of boiled cauliflower on a bed of techina, topped with onions and pine nuts, my favorite.
At the recommendation of the restaurant, for our main course we shared one order of pappardelle, wide noodle-pasta. The pasta was in a mushroom cream sauce that had a light truffle flavor and real fresh mushrooms, And I can tell the difference.  The pasta was served with a bowl of grated parmesan cheese. This was a very satisfying dish and with the soup and the starter, made a very full meal. We were impressed with the fresh flavors and that warm dishes were actually delivered while they were still warm.
Desserts: Does someone expect me to skip the desserts at a dairy cafe/restaurant? In addition to the baked goods, Biga has a menu of fancy desserts. Belgian waffles and other creations are a hit. We decided to top off our meal with an ice cold sweet and frothy shake.
Events and Catering: Biga in Ayalon is a perfect venue for parties and get-togethers. There is plenty of parking, easy access, and plenty of room. Private events are held in the inner section of the restaurant which can be closed off, while the restaurant continues to seat other customers in the mall section.
Catering: The restaurant will prepare platters for events at your home or other locations. Offices in the area often order light food for meetings and celebrations. Individual take way from the restaurant menu is also an option.
Finding Biga: We came into the mall from the Gan entrance. We took the escalator at the center of the mall up two levels, and the restaurant was to our left.
About Kenyon Ayalon: Kenyon Ayalon, Azrieli Mall, was the first enclosed mall in Israel. The mall was founded in 1985, but from the look of it you would think it new. Of the many malls that followed, Ayalon is the most well-designed enclosed mall of them all. The Ayalon mall has a great selection of attractive shops, movies and many restaurants. Kenyon Ayalon is a large mall with a boutique feel. The parking lot wraps around the mall, so you can park near your destination.
From the menu:
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