“House Number 3” is a beautiful old Arab building from the Ottoman Empire period,built in 1870 ,almost 140 years old, which has been lovingly restored by Leila and Hamoudi. It is delightfully located in the centre of Old Jaffa across the road from the Old Clock Tower and the famous local Flea Market.
As you walk up the candle lit stone stairs you immediately become aware of the stylized antique floor tiles in the dining room contrasting stunningly with the creamy unadorned stone walls. Here and there are Persian carpets with collections of ethnic chairs and copper topped tables placed round them.
In the Spring and Summer, after an evening of excellent food and wine you are invited to go up to the roof for Arab coffee and desserts, where, while sipping your after dinner drink, you are witness to one of the most stunning views in the Middle East. The roofs of Old Jaffa silhouetted by the reflecting moon on the Mediterranean on your right, the Old Clock Tower on your left ,Tel aviv and the shore beach and the general hubbub of Old Jaffa going on beneath you.
It’s about 17 years that the couple receives and serves their guests in the enchanting living room of cushions, candles and local ethnic furniture, designed in a King Table setting they host reserved groups for Sea Food and Fish Local Meals ingeniously created by Hamoudi.
Hamoudi is a gifted chef and well respected by his peers. His monthly Master Chef workshops are always overbooked. Two years as a fisherman filled him with an understanding and deep passion for sea food. He has a unique relationship with Jaffa’s fishermen and masses of know-how in selecting the freshest and best quality fish and sea food.
Leila’s hosting skills are immediately felt and her calm presence only adds to the warm ambiance of the house. She takes care of each and every guest’s needs and makes sure the dinner runs smoothly and in a relaxed atmosphere. The seemingly endless flow of tempting dishes is accompanied by a selection of excellent wines. As a finishing touch to a dinner of outstanding food and exceptional service, a Nargilla is passed among the guests to accompany the Arab coffee and sweet desserts.