As we approach Motek, a crowd surrounds the hostess, dwarfing her stand. I’m stunned because it’s an out-of-season weekday, and yet, while still relatively new, Motek is slammed. Located in Midtown Boca’s Restaurant Row, the Mediterranean concept took over the former Fiolina Pasta House space, swapping out dolce vita vibes and crimson umbrellas for its signature vibrant yellows, lush greenery and warm contemporary design.
The family-owned restaurant has celebrated a significant expansion since opening its first location in 2020. Motek Boca is its seventh location in South Florida and first in Palm Beach County. Known for its Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired menu, its dishes tell the family’s story by bringing its native Tel Avivian flavors stateside.
We started with mushroom hummus ($17) and labneh za’atar ($13). Both were great portions to share and were excellent overall, with the labneh taking first prize in my book for its simple but rich thickness. The hummus is topped with whole mushrooms, pine nuts and a small spoonful of s’chug, a Middle Eastern condiment usually made of blended garlic, chiles, parsley, cilantro and other spices like cumin and coriander. It gave the dish a little bit of heat. It’s very creamy; I love chunkier hummus, but that’s my texture preference.
My dinner guest loves cooking but was unfamiliar with Israeli cuisine. Dishes did include many new flavors for her, like the s’chug, za’atar, sumac and even the labneh. Unfortunately, our server wasn’t as knowledgeable about the dishes to facilitate a seamless, enjoyable journey into Israeli cuisine as I’d hoped. The hummus comes with warm, toasty bread that he called pita, but it seemed more like laffa, a thicker and chewier version. Nonetheless, we slathered both the hummus and ultra-creamy labneh all over it with big smiles on our faces.
We also ordered the lamb shawarma ($38) and Moroccan fish ($39). I would return just for the lamb. It was perfectly cooked, seasoned and presented. Tender, thin pieces of lamb are served on pita and drizzled with tahini. They’re topped with pickled onions, and I loved that combination of flavors. The flaky sea bass is served with sesame seed challah, which I happily used to sop up the flavorful, spicy tomato and chickpea sauce. Unfortunately, we had to wait for serving spoons, and after each course, several dirty dishes were left on the table, so we placed them on a nearby credenza.
The space is stunning, the ambiance is lively, and the dishes deliver, so you’re sure to have a fun night out. Connecting through food is undeniable, regardless of where you’re from. Food is a way of expressing love and bringing people together. I hope my experience with our unprepared waiter was an isolated incident, because Motek has an opportunity to invite guests into the Israeli culture through its vibrant cuisine.
IF YOU GO
5377 Town Center Road, Boca Raton; 561/922-3319
PARKING: Parking lot
HOURS: Mon. – Thurs., 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
PRICES: Entrées $11.95 – $28.95
WEBSITE: motekcafe.com/boca-raton
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