Last Updated on April 28, 2023
Tel Aviv, Israel’s vibrant and bustling city on the Mediterranean coast, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. From traditional Middle Eastern fare to international cuisine and fusion dishes, Tel Aviv is a foodie’s paradise. In recent years, Tel Aviv has gained a reputation as a culinary destination, with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors to suit every palate and budget.
In this article, we will explore six must-try food places in Tel Aviv, ranging from fine dining establishments to casual eateries and local street food vendors. These spots represent the diverse culinary landscape of Tel Aviv, showcasing the city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation.
First on our list is a restaurant that takes classic Middle Eastern dishes and puts a modern twist on them. Our second spot is a bustling market where you can sample street food from around the world. We’ll also take a look at a cozy cafe that specializes in vegan cuisine, a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the Mediterranean, a trendy cocktail bar with a rooftop terrace, and a dessert shop that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking to explore the flavors of Tel Aviv, these six food places are a must-try. So come with us on a culinary journey through Tel Aviv and discover some of the city’s most delicious and unique dining experiences.
#1 Anastasia Cafe
Address: Frishman Street 54
Anastasia is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in all of Tel Aviv, if not all of Israel. In fact, many popular review sites and food bloggers suggest that it is one of the best vegan restaurants in Tel Aviv. However, if you’re not into vegan food, don’t worry because the restaurant has non-vegan cuisine as well, and it is just as popular.
The restaurant is known for making some of the best vegan cheeses in the world. Their dessert menu is also worth dying for, and people are known to wait in long lines during the weekends to find a seat at Anastasia Cafe.
Anastasia is the ideal breakfast place in Tel Aviv. They serve fast and have an efficient staff to make sure you get your orders perfectly on time. Their in-house spreads include spicy cilantro chutney, sunflower aioli cream, and something called labneh, which is basically a yogurt-based cheese but very thickly made.
#2 Nola
Address: Dizengoff St 197
Nola is known for its fresh daily-made bread and also for its American-style breakfasts. It’s a great place for having a quick cup of coffee as well. The place is a hotspot for young people just hanging around during work breaks or after work hours.
More recently, Nola has become a hub for digital nomads and remote workers. Their outdoor seating options also make for an aesthetic experience, something you’ll enjoy on a fine Tel Aviv afternoon when the temperature is just right, and there’s a light breeze outside. Sit as long as you want here, and don’t forget to order yourself a cup of coffee and freshly-baked cookies.
#3 Ozen Bar
Address: King George St 48
Ozen is a great place to enjoy live music while you explore its delicious menu. It’s the place to be in Tel Aviv if you’re visiting the place with your friends. However, what Ozen Bar is mostly recognized for is the nightlife it offers, which is often regarded as Tel Aviv’s best.
The Tel Aviv nightlife is all about drinking and enjoying with your friends. As one of the best clubs in Tel Aviv, Ozen happens to provide the best experience when it comes to partying the night away. Ozen also made it to the list of Israel’s leading hotel chain Isrotel Hotels’ picks for the best Tel Aviv nightclubs. That’s high praise for this bar and gives the place a lot of credibility for tourists to check it out.
#4 Benedict
Address: Rothschild Blvd 29
Benedict is another popular breakfast location in Tel Aviv. It’s open 24/7, but the breakfast menu is available throughout the day. A lot of people choose Benedict as their go-to breakfast place after a night of heavy partying at one of the nearby nightclubs. The Tel Aviv nightlife followed by breakfast at Benedict is a deadly and popular combo, something you must experience if you’re ever in the city.
#5 The Little Burger Shop
Address: Dizengoff St 125
The Little Burger Shop serves some of the best burgers in Tel Aviv. That’s why you’re bound to find long queues of people waiting to order during busy hours.
It’s a small but ambient restaurant. It offers three mouthwatering meal choices – the classic, the Blumenthal, and the veggie crunch. Each meal is accompanied by a drink, a side dish, and three toppings of your choice. You’ll particularly enjoy the lamb and bacon-flavored fries paired with the wasabi coleslaw.
Prices at The Little Burger Shop range from $12 to $18, so it’s also a cost-friendly place to eat if you’re traveling on a budget.
#6 Susu and Sons
Address: Three Branches in Tel Aviv
Herzl St 6
Dizengoff St 166
HaHashmonaim St 96
Susu and Sons serve monster burgers that come in single, double, and triple sizes. You can also add a few toppings if you want, but it’s recommended that you spend the extra money on some of the sides, which include fries, sweet potato fries, and cheddar balls.
Try the lamb burger that comes with tahini and caramelized onions if you want an exquisite Mediterranean burger experience.
Apart from all this, there are many other popular restaurants and bars in Tel Aviv. However, these six are good places to start before you move on to explore the rest.