Tel Aviv is a food lover’s paradise, with its vibrant culinary scene featuring a wide variety of cuisines, flavors, and styles. From casual street food to fine dining, the city offers something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat in Tel Aviv, based on their food quality, ambiance, and overall experience.
- Miznon – Miznon is a popular street food chain that has become an institution in Tel Aviv. Known for its creative and flavorful takes on traditional Mediterranean dishes, Miznon offers a lively and fun atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a quick and tasty bite. Their signature dish is the pita filled with slow-cooked lamb, roasted cauliflower, or grilled steak, which is both delicious and filling.
- Port Said – Located in the hipster neighborhood of Florentin, Port Said is a trendy restaurant that serves up modern Israeli cuisine in a lively and energetic setting. The menu is focused on fresh and seasonal ingredients, with dishes like grilled octopus, beef tartare, and homemade pasta. The vibe is relaxed and fun, with a large outdoor seating area that is perfect for people watching.
- Taizu – For those looking for a fusion of Asian flavors in Tel Aviv, Taizu is the perfect spot. This stylish restaurant offers a diverse menu of Asian-inspired dishes, ranging from Thai curries to Japanese sushi rolls, all prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The decor is modern and chic, with a sleek bar area that is perfect for cocktails and drinks.
- HaSalon – If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience, HaSalon is the place to go. This restaurant, which is owned and operated by Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani, is known for its lively atmosphere, open kitchen, and communal dining tables. The menu is focused on fresh and seasonal ingredients, with dishes like roasted cauliflower, homemade bread, and grilled meats.
- Shila – Shila is a popular restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood dishes. Located in the heart of the Carmel Market, Shila offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The menu features a wide variety of seafood options, including grilled octopus, fried calamari, and fresh fish cooked to order.
- Ouzeria – Ouzeria is a charming Greek-style taverna that offers traditional Greek dishes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The menu is focused on fresh and seasonal ingredients, with dishes like grilled halloumi cheese, lamb chops, and Greek salad. The outdoor seating area is particularly lovely, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
- Puaa – Puaa is a hidden gem in the heart of Jaffa, serving up delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in a cozy and intimate setting. The menu is focused on fresh and seasonal ingredients, with dishes like lamb kebab, homemade hummus, and roasted eggplant. The decor is rustic and charming, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
- Teder.FM – Teder.FM is a popular hangout spot in Tel Aviv, offering a unique combination of food, drinks, and live music. The restaurant serves up creative and flavorful dishes, ranging from homemade pizza to vegan burgers, all served in a casual and laid-back atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is particularly lively, with a large screen that plays movies and music videos throughout the night.
- North Abraxas – North Abraxas is a hip and trendy restaurant located in the heart of Tel Aviv, offering a unique and creative menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The menu is constantly changing and evolving, with dishes like burnt eggplant
with tahini and pistachio, grilled lamb chops with harissa, and smoked trout with labneh. The decor is eclectic and funky, with an industrial-chic vibe that adds to the restaurant’s cool factor.
- M25 – M25 is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Tel Aviv’s bustling Carmel Market. This intimate and cozy restaurant offers a menu of creative and flavorful dishes that draw inspiration from around the world, including dishes like beef carpaccio with truffle oil, lamb meatballs with tahini, and tuna tartare with avocado. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with friendly staff and a warm and welcoming vibe.
- Tasting Room – Tasting Room is a fine dining restaurant that offers a tasting menu of innovative and delicious dishes. The menu changes seasonally and is based on the chef’s inspiration, with dishes like scallops with green apple, foie gras with cherry jam, and beef with bearnaise sauce. The atmosphere is refined and elegant, with a minimalist decor that allows the food to take center stage.
- Shlomo & Doron – Shlomo & Doron is a must-visit for falafel lovers in Tel Aviv. This small and unassuming shop in the heart of Carmel Market serves up some of the best falafel in the city, with a crispy and flavorful exterior and a tender and moist interior. The toppings are simple and classic, with hummus, tahini, and fresh vegetables.
- Dalida – Dalida is a chic and trendy restaurant located in the heart of the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. The menu offers a mix of French and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, with dishes like beef bourguignon with mashed potatoes, lamb kebab with pomegranate sauce, and crème brûlée with cardamom. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, with a beautiful outdoor seating area that is perfect for a romantic dinner.
- Dr. Shakshuka – Dr. Shakshuka is a legendary restaurant that specializes in the eponymous Middle Eastern dish of shakshuka. The dish consists of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, and is served with pita bread for dipping. Dr. Shakshuka offers a variety of versions of the dish, including vegetarian, meat-filled, and even seafood-filled. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a large outdoor seating area that is perfect for groups.
In conclusion, Tel Aviv is a foodie paradise with a diverse and exciting culinary scene. From casual street food to fine dining, the city offers something for everyone, with innovative and creative menus that draw inspiration from around the world. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, traditional Israeli dishes, or international cuisine, these 14 restaurants are some of the best places to eat in Tel Aviv.
