25 essential Tel Aviv Restaurants: where and what to eat in Israel’s food capital

I lived in Tel Aviv for a year and a half and feel like I need more years to try all the Tel Aviv restaurants! Tel Aviv is a food haven; you’ll never walk into any restaurant with bad food. Here’s a local Tel Aviv food guide (with a map!)

Hi Trisha! I love watching your food stories on Instagram. They’re all very informative! I’m going to Tel Aviv soon but I couldn’t find your food stories on the Instagram highlights. Can you please put it back or maybe make a blog about Tel Aviv food guide? I would like to try the places you’ve been to. They all look very good. Thanks a lot and more power!

Leonie Brauer, Germany

👉🏽 See also: 13 Tel Aviv street food icons and where to find them

Hi Leonie!

Thank you for always watching my food stories on Instagram! It’s really one of my priorities when traveling. I’m glad you like it! Tel Aviv is really a food capital – I think this is the only city I’ve been to where there are many places open till late.

Israelis are voracious eaters. The culture here is eating out after a long day at work. I don’t have a lot of friends who cook a lot in their homes!

Israel has the highest percentage of vegans all over the world. 5-10% of the population is vegan so vegan food is served everywhere! I still listed the best vegan restaurants below.

It’s just a note that there’s always a vegan menu anywhere in Tel Aviv.

As requested, here’s a Tel Aviv food guide where I only included the top 5 in each category that I’ve tried. If you ever come across a restaurant that isn’t on the list, please leave a comment and let me know! I will definitely try it out.

Thanks a lot and let me know which one you liked best! Enjoy your time in Tel Aviv!

Xx, Trisha

💲 Tel Aviv food costs

I won’t lie – Tel Aviv is expensive. I lived in Tel Aviv for a year and a half and I have no idea how I was able to survive financial-wise.

The cost of living in Tel Aviv is so high that most of my Israeli friends who work here say that it’s just breakeven. They don’t save. They live day by day. They take it one day at a time.

In this Tel Aviv restaurants guide, I put some price points in each of the places for you to determin your Tel Aviv travel budget.

• $: up to $1­5 USD
• $$: $16­ to $40 USD
• $$$: $40­ to $65 USD
• $$$$: $66 USD and up

I say put at least $50 USD per day just for the food budget in Israel. This is really an expensive country but I guarantee you that your money is worth it. I’ve never been to any Tel Aviv restaurants that serve bad food!

The Tel Aviv restaurants with the 🏆 icon are those who have received international awards and are part of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards and accolades.

🗺️ Map of Tel Aviv restaurants

🥘 25 top-rated Tel Aviv restaurants

Port Said: the Tel Aviv icon

📍Har Sinai St 5
💲 from $14 USD

Port Said is an iconic restaurant in Tel Aviv, known for its innovative fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, served in a hip, lively atmosphere. The venue combines retro and modern decor near the Great Synagogue, with vinyl records section and eclectic music playing.

The menu, designed by famed chef Eyal Shani, features creative dishes like the baked cauliflower and the beef tartare. Not only that Port Said is one of the top Tel Aviv restaurants but this is also a great spot for cocktails or pre-drinks.

Anastasia Cafe: best vegan

📍Frishman Street 54
💲 from $12 USD

Anastasia Tel Aviv is actually a vegan restaurant and is considered one of the best in Tel Aviv but if you’re not a vegan, it will work, too.

This restaurant makes the best vegan cheeses in the world and their desserts are always worth a try even if you’re too full! Anastasia is always full of people, so expect to wait in line on weekends.

This restaurant in Tel Aviv is more popular as a breakfast place as it is very central. You can call to try to make a reservation but in my experience, they only do this every Friday (Shabbat).

They serve food really fast and the staff is very efficient. My favorite breakfast plate here is the ‘Open Table’ which is a variation of house spreads – sunflower aioli cream, spicy cilantro chutney, and labneh which is a thick yogurt-based cheese.

A by Yuval Ben Neriah: meticulous Japanese

📍Derech Menachem Begin 121
💲from $35 USD
🏆 Middle East’s 50 Best Restaurants

Led by the esteemed Chef Yuval Ben Neriah, the kitchen creates masterful dishes showcasing a symphony of flavors and textures, drawing influences from across the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Highlights from the menu include fresh seafood, succulent meats, and vibrant vegetables prepared with artistic flair. A Restaurant also has the most extensive sake menu in Tel Aviv that can be ordered in different shuki sizes (from $12 – $248 USD).

Nola: best American breakfast

📍Dizengoff St 197 
💲from $13 USD

I’ve never been to New Orleans but my Israeli friends always say Nola has that vibe. They serve fresh bread daily and have a generous portion of American breakfasts.

I came here often for coffee in the afternoon as they also have great spaces for digital nomads/online workers. You will see a lot of these people hanging out (and working) at Nola.

Both their indoor and outdoor seating are great – choose wherever you want to sit as long as it’s not full. And oh, try their cookie selection, too!

You can order bread from Nola to take home. They bake their bread every day! The staff is not too friendly so you might want to skip this if you’re looking for great service. I only go here when I crave American breakfast.

Animar: best Mediterranean

📍 Retsif Herbert Samuel St 94
💲 from $25 USD
🏆 Middle East’s 50 Best Restaurants

Animar is a mediterranean-centric restaurant with a space that presents a stylish backdrop for the menu’s centerpiece – fresh, locally sourced seafood, simply but masterfully prepared.

Their menu change seasonally, showcasing the best of Israel’s marine and agricultural bounty. The raw bar is particularly impressive, offering an array of fresh oysters, tartares, and ceviches.

The kitchen also prepares delectable meat and vegetable dishes, if you’re not a fan of seafood. Make sure to ask for the best Israeli wines to pair with the dishes – their servers are highly knowledgeable about pairings.

Note: Animar is located inside the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv.

Cafe Yom Tov: best outdoor brunch

📍Yom Tov St 30 
💲 from $12 USD

I don’t know about you but sometimes, I just want to sit in a nice environment for breakfast and just be quiet. Yom Tov (good day in English), offers that kind of vibe — it has full outdoor seating in a street where people normally pass by.

The passersby won’t bother you that much, I swear. Take it as an opportunity to do people-watching in Tel Aviv. Its close proximity to the Carmel Market is the reason the ingredients are fresh!

This restaurant is not only for breakfast as, during mid-day, but it also turns into a trendy restaurant where you can have your lunch and dinner, too.

I went here a lot and the best tip I can give you is to never come here for Friday brunch – you’ll wait hours to get a table. On weekdays, come before 10:00 am as it tends to be full after this hour.

Thai House

📍 Bograshov St 8
💲 from $53 USD

A slice of Bangkok in Tel Aviv, Thai House offers the most authentic Thai cuisine in the city. This isn’t your average Pad Thai joint; we’re talking Thai food so authentic, you’ll question if you’re still in Israel.

The “Green Curry with Eggplant and Tofu” and “Tom Yam Soup” are as good as it gets outside of Bangkok. Complement your meal with the “Thai Mojito,” a refreshing cocktail with an infusion of lemongrass and galangal.

Be sure to make a reservation, this place gets packed!

George & John: best restaurant in Israel

📍 Auerbach St 6
💲 from $85 USD
🏆 Middle East’s 50 Best Restaurants

George and John is an upscale restaurant situated in the historic Drisco Hotel in Tel Aviv’s trendy Neve Tzedek district. Housed in a restored 19th-century building, the restaurant exudes old-world charm complemented by chic modern touches.

The menu, crafted by Chef Tomer Tal, explores the diversity of Israeli cuisine, with a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Dishes are beautifully presented, featuring bold flavors and innovative combinations.

Standout dishes include the fresh fish of the day and the slow-cooked lamb. The wine list is equally impressive, offering a wide range of Israeli and international wines. George & John is a stylish dining destination with a nod to heritage.

Dok: best Jewish cuisine

📍 Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St 27
💲 from $35 USD

Dok is a boutique farm-to-table restaurant nestled in the heart of Tel Aviv. This restaurant takes pride in sourcing Israeli produce, ensuring the freshest ingredients for its inventive, rotating menu.

FYI, the menu changes almost daily so it’s possible you’ll visit Dok more than once during your trip to Tel Aviv!

This intimate restaurant radiates a relaxed and warm ambiance, featuring rustic elements that reflect its agricultural ethos. There are 2 small tables and a bar that can seat 8-people with an open kitchen where you can see all the action.

HaBasta: best local market spot

📍 HaShomer St 4
💲 from $12 USD
🏆 Middle East’s 50 Best Restaurants

HaBasta is a vibrant restaurant located next to Tel Aviv’s bustling Carmel Market. Its name, meaning “The Stall,” is fitting, as it brings the market’s fresh ingredients straight to the table.

The menu changes daily to reflect the freshest finds, often incorporating playful twists on traditional dishes. The ambiance is casual and lively, reflecting the market’s energy.

Locals and tourists alike relish the diverse menu, which could include anything from freshly caught fish, to hearty meat dishes, to innovative vegetarian options. With its intimate seating, friendly staff, and inventive cuisine, HaBasta is a dynamic slice of Tel Aviv’s culinary scene.

M25: best barbecue

📍Simtat HaCarmel 30
💲 from $12 USD

M25 is a vibrant, meat-centric restaurant located in the heart of Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market. Named for its location within the meat market, M25 serves a menu of locally-sourced, expertly-prepared meats and they sell uncooked ones, too!

The restaurant’s industrial design, featuring exposed brick and butcher-block tables, enhances its market ambiance. Highlights of the menu include tender steaks, succulent kebabs, and juicy burgers, all from the grill!

Complemented by a selection of fresh salads and innovative sides, the dishes celebrate the flavors of the Middle East.

Opa: plant-based paradise

📍 Ha-Khalutzim St 8
💲 from $30 USD

Tucked in the trendy Levinsky Market district, Opa is a plant-based foodie’s paradise. Here, vegetables are the stars of the show.

Chef Shirel Berger’s vegan creations, like the “Kohlrabi Ravioli with Fermented Tomato Sauce,” are sublime and will change your perception of vegan food.

No detail is overlooked, right down to the cocktail list. “The Garden,” a vodka-based cocktail with celery, green apple, and elderflower, is a must-try. Also try the “Opa Cocktail,” a beautifully balanced mix of gin, St. Germain, lemon, and grapefruit.

Benedict: 24/7 breakfast

📍 Rothschild Blvd 29 
💲 from $13 USD

I don’t remember intentionally going to Benedict for breakfast but it was always a routine after going out of the Breakfast Club, a popular nightclub in Tel Aviv.

I’ve only been to the Rothschild branch as it’s a popular avenue but I heard the other branches are good, too. Benedict is open 24/7 – it will feed your breakfast craving any time of the day!

Benedict is not somewhere you’ll go intentionally. I just go to Benedict because it’s always just there when I go out of the club. It’s always nice to know that you have somewhere to go after a heavy nightlife in Tel Aviv and Benedict is it!

Milgo & Milbar: best upscale seafood

📍Rothschild Blvd 142
💲from $65 USD
🏆 Middle East’s 50 Best Restaurants

Milgo & Milbar is an upscale restaurant with an exciting fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, with sleek modern interiors.

Highlights from the menu include a variety of fresh seafood dishes, succulent meats, and unique vegetarian options. The “Sea Fish Fillet with Cauliflower Cream” is an absolute crowd-pleaser. For vegetarians, the “Baked Eggplant with Tahini” is a delightful treat.

Alongside the food, Milgo & Milbar offers an impressive wine list featuring a selection of local and imported wines. And if you’re leaning towards a cocktail, their “Spiced Pear Martini” featuring pear-infused vodka, lime, and honey is as delicious as it sounds.

Cafe Xoho: best all-day breakfast

📍J. L. Gordon St 17 
💲from $10 USD

This is almost everyone’s #1 favorite, including the vegans! Cafe Xoho’s interior has great interiors that are really pleasing to see in the morning (or all day!)

The owner, Xoli Ormut Durbin was born to Canadian parents in Hong Kong, lived in Australia then moved to Tel Aviv.

Can you imagine how much fusion and diversity this person has and that upbringing reflects on Cafe Xoho’s menu. They have an all-day breakfast and don’t you ever NOT try their cookies – they’re really good!

OCD Restaurant: sustainable restaurant award

📍Tirtsa St 17
💲from $58 USD
🏆 Middle East’s 50 Best Restaurants

You know how you sometimes wish for a fully immersive dining experience that goes beyond just food on a plate? Well, OCD Restaurant in Tel Aviv is where it’s at.

With an open kitchen and communal seating, it’s all about dining as a shared experience. Every detail, from the ingredient selection to the presentation, is meticulously thought out, hence the name.

OCD’s 16-course tasting menu changes every night, adapting to what’s fresh and in season. The real standout might be the “Red Tuna Sashimi with Watermelon Radish and Pomegranate.”

Their curated cocktail pairings elevate the whole experience. Do try the “Gin & Dill,” a cocktail that pays homage to local ingredients.

Abu Hassan: best hummus

📍Shivtei Israel St 14 
💲from $8 USD

Abu Hassan is a legendary establishment famed for serving arguably the best hummus in the city. A simple yet authentic setting, with a busy and vibrant atmosphere, this Jaffa-based restaurant should be on top of your Tel Aviv restaurants list!

Obviously, you have to order the delectable and creamy hummus, traditionally garnished with fresh parsley, and olive oil. The hummus comes with fluffy pitas and crunchy pickles and can be shared by two (or not).

Pronto: best Italian

📍 Herzl St 4
💲 from $53 USD

When the craving for Italian food hits in Tel Aviv, Pronto is where you should be headed. This hotspot feels like a chic Italian trattoria with standout dishes like homemade gnocchi and risotto.

The “Home-made Gnocchi with Ox Cheek Ragout” is comfort food at its finest. Pair it with the classic “Negroni” cocktail, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a Roman holiday.

Pastel: modern brasserie

📍 Sderot Sha’ul HaMelech 27
💲 from $45 USD

Housed in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Pastel serves art on plates with a chic brasserie feel. It offers a fusion menu with standout dishes like lamb sirloin and red tuna sashimi.

This modern brasserie showcases the best of Israeli produce with European flair. The “Lamb Sirloin with Crispy Artichoke” is a stunner. Complement it with the “Pastel Margarita,” made with tequila, triple sec, lime, and cilantro!

Their wine list is a carefully curated collection of local and imported selections. Finish your meal with their signature “Chocolate Story” dessert, and a glass of dessert wine.

Hotel Montefiore Restaurant: upscale brunch

📍 Montefiore St 36
💲 from $25 USD

Hotel Montefiore Restaurant is a high-end dining destination known for its unique blend of Vietnamese-French cuisine with a local twist. Housed in a meticulously restored 1920s building, on the street with the same name, the restaurant exudes an old-world charm balanced by contemporary design elements.

Standouts include the duck confit spring roll and pan-seared sea bream. The establishment also boasts a well-curated wine list, showcasing both Israeli and international selections.

Hotel Montefiore is bests for special occasions and Friday brunches. Just make sure to reserve since Friday is a busy day for Tel Aviv restaurants!

Shila: best raw seafood

📍 Ben Yehuda St 182
💲 from $78 USD

Shila isn’t just another stop in the bustling Tel Aviv dining scene, it’s an institution. Known for its lively ambiance, you’ll find a mix of locals and travelers here, all drawn in by the promise of a night filled with good food and fun.

Although it’s known for a variety of dishes, Shila truly shines with its seafood offerings. The “Seafood Linguini” is a flavorful symphony of fresh catch tossed in a rich, herby sauce. But the real standout is the “Shrimps in Garlic Butter.”

Wash it all down with their “Lavender Mule,” a fragrant twist on the classic cocktail, featuring vodka, fresh lime, ginger beer, and a dash of lavender.

📍 Yishkon St 29
💲 from $13 USD

Sholomo and Doron: another best hummus

📍 Yishkon St 29
💲 from $13 USD

Shlomo and Doron is another enduring hummus institution nestled in the heart of Tel Aviv’s historic Kerem Hateimanim neighbourhood. Owned by the same family for over 80 years, the restaurant is steeped in tradition, with the original recipes passed over generations.

It serves a selection of rich, creamy hummus dishes topped with a variety of ingredients, like warm chickpeas, fragrant tahini, or spicy shakshuka. Their culinary creativity extends to reinventions like the “Yemenite meat soup hummus”.

Taizu: upscale Asian street food

📍Derech Menachem Begin 23
💲 from $70 USD

Taizu will whisk your taste buds off on a journey through Southeast Asia, without leaving Tel Aviv. With a menu inspired by street food, each dish, like the “Vietnamese Rice Rolls,” is bursting with flavor. Be sure to try the dim sums!

Pair your food with the “Yuzu Sour,” a cocktail made with whisky, yuzu, ginger, and bitters for a complete culinary experience. Martini lovers, start the dinner with their “Ginger Lychee Martini”!

⁉️ FAQ: Tel Aviv food and restaurants

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