30 must-try 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 I feel like I need more years to try all the Tel Aviv restaurants! Tel Aviv is a food haven and you’ll never walk in any restaurant with bad food. Israelis are very meticulous with food (they’re food critics!) so here are the best restaurants in Tel Aviv that I’ve tried with locals.

Reader Mail: 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

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 no matter where you go in Tel Aviv, there’s always a vegan menu.

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

What food is Tel Aviv known for?

First, Tel Aviv is known to be the city with the most vegan restaurants per capita in the world. This is a great place to live for vegans and vegan food in Tel Aviv does not mean salads with lemon, salt, and olive oil dressing.

Vegan food in Tel Aviv is like eating real meat. I’ve been vegan for 2 years of my life and all I ate are bland food but in Tel Aviv, they recreate vegan food to be tasty – so much that it looks and tastes like real meat.

Shawarma, sabich, and shakshuka are also the most popular food ordered in Tel Aviv restaurants. They are very iconic as you won’t find this anywhere else in the world.

So make sure to try all these when you visit Israel.

Is food expensive in Tel Aviv?

I won’t lie – it 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!

30 essential Tel Aviv restaurants

#1: Anastasia Cafe

💲 | Frishman Street 54 | +972 352 90095 | Anastasia Menu

Anastasia Tel Aviv is actually a vegan restaurant and 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.

#2: Nola

💲 | Dizengoff St 197 | +972 352 30527 | Nola Menu

I’ve never been to New Orleans but my Israeli friends always say Nola has that vibe. They serve fresh bread every day and have a very 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.

#3: Cafe Yom Tov

💲💲 | Yom Tov St 30 | Yom Tov Menu

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.

#4: Benedict

💲 | Rothschild Blvd 29 | +972 368 68657 | Benedict Menu

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!

#5: Cafe Xoho

💲 | J. L. Gordon St 17 | +972 356 16745 | Cafe Xoho Menu

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!

#6: Abu Hassan

💲 | Shivtei Israel St 14 | +972 368 28355

I said I won’t go into details but I think it is important for you to know to always go before 12nn at Abu Hassan in Jaffa. It’s always full so they run out pretty quick!

Hours: Sunday – Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

#7 – Shlomo and Doron

💲 | Yishkon St 29 | +972 546 675507

Prices at Shlomo and Doron Hummus range from 30 NIS ($8 USD) – 40 NIS ($11 USD)

Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

Shlomo and Doron is located at Rehov Yishkon 29, Tel Aviv [check directions]

#8 – Abu Adham (Business District)

Prices start at Abu Adham 30 NIS ($8 USD) approx

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Fridays from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Saturdays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Abu Adham is located at Carlebach St 7, Tel Aviv [check directions]

#9 – Sabich Komplet

Sabich Komplet not only serves sabich but also home-style food cooked in a typical Israeli home. This restaurant is really cheap but its location is a little far from the center. It’s still worth checking out!

Sabich Komplet is located at 99 Ibn Gvirol Street, Tel Aviv [check directions]

#10: Sabich Frishman

Sabich Frishman is located at Frishman St 42, Tel Aviv [check directions]This small Israeli food joint has taken its throne in the popular Frishman street. Indulge on a loaf of pita bread with hard boiled eggs, fried eggplant, salad, and tahini for less than 20 NIS ($5 USD approx)!

#11: Sabich Tchernichovsky

It’s a little more expensive than the others but it’s worth all your travel budget! Get the full street food experience at Sabich Tchernichovsky, the go-to place for sabich in Tel Aviv.

Sabich Tchernichovsky is located at Tchernikhovski St 2, Tel Aviv [check directions]

#12: HaKosem

I love everything about  HaKosem (the magician), most especially the seating arrangement. It’s as if you are on the street but you’re not.

This place is always full but there are benches on the street where you can wait til you get a table.

HaKosem is located at Shlomo ha-Melekh St 1, Tel Aviv [check directions]The owner is always going around to check on the customers which is really a plus for me! You can also try their falafel – it’s highly recommended by Tel Avivians! But hey, come here for the sabich!

#13: Tenat: Ethiopian vegan

Ethiopian cuisine usually consists of vegetable and very spicy meat dishes. At Tenat, you will get to know how they make a large sourdough flatbread, the Ethiopian way! If you’re vegan and is not familiar with food in Ethiopia, then Tenat should be your first stop!

Prices at Tenat range from 8 NIS ($2 USD) – 40 NIS ($11 USD) approx

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Fridays from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; closed on Saturdays

#14: Zakaim: Persian vegan

I like Zakaim because they always serve with tasty ingredients that they source/grow locally. Herbs, fruits, vegetables, and even cheese are vital parts of their menu.

Zakaim is located at Simtat Beit HaSho’eva 20, Tel Aviv [check directions]For starters, get the classic Foccacia and top it with a little zaatar and olive oil. For 5 NIS ($1.40 USD approx), you can also get a slice of their homemade bread!

Prices at Zakaim range from 24 NIS ($7 USD) to 119 NIS ($33 USD) approx

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm; closed on Fridays; Saturdays from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm

#15: Vegan pizza: Green Cat

You probably can’t imagine a pizza without cheese but have you tried vegan cheese? Does it compete with the real cheese?

Green Cat is located at Levontin St 7, Tel Aviv [check directions]Well, personally, it does for me. It’s as equally good and the Green Cat vegan pizza will show you how tasty vegan pizzas can be!

Prices at the Green Cat range from 12 NIS ($3 USD) – 40 NIS ($11 USD) approx

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am; closed on Fridays and Saturdays

#16: Fancy vegan: Meshek Barzilay

I’ve only been to this restaurant once but one thing that you will enjoy at Meshek Barzilay is their menu changes depending on the season!

Meshek Barzilay is located at Ahad Ha’Am St 6, Tel Aviv [check directions]This restaurant uses organic ingredients so eat your vegan heart out!

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am; closed on Fridays and Saturdays

#17: 26 Gourmet Burger

A fusion of American and French, 26 Gourmet Burger is in the top 5 of the best burger restaurants in Tel Aviv. They’ve reinvented the food they serve to give way to both American and French techniques.

26 Gourmet Burger is located at Mikveh Israel 26, Tel Aviv [check directions] For example, instead of the usual deep-fried potato fries, they serve the burgers with sweet potatoes. Their buns are also 100% French bread-inspired. Some even have foie gras!

Prices at 26 Gourmet Burger range from 15 NIS ($4 USD) – 66 NIS ($18 USD) approx

Hours: Sunday – Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am

#18: The Little Burger Shop

Dizengoff is quite a busy area and The Little Burger Shop definitely made the busy crowd fall in line. I always come here with big queues so I learned not to visit during busy hours.

The place is really small but the service is quite fast. Pick from the three amazing choices on their menu: classic, Blumenthal, and veggie crunch.

The Little Burger Shop is located at Dizengoff St 125, Tel Aviv [check directions]Each meal includes a drink, a side dish and 3 toppings of your choice. You can also order extras like onion clusters, cajun-flavored fries (I love this!), malt-flavored fries, lamb and bacon flavored fries, and wasabi coleslaw!

Burger prices at The Little Burger Shop range from 44 NIS ($12 USD) – 65 NIS ($18 USD)

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am; Fridays from 12:00 pm – 4:00 am; Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 1:30 am

#19: Susu and Sons

Susu and Sons is the first burger joint I tried in Israel. It was a pretty unique experience as one of their locations is right on the street, where you can sit in the park.

They do have a few chairs on the stall but it’s never a problem to sit on the park benches, especially when it is full.

Susu and Sons has 3 branches in Tel Aviv: Herzl St 6, Dizengoff St 166, and at HaHashmonaim St 96

Single, double, and triple monster burgers are the main choices at Susu and Sons. You can add toppings for 8 NIS each: ($2 USD): grilled peppers, egg salad, garlic butter, chili jam, guacamole, pineapple, and many more!

There is also a lamb burger with tahini, lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onion. You can also order one of my favorites: the Vegan Susu with rice, oats, mushrooms, and caramelized onions!

Some sides included french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, fried mashed potato, and cheddar balls.

Prices at Susu & Sons start at 34 NIS ($9 USD) to 54 NIS ($15 USD) approx

Hours: Open all days of the week from 12:00 pm to 5:00 am

#20: America Burgers

This burger joint is super American so expect the long lines! America Burgers only opened in 2015 but they’ve become the best burger restaurant in the city. The lines are usually long all week, especially at peak hours (lunch and dinner).

America Burgers is located at Allenby 112, Tel Aviv [check directions]Try their 30 NIS ($8 USD approx) cocktails that vary from red berries, peach, and mule. The Godfather cocktail my top pick: made with Wild Turkey 81, amaretto, amarena cherry, maple syrup, and lemon juice.

Classic, America, Cheeseburger, Spicy, and Veggie burgers are the 6 types of burgers you can choose from. They don’t really have a big menu so it’s really easy to choose! They also serve my favorite beer here, San Miguel beer. America Burgers has a combo menu that goes with a side and a drink.

Burger prices at America Burgers start at 45 NIS ($13 USD approx)

Hours: Sunday – Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am; Thursdays from 12:00 pm – 3:00 am; Fridays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 am; Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am; closed on Fridays

#21: Vitrina

Okay, I am here every week because my super close friend in Tel Aviv manages this place but that’s not the reason why Vitrina is on the top spot of the best burgers in Tel Aviv. Most of the Tel Avivians will recommend the same! The place is super hip with indoor/outdoor settings. The best seat of the house is on the bar where you can see all the action happening!

Prices at Vitrina start at 45 NNIS ($13 USD) approx

Hours: Sunday – Wednesday from 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Thursdays from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am; closed on Fridays and Saturdays[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”pizza”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

#22: HaPizza

Located in one of the main avenues in Tel Aviv, HaPizza in Bograshov serves Neopolitan pizza. From where you’ll be sitting, you’ll be able to see the pizzas coming out of the oven, fresh and ready to surprise your tastebuds.

HaPizza is located at Bograshov St 51, Tel Aviv [check directions]In here, you will have fun choosing your own toppings – the choices are endless!

Prices at HaPizza range from 31 NIS ($9 USD) – 60 NIS ($17 USD) approx

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; Fridays from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturdays from 6:00 pm – 12:00 am

#23: Philippe

If you’ve tried pissaladière in France, it is the ultimate in French street food — crispy crust, caramelized onions, anchovies, and salty, oil-cured olives.

The ingredients that Philippe use tastes like they are locally grown. It’s way fresher and healthier than the other greasy pizzas I’ve tried in my life.

Philippe is located at Carlebach 20, Tel Aviv [check directions]You will see how these pizzas are going out of the kitchen like it’s a show. If Carlebach Street is far from where you’re staying, you may also call Philippe pizza for deliveries. They’re one of the top food deliveries in town!

Prices at Philippe range from 44 NIS ($12 USD) – 89 NIS ($25 USD) approx

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am; Fridays from 12:00 pm – 1:00 am; Saturdays from 12:00 pm – 1:00 am

#24: Tony Vespa

You might have passed by Tony Vespa already because it’s in one of the main avenues of Tel Aviv, a popular one for that matter. This pizza joint is always flocked by people going to and going out of a party at Allenby.

Tony Vespa is located at Allenby St 118, Tel Aviv [check directions]It’s more of a takeaway place with few tables and high chairs inside. Ordering can be pretty challenging as its always full. The Israelis are also bad with falling in line so I guess you have to fight your way to order!

Prices at Tony Vespa start at 40 NIS ($11 USD approx)

Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 5:00 pm  – 4:00 am; Fridays from 12:00 pm – 5:30 am; Saturdays from 12:00 pm  – 4:00 am

#25: Brooklyn Pizza

If you’re looking for the traditional New York-style pizza, then go to Brooklyn Pizza! In here, you will be served with large pizza triangles made from an amazing dough.

Brooklyn Pizza is located at Dizengoff St 276, Tel Aviv [check directions]You may share it (or not) but this pizza place is definitely good for groups.

Prices at Brooklyn Pizza start at 48 NIS ($13 USD)

Hours: Sunday – Wednesday and Saturdays from 12:30 pm – 1:00 am; Thursdays from 12:30 pm – 2:00 am; Fridays from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

#26: Teder.fm

The Teder is my favorite spot for watching live music and also for their pizza!!! This is celebrity chef Eyal Shani’s first pizza restaurant serving large and thin-crust pizzas which you can eat while drinking a beer and watching live music.

Teder.fm is located at בית רומנו, Derech Jaffa 9, Tel Aviv-Yafo [check directions]I vote Teder’s pizza as the number 1 non-traditional pizza place in Tel Aviv!

#27: Thai House: best Thai food in Tel Aviv

I wouldn’t go here if it isn’t a special occasion because it’s a little expensive than I expected. However, Thai House will satisfy your Thai food craving.

Thai House is located at Bograshov St 8, Tel Aviv [get directions]It is almost the exact taste as the street food in Thailand but they kind of didn’t meet my spicy expectations. Overall, it’s the best Thai restaurant in Tel Aviv that you should try!

Prices at the Thai House range from 48 NIS ($13 USD) – 150 NIS ($42 USD)

Hours: Open all week from 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Please call for reservations as they are always full!

#28: Taqueria: best Mexican food in Tel Aviv

Taqueria has been in Tel Aviv for years and no other Mexican restaurant beat them in the city. In here, you will get authentic Mexican treats like quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, and of course, tequilaaaaaa!

Taqueria is located at Levontin St 28, Tel Aviv [get directions]Prices range from 22 NIS ($6 USD) – 78 NIS ($22 USD)

Hours: Sunday – Tuesday from 12:00 nn – 12:00 am; Wednesday – Saturday . from 12:00 nn – 1:00 am

#29: Bunny Chow: best Indian food in Tel Aviv

Chicken, beef, and veggie curry recipes in Challah, Bunny Chow has created a unique and original twist on the food they want to bring in Israel.

Bunny Chow moved from Carmel Market to Rothschild 36, Tel Aviv [get directions]The owners are English and Israeli couple Emily and Alon, who, for the longest time have been dreaming to bring something innovative in Tel Aviv. And they did it!

#30: Xing Long: best Chinese food in Tel Aviv

Not knowing it’s the best Chinese restaurant in Tel Aviv, I accidentally stumbled upon Xing Long on the way home. It’s super close to where I lived!

I have never seen a lot of Asian restaurants in Jaffa but this one is too red and inviting, I couldn’t help but go in!

Xing Long is located at Shalma Road 134, Tel Aviv [get directions]Before ordering, I made sure the owners are Chinese because the menu is kind of pricy – I needed to make sure it’s authentic. True enough, everyone who is working at the restaurant is Chinese and they know what they’re doing!