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Part of the ultra-chic Renoma boutique hotel, Bar 51 has become one of the hottest spots on the Tel Aviv food scene since opening in 2019. Everything here is on trend, from the hip, laid-back staff to the postindustrial design and the small plates of creative, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine made for sharing. Snag one of the coveted seats at the bar and watch the kitchen team work their magic as you tuck into showstopping dishes such as the zucchini pappardelle with blue crab, or the signature lemon-infused roasted kohlrabi. Let the sommelier create a wine pairing to go with the dishes of your choice and it'll be a winner.
59 Hayarkon St., 6343287, Israel
Known For
- Signature lemon-infused roasted kohlrabi
- Bar seating to watch the kitchen at work
- Wine pairings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Thurs.
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All of Tel Aviv is raving about Opa, a vegan hot spot in Florentin that has garnered a kind of universal approval that few—if any—vegan restaurants have achieved before. Although the entire menu is plant-based, the food is so delicious, so fresh, and so packed with flavor, that it appeals to vegans and nonvegans alike. Even the (otherwise notoriously unappetizing) vegan desserts get the thumbs up! What sets Opa apart from many of its competitors is the absence of meat substitutes on its menu; Chef Shirel Berger instead focuses on colorful, organic, seasonal vegetables instead of tired dishes of mushy tofu, seitan, or jackfruit. For the full Opa experience, try the tasting menu: one of every dish on the menu, to share between two.
8 Ha-Khalutzim St., 6652308, Israel
Known For
- Exceptional vegan dinner and dessert
- Plant-based tasting menu
- Colorful, organic, seasonal vegetables
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat., Sun. and Friday evening. Lunch on Fri. only.
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This three-in-one concept combines a wine bar, cocktail bar, and restaurant in one of Tel Aviv’s hippest locations. Mix and match between the three menus and choose between the three spaces on two different floors, or take advantage of the intimate balcony space and soak up the atmosphere of the city center. The atmosphere is electric, the food fresh and interesting with much of it prepared in front of you in the moment, and the drinks are flowing. Try the sashimi with charcoal applied just seconds before it arrives at your table infusing a sense of drama and a wonderful smoky subtlety cut perfectly with the fresh zing of the lime oil.
44 Nahalat Binyamin St., Israel
Known For
- Charcoal cooking
- Interactive food preparation
- Three spots in one location
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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This small corner café, a neighborhood favorite, is where you can catch a glimpse of the beauty of European café culture. Coffee is the main event, over which you can linger for hours along with your newspaper, computer, or friends from the neighborhood. Because it's in the heart of the upscale Basel area, patrons include celebrities that live nearby. The menu includes sandwiches and salads, pastas, and schnitzel.
37 Basel St., 62744, Israel
Known For
- Upscale atmosphere
- Tel Aviv classic
- Breakfast and coffee
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Set in a historic building on one of the prettiest streets in Old Jaffa, Beit Kandinof is both contemporary art center and restaurant. Home to five galleries with ever-changing exhibitions from Tel Aviv's dynamic modern art scene, Beit Kandinof also houses artists of its own: chefs Yogev Yaros and Shami Golomb, masterminds behind an impressive menu that combines Mediterranean cuisine with Arabic Jaffa touches. The selection varies with the seasons, but best-selling staples include the spicy fava bean hummus and the slow-cooked lamb spare ribs. For dessert, try a to-die-for local specialty known as malabi, which is like an Israeli take on the Italian panna cotta, except even more delicious.
14 HaTsorfim St., 68039, Israel
Known For
- Changing menu and art exhibits
- Slow-cooked lamb spare ribs
- Malabi for dessert
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.–Thurs.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Celebrating the love that Israelis have for breakfast, this restaurant with simple and sunny decor features many variations on the morning meal, served around the clock, seven days a week. Choose the classic Israeli breakfast with all the trimmings; the Mexican egg scramble; the "Calimera" Greek breakfast, heavily laden with garlicky tzatziki and a healthy serving of spice; or several different styles of eggs Benedict. French toast and pancakes satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Despite the unusual name, it's worth tasting the signature "egg balls," cooked omelet style, formed into a dumpling shape, and served with a choice of sauces such as spinach and cream.
29 Rothschild Blvd., 66882, Israel
Known For
- All-day breakfast
- International dishes
- The best eggs Benedict in town
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The aromas emanating from this street-corner bakery and café make it well worth the visit. Choose from the savory or sweet section of French-style baked goods, made throughout the day by chefs trained in Paris. A plentiful Israeli breakfast is upgraded with house-made jams, French butter, and a diverse bread basket filled with sourdoughs, brioches, and sweet croissants. This place is obviously not for the gluten averse.
128 Ben Yehuda St., 6340143, Israel
Known For
- Israeli breakfast
- Freshly baked French-style pastries
- Breakfast until 5 pm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Fri. night
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This lively European-style pub has a great selection of draft beer, including many hard-to-find Belgium beers. The wood-paneled interior is cluttered with beer posters, photos, and paraphernalia, and the wooden beaches and tables are rustic, warm, and welcoming. The menu is simple and meat-centric, and the big portions are perfect for sharing. Perennial favorites include shrimp in butter and garlic, potatoes with melted Bulgarian cheese, and the Kobe beef steak. The restaurant can get loud on busy weekend nights and there's usually a wait for tables. Reservations aren't essential but are a good idea on Fridays and Saturdays.
45 HaTsiyonut, Southern District, Israel
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Mon.–Thurs.
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In the midst of the buzzing Nachalat Binyamin Art Fair, the secret garden at Jonesy Gardener is an oasis of calm. To escape the madness, sit on Jonesy's green leafy patio, where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee or try local specialties like shakshuka or sabich. It's a great spot to grab breakfast or rest after visiting the hectic Carmel Market.
Nahalat Binyamin St. 3, 6516103, Israel
Known For
- Charming interior patio
- Breakfast and lunch
- Great coffee
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Fri. night and Sat.
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Israel has the highest population of vegans per capita, so it's impressive that Meshek Barzilay started blazing the plant-based trail long before farm-to-table eating became trendy. Tucked away on a quiet, secluded street in Neve Tzedek, the restaurant serves only locally sourced, organic, plant-based ingredients. The original restaurant was founded in 2002 by Merav Barzilay in the small agricultural community of Moshav Yarkona. A few years later, she opened Meshek Barzilay in central Tel Aviv. The produce may not come from her own backyard any more but Barzilay continues to source directly from a meticulously selected group of Israeli farms and producers who deliver daily. Best-selling dishes include the mushroom, tofu, and lentil veggie burger and the beetroot gnocchi.
6 Ahad Ha'Am St., 6514206, Israel
Known For
- Local, organic, seasonal vegan food
- Veggie burger and beetroot gnocchi
- Leafy patio in charming Neve Tzedek
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This bar and grill is part retro lounge, part bistro. Best known for its burgers, the place has an extensive menu that includes everything from shish kebabs to calamari and quesadillas. It's good for the whole family, with children's dishes and, for the adults, an interesting selection of cocktails. The ribs in molasses are a real treat, as is the chicken Caesar salad. Drop by after midnight, when late-night specials add to the mix.
35 Rothschild Blvd., 66883, Israel
Known For
- Outstanding burgers
- Homey ambience
- Open late (until 2 am; 4 am on weekends)
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As the name suggests, this popular eatery is geared toward the city's night owls, open every night until midnight. Using local ingredients and highlighting modern takes on traditional Israeli cuisine, the menu items are meant to be shared like tapas. Tomato carpaccio with za'atar leaves, calamari, and gnocchi with oyster mushrooms and roasted cherry tomatoes are a few of the best-selling menu items. For dessert there's a lollipop-shape crème brûlée wrapped around tonka-bean puree and drizzled with fruit syrup.
43 Lilienblum St., 6513452, Israel
Known For
- Dishes made for sharing
- Cozy, intimate ambience
- Tomato carpaccio with za'atar leaves
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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In the heart of the Jaffa Flea Market, Puaa's lumpy sofas and slightly battered tables and chairs make for a kick-your-shoes-off atmosphere—and some patrons oblige. It's a popular gathering place for thirtysomething Tel Avivians, as well as young families. All the cakes, cookies, and croissants are baked fresh on the premises. There's a good selection of vegetarian dishes, including the Middle Eastern favorite majadarah (rice with lentils), served with salad and yogurt, as well as some meat and fish options.
8 Rabbi Yohanan St., 61000, Israel
Known For
- Laid-back living room feel
- Excellent vegetarian selection
- Popular outdoor patio that attracts a young crowd
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat.
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The specialty at this hole-in-the-wall eatery is sabich, a meal-in-a-pita popular in the region. It's considered a breakfast food (the word comes from the Arabic for "morning") because it includes a hard-boiled egg, in addition to hummus, eggplant, potatoes, salads, and spices. It's a filling snack at any time of day, however. Another popular menu item is the platter of meatballs served in a light tomato sauce. The indoor dining area consists of three or four stools at a counter, and there are a few tables outside as well.
99 Ibn Gvirol St., 64047, Israel
Known For
- Sabich, everyone's favorite Israeli street food
- Meatballs, fish balls, and schnitzel
- Limited seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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This laid-back bar is in the middle of the action next to Jaffa's busy flea market. It draws easygoing locals and tourists of all ages, who come for the tasty, affordable food and drinks and the lively outdoor patio. The menu is mainly local, with some Asian dishes thrown in; the service is efficient and upbeat; and the furniture looks like it's been randomly lifted right out of the flea market. Shaffa Bar doesn't take itself too seriously and neither do its guests, which is probably what makes this place so irresistible.
2 Nakhman St., 6813803, Israel
Known For
- Totally unpretentious
- Affordable food
- Plenty of outdoor seating on the patio
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In a century-old building near the Suzanne Dellal Centre for Dance and Theatre, this popular eatery bustles day and night. Sample the Kurdish kubbeh (meat-filled semolina dumplings) and pumpkin soup, the okra in tomato sauce, the red peppers stuffed with meat and rice, or the Moroccan harira, a thick soup with chickpeas, veal, and coriander. To start things off, the savory antipasti platter is a welcome sight for the hungry traveler. Opt for a table on the charming terrace beneath the massive branches of an old ficus tree.
9 Shabazi St., 65144, Israel
Known For
- Unbeatable setting on a charming patio
- Middle Eastern--Israeli menu
- Convenient to Suzanne Dellal Center
