53 Best Restaurants in Tel Aviv, Israel

This food stand is one of the best spots to sample the classic Iraqi-Israeli street food called sabich. The Zen-like concentration of the owner results in a hearty and thoughtful dish consisting of fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, tahini, and spice (if you say you can handle it)—a perfect combination of flavors. Here you have the rare options of a whole-wheat or gluten-free pita.

This relaxed and friendly unique fish restaurant perfectly encapsulates modern Tel Aviv, combining an urban hipster atmosphere with the catch of the day and an abundance of fresh flavors, using all local ingredients. The seafood is phenomenal but there are many vegetarian and vegan highlights on the menu, including a purslane salad which will brighten up your evening. The atmosphere is informal yet chic and you’ll be mesmerised by the view into the exposed kitchen, where a skilled team are preparing plate after plate of fantastic food. It's worth ordering the grilled corn just to see it being cooked over the coals, although the taste will top all expectations. Try the fish sausage, which is far superior to any hot dog you could get. 

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.

Helmed by one of Israel's most highly regarded veteran chefs, Ran Shmueli, Claro is one of those spots that has it all. The farm-to-table Mediterranean menu changes daily, featuring only the freshest seasonal, locally sourced produce, and the building, originally constructed by the German Templers in 1886, makes the experience unforgettable. The rustic yet sophisticated ambience complements the beautiful dishes, a perfect balance of classic Mediterranean cuisine and innovative Israeli flavors.

Expertly hidden inside one of Tel Aviv's loveliest boutique hotels, The Drisco, George and John has a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The menu is modern Israeli—that is, Mediterranean with a Middle Eastern twist. Expect innovative dishes that are not only beautifully presented, but also cooked to perfection, such as the lime- and jalapeno-infused amberjack sashimi with Israeli caviar, and egg noodles with blue crab. The wine list is extensive and features some unusual choices, so don't be afraid to ask the excellent sommelier for a recommendation.

This tiny restaurant and wine bar, just a clutch of round tables on an alley just off Carmel Market, draws its inspiration from the market's fresh offerings (the name is Hebrew for "market stall"). The choices change daily, and the kitchen is well-known for dishing out organ meats you might not see much back home. For the less adventurous, the seafood and pork options are sure to be fresh and aesthetically appealing. Try also the white pizza with black truffles when in season. The paella with bacon, sausage, shrimp, and mussels is about as non-kosher as it gets for a place whose chef refers to the nearby market as the "Holy of Holies." 

Walking through the door of this understated but elegant dining room you hear the energetic hum of good conversation. Set inside the immaculate Ritz-Carlton Herzliya hotel, Herbert Samuel boasts an upscale but accessible kosher menu, with strong Mediterranean influences that change every season. Staples include the nine-variety tomato salad, lamb chops, and the daily catch from the adjacent marina. Leave room for the luscious house-made, dairy-free desserts. An open kitchen is on full view and is a must-see for anyone who loves to cook. The extensive wine list and refreshing cocktails are professionally created.

The restaurant at this boutique hotel serves modern brasserie fare, throwing in a few unexpected Asian twists along the way. The seasonal menu changes regularly but you can always find impressive Mediterranean--Asian fusion dishes like sea bream fillet with lemongrass cream. The impeccable service, well-prepared food, and interesting wine list compare very favorably with the city's top restaurants. The dining room is in a lovingly restored home on Montefiore Street in the heart of historic Tel Aviv. White walls, potted plants, slatted wooden blinds, and the silver-plated sugar servers selected by co-owner Ruthie Brouda evoke old-world colonial days. 

A Tel Aviv institution, this lively restaurant wows with spectacular beach views and both indoor and outdoor dining options. Busy from breakfast to dinner, Manta Ray appeals to everyone from families to couples looking for romance, and attracts a loyal clientele. The imaginative appetizers vary from day to day, but staples include the Balkan bread with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and sea salt, the to-die-for eggplant dip, and the sautéed shrimp with gnocchi, spinach, and crab sauce. The baked sea bream with rosemary and olive oil is simple Mediterranean fare at its best, especially with a spicy chili and pepper sauce on the side. Breakfast is popular here too—especially the spicy shakshuka. Nowhere in Tel Aviv will you get a better meal, especially not one combined with killer views of the Mediterranean and outstanding service.

There is no Michelin guide for Israel yet but, if there was, OCD would likely be on the list. The name (an acronym for obsessive-compulsive disorder) refers to the meticulous care Chef Raz Rahav and his team pour into each elaborate dish in this 16- to 20-course adventure tasting menu. A first of its kind for Tel Aviv, OCD offers two nightly seatings with dishes changing monthly based on seasonal offerings. Guests are seated communal-style around the bar in front of the open kitchen, with an unobstructed view of all the action. And while Rahav may still not have turned 30, maturity and sophistication of his cooking suggests otherwise. The dishes make conversation pieces for what feels like an intimate dinner party for those lucky enough to bag a coveted seat at his highly sought-after table. Make sure you book at least four weeks in advance and inform the restaurant of any dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, in addition to any intolerances or allergies) at the time of booking as no changes will be made on the night.

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.

This shop serves what is often called the country's best hummus, which is not an easy task with so many places serving this addictive chickpea dish. For something quite different, order the masabacha with chunks of chickpeas served in warm hummus, or the hummus ful, made from Egyptian fava beans. Get here early and expect to wait in line, because once the pot is empty the restaurant closes (usually around 2:30 pm).

There's always a crowd forming outside Abulafia Bakery, south of Jaffa's clock tower. For a simple snack with an exquisite flavor, order a pita topped with za'atar (a mixture of herbs, spices, and seeds), or stuffed with salty cheese, calzone style. In winter, Abulafia is a good place to try sahlab, a warm drink sprinkled with coconut and cinnamon.

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. 

A self-described "Med to Table" restaurant, Animar offers a classic and elegant feel, fresh and interesting flavors, and an unparalleled view of sunset over the sea. The menu, inspired by produce from around the Mediterranean, includes a house special grilled zucchini and a truly delightful wild sea bass.

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.

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.

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. 

A varied but simple menu—including steak, salads, sandwiches, and pasta—makes this a good place to recharge after a day at the beach or a nice spot to relax with a glass of wine at sunset. The highlight of this café is not the food but the indoor or outdoor seating with fabulous Mediterranean views. It's open 24/7.

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.

Doubling as an art-and-music haven for locals, this inviting neighborhood café will make you feel as if you're in someone's fun and relaxing living room. The service is personal, the patrons are friendly (you will most likely end up in a conversation with many of them), and the extensive menu has options for everyone. The in-house baked goods including homemade bagels, and the ever-changing array of muffins makes for a light breakfast or afternoon snack. The salads and sandwiches are made fresh, so you can choose any toppings you like.

At the heart of this Southern Italian courtyard restaurant is a taboon oven from which emerge a variety of fresh and classic pizzas for which this spot has become known. The rest of the menu is equally enjoyable, pairing bright, clean flavors with excellent quality ingredients. Try the white fish crudo, which is remarkably fresh and lively, or the gnocchi, which is nothing short of pillowy. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed—it's hard to believe that you're just seconds away from one of Tel Aviv's busiest thoroughfares. Pay attention to the extensive wine list which honors the best of Italian and Israeli vineyards. Come for a full meal or pair a cocktail with a selection of the small bites during the weekday happy hour with 25% off the menu.  

A Tel Aviv classic that has stood the test of time, Coffee Bar is neither a coffee shop nor a bar—in fact, it is a rather elegant bistro. The service is excellent, the menu is fresh and contemporary, and the design is on point. It's no surprise, as the restaurant is run by R2M, the hospitality group behind the likes of Hotel Montefiore, Rothschild 12, and Delicatessen. And while Coffee Bar may have been around long before the Tel Aviv food scene became hip (it opened more than two decades ago in the industrial, edgy Yad Harutzim district), it remains as popular as ever, so make sure you book in advance.

Inside a beautifully restored historic building, this bistro has a rarefied atmosphere and an on-the-premises bakery that turns out a luscious array of French-style pastries. The breakfast menu highlights some of the baked delights, including smoked-salmon croissants and the indulgent French toast sandwich with fruit, ricotta cheese, and maple syrup. An enclosed patio, with its wrought-iron tables and chairs, is a lovely place to enjoy a late-afternoon coffee among a mixed crowd of businesspeople, surfers, and families. The executive lunch is a good value while the dinner menu offers more extensive (and significantly higher-priced) fish and meat options.

Tel Aviv may be home to more than its fair share of Japanese eateries, but this outpost of a world-renowned Japanese brand stands out not only for its quality, but also for its impeccable service and stunning setting. The menu is a blend of traditional Izakaya and modern European cuisine, paired with sake, wine, or an impressive selection of cocktails. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, few spots in Tel Aviv attract a more discerning crowd of gastronomes. Dinings is on the third floor of one of Israel's most exclusive hotels, The Norman. 

This Jaffa institution has been serving shakshuka, a mouthwatering Israeli breakfast specialty, for decades, but it soared to fame in 2018 after appearing on the Tel Aviv episode of "Somebody Feed Phil." The show tells the story of how the "Doctor" did time in prison, where he perfected the art of cooking shakshuka for the other inmates. A free man again, he opened a restaurant in Jaffa, gave it his prison nickname, and the rest is history. The spot attracts more than its fair share of tourists but the shakshuka is as good as it gets, making it well worth a visit. You can order your shakshuka hot or mild, in one of several versions, including traditional, vegan, with mushrooms, with eggplant or with merguez sausage.

Passed down from father to son, this local landmark has been serving some of the best falafel for more than 50 years. For a few shekels, you'll get a pita filled with plentiful, perfectly prepared falafel balls, fried potatoes (called "chips" here), and just the right amount of salad. Sit on the outdoor bench or stand and enjoy this classic Israeli street food done right.

At this bistro in the heart of Neve Tzedek, the warm environment, hearty food, fine wine, and excellent service will leave you feeling satisfied. The wine menu boasts more than 160 Israeli boutique wines, and the friendly owner-sommelier, Yossi Ben Odis, will let you know exactly which wine pairs well with your meal. The house special is the "seared sirloin" that you cook yourself at the table on a specially heated rock. The menu is mostly meat and chicken dishes complemented with a few options for vegetarians.

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.