Israel Food Guide
Bakeries + Coffee
Dallal Bakery: A must visit. Located in Neve Tzedek (a quaint area with cute jewelry and clothing shops and cafes; I definitely suggest walking around the area and then heading to Jaffa/Yafo for more walking, eating, and shopping). Dallal bakery has a beautiful selection of baked goods, pastries, prepared sandwiches and salads, and coffee. The braided croissant with sesame is incredible. Dallal also has a restaurant next door to the bakery.
Eats Cafeteria: If you’re looking for a piece of LA or NY in Tel Aviv, I highly recommend Eats Cafeteria for a fast-casual, plant-forward experience. They have an amazing prepared foods bar (think veggies, grain dishes, salads, etc.) and yummy baked goods. You cannot leave without trying their cookie and brownie.
Nordinyo Bakery: Loved this spot. Your one-stop shop for Italian-influenced prepared sandwiches, salads, coffee, baked goods, and pastries. The canelé and maritozzo were delicious. I will have to go back to try more!
Bakery Noth Dizengoff: Breads, pastries, prepared sandwiches and salads. Cute outdoor seating in front! Kid and pet friendly!
Nuti: Specializes mostly in pastries and baked goods. Nearby Bakery North Dizengoff!
Gratziani: Yummy prepared sandwiches and salads in addition to baked goods! I recommend eating whatever you choose in the park across the street.
Lev: Coffee shop, work space, art gallery all in one.
Lunch
Eats Cafeteria: If you’re looking for a piece of LA or NY in Tel Aviv, I highly recommend Eats Cafeteria for a fast-casual, plant-forward experience. They have an amazing prepared foods bar (think veggies, grain dishes, salads, etc.) and yummy baked goods.
Panda Pita: Cute outdoor spot in Shuk Carmel specializing in stuffed pitas (can also get in a bowl with pita on the side). For my plant-based foodies, their eggplant bowl/pita is to die for. Imagine the best tasting eggplant, a zingy and fresh tomato-herb salad, fluffy grated egg, and tahini served with the most amazing pita.
Sabich Tchernikovsky: If you’re craving sabich in Tel Aviv, this is your spot. This baby is stuffed with eggplant, cabbage slaw, tomato-cucumber-onion salad, sliced hard-boiled egg, tahini, and some special condiments.
Mirage: A very cute spot (outdoor seating) serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The vibe is young and hip and their food selection is no exception.
Ha’kosem: Great falafel and more. I definitely recommend for a fast-casual bite. Ha’kosem is a busy spot so expect to wait to find a seat.
Bourekas Turki: Located inside of Shuk Carmel. Turkish-style bourekas served with a hard-boiled egg, pickles, and spicy grated tomato for dipping. Pictured is the spinach boureka.
Puaa: Located in Jaffo, this is a lovely spot for lunch or dinner. If you’re craving a salad, Puaa has you covered. They also have a great selection of appetizers and warm/cold dishes. Make sure to stop by the grocery store across the street!
Jasmino: Jasmino always has a line and for good reason. Their pitas stuffed with kebab, organ meats, etc. are truly amazing. There’s no seating so anticipate eating outside the shop or while walking. Also perfect for a late night bite.
Etzel Zion schnitzel: Yummy schnitzel pita/plate spot by the beach in Tel Aviv.
Dinner
Teder: Another young, hip spot. A large outdoor space with picnic tables. You order pizza that’s served with za’atar and zhug. Checkout Teder’s instagram @teder.fm for live music and other events. If you’re looking for a more restaurant-y vibe, there’s Ramano located upstairs.
Ha’achim: A lovely spot with large outdoor and indoor spaces. The oyster mushrooms are a must. Cool selection of drinks and desserts too.
Habasta: My most favorite meal of the trip. Seafood and meat focused (don’t worry, they have wonderful salads and vegetable-centered dishes as well). They start you off with the most amazing crusty sourdough and baguette which pair perfectly with their dips, spreads, and saucier dishes. Shrimps in a tomato-basil sauce and crispy calamari are beyond.
Port-said: This spot is a vibe. Come with volume so you can try a variety of dishes. They serve challah with their dips and it’s amazing.
M25: Located in Shuk Carmel, M25 is where you go when you want meat. Do not overlook their smoked and grilled tongue; it’s served with mustard, horseradish, and a refreshing herb salad and is a must. They also have crazy potatoes (comes with meat mains) and arayes (stuffed pitas that are grilled).
Night Kitchen: Night Kitchen puts a modern and creative spin on traditional Israeli dishes. Perfect for date night.
Old Man and the Sea: 2 locations both by the port. Come hungry - you’re greeted with an extensive selection of salatim. Be sure to order one of their local fishes.
Shila: If you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience or celebrating something special, I recommend Shila. The menu is seafood-driven and inventive. The selfish tartar wrapped in avocado, Spanish carpaccio, and red tuna carpaccio were some of my favorites.
Dessert
Tamara: For yummy frozen yogurts and popsicles. I love the tart frozen yogurt topped with passion fruit, granola, and chocolate.
Otello: An elevated ice cream experience with delicious dairy-based and vegan flavors. They pour melted white, milk, or dark chocolate in the bottom of your cone (can also drizzle it on top of your ice cream). When the cool ice cream hits the chocolate, the chocolate begins to harden forming the most delicious shell.
Malabia: An outdoor spot serving Malabi - a panna cotta-like pudding that’s found all over Israel. Perfumed with rose water and traditionally garnished with a sweet syrup and crushed pistachios, this place has a few garish options to choose from.
Knafeh: Another common dessert, Knafeh is crispy vermicelli noodles soaked in a sweet syrup, layered with stringy, subtly salty cheese, and topped with nuts. Found in the shuk and other places in the city, particularly near Jaffa.
Shuks
Shuk HaCarmel: A must if you’re in Tel Aviv.
Shuk Hapishpishim: Located in Jaffa/Yafo.
Sarona Market: Enclosed market in Tel Aviv.