If you’re in Tel Aviv and hungry, our guide to the very BEST restaurants in Tel Aviv will have you satisfied to the core – with no more rumbling tummies to worry about, at least for a couple of hours anyway!
There are countless restaurants in Tel Aviv, and their numbers seem to be ever-growing. We’ve previously listed TEN of our faves here but decided that we needed to create a list of the VERY BEST eateries in town, not just the ones we love! There’s a bit of everything in here, from pizza and falafel to hummus and all the way to top Asian and seafood joints. So come hungry, try one of these restaurants, and BON APPETIT!
NOTE: Corona has had a huge impact on the restaurant scene in Tel Aviv, so we hope all on the list have managed to hang on successfully. We recommend checking out their website or Instagram pages just to make sure they’re still operating as usual.
In no particular order (and don’t miss our restaurant map at the bottom of this article which shows all the mentioned restaurants in ONE map!)…
The best pizza in Tel Aviv: Bezzo Pizza
Home to some very tasty Mediterranean and Italian dishes, Bezzo Pizza is so much more than your typical pizza joint. Located in HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv, it’s usually packed with locals and tourists alike for one good reason – delicious Italian grub! As one reviewer on Trip Advisor put it: I was not expecting to eat such great pizza in Tel Aviv!
Bezzo Pizza also serves up some gluten-free pizza and vegan pizza – two of their top favorites. Also highly spoken of is their tomato soup filled with cheese! Bezzo Pizza take great pride in their pizza, and also focus on the ambiance of their place. Which is to say, this is a tourist and kid-friendly pizza place, making it ideal for solo travelers, group buddies and families.
Website | Find it on Google Maps
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The best falafel in Tel Aviv: Falafel HaKosem
If you’re looking for a place to try some tasty and legendary falafel, the locals will most likely point you in the direction of Falafel HaKosem. Sure, there are loads of falafel joints in Tel Aviv, but when you’re in the central part of the city (Shlomo HaMelekh Street), this cool, friendly place has to be on your wishlist!
Located only half a block away from Dizengoff Center, Falafel Hakosem takes food preparation very seriously. From the ingredients to the preparation to everything in between, you can expect great things from this simple-looking place. Yes, expect queues at almost all times – and not just for their falafel (don’t be surprised to be handed some falafel balls while you wait your turn), as they have some rather great shawarma, hummus, and sabich. As one reviewer said: The hummus was to die for – SO good.
Website | Find it on Google Maps
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Delicious dinners at Night Kitchen
Night Kitchen is the perfect spot for a mix of food and cocktails. Located in Lilenblum Street, this Tel Aviv restaurant continues to gain more and more popularity, especially on social media, thanks to some truly Instagram-worthy dishes.
Aside from their bestseller, the spicy calamari, Night Kitchen is also known for its fried ginger appetizers, fish shawarma, and naturally, their steak dishes. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the banana cream crumble and the crème brûlée lollipop deserts might just knock you for six. Don’t miss the Happy Hour if you’re looking for a quick drink. The place can be a bit crowded at times (but that’s only because they serve super delish food) thus, you should probably call in advance to reserve a table.
Website | Find it on Google Maps
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Some of the best seafood in Tel Aviv: Salva Vida
If seafood is what rocks your boat, head to Salva Vida. Focusing on Mediterranean and European dishes with a big stress on seafood, this place is full of flavor. Located on HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv, locals and tourists alike just can’t get enough of this restaurant. While it is a bit expensive compared to other Tel Aviv eateries, you can be rest assured that this place uses only the best ingredients, including some amazingly fresh seafood.
Salva Vida is known for a variety of meals including their bestsellers: drum fish, shakshuka and grilled shrimp. For appetizers, you’ll never go wrong with their caramel crème brûlée, tuna sashimi and their mussels with cheese. After many years of renowned service, this Tel Aviv eatery deserves a spot on your restaurant checklist!
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Great food & vibes: Onza
Located in Rabi Khanina in the Flea Market area of Jaffa, Onza has fast become one of the well-known food joints in Tel Aviv. Backed by plenty of positive online reviews, you’ll also get to hear of Onza by word of mouth, it’s become that popular.
Home to some great Israeli / Turkish dishes, the top favorites here include cauliflower salad, and lamb kebab. Onza also offers an array of beers and wines, and this is the perfect place to try local beers if you haven’t tried one yet – the combination of food flavors and local beer is just perfect. Onza is also known for some great desserts, including rice pudding and knafeh, which is a traditional Arab dessert. In short, this is a great spot to chill or a restaurant to dine out with family and friends. From their cool vibe, great ambiance, to the friendly staff and highly skilled chefs and cooks, it’s clear why this place is loved by many.
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One of the best meat restaurants in Tel Aviv: Hatraklin Bistro
For all the steak lovers out there, make sure to add Hatraklin Meet & Wine Bistro to your foodie list. This place is literally heaven for meat lovers and has fast become a restaurant associated with a certain style and class – so yes, expect a cool ambiance and a fair-sized bill once you’ve satisfied your hunger!
Located in south-central Tel Aviv, Hatraklin Bistro is known for its variety of steak dishes and for its waiting staff who are all knowledgeable about the perfect wine and steak pairings. So if you have no clue of what to order, fear not. Of course, you can also just go straight-ahead and start with the classic roasted ramp steak stripes, seared sirloin, and porterhouse. Match those with their yummy mashed potatoes and your Tel Aviv dining experience is complete!
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The best hummus in Tel Aviv: Abu Hassan
Without doubt, Abu Hassan is probably the hummus joint that Tel Avivians will send you to if you ask for the best hummus restaurant in Tel Aviv…it’s definitely home to some of the very best hummus and falafel in Tel Aviv, but we actually prefer Abu Dubi (see below).
Located in Jaffa, Abu Hassan is the kind of restaurant you’re going to come back to. It’s one of the oldest and most famous eating spots in Israel, and for good reason, what with a variety of truly yummy hummus, falafel, and french fries. This place is also very budget-friendly, and since the dishes they serve up here are very filling, it’s the perfect place to stop by at if you’re super hungry! With plates served up at lightening speed, you won’t typically have long to wait either!
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Our favorite hummus in Tel Aviv: Abu Dubi
OK, so if it’s hummus you’re after in Tel Aviv, it’s going to be a straight duel between Abu Hassan (see above) and Abu Dubi. Our personal fave is Abu Dubi, largely because they’re a friendly bunch serving up some really great hummus – and we love the name!
Located right next to Dizengoff Center on King George Street, Abu Dubi is centrally positioned to ensure you don’t have to trek down to Jaffa for some tasty hummus. As with most hummus restaurants, it’s not that much to look at, but it’s really all about the hummus. Budget-friendly and guaranteed to fill those corners, we can highly recommend Abu Dubi!
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More Flea Market deliciousness: Puaa
Puaa is located in Rabi Yokhanan Street in Jaffa, in the heart of the Flea Market area. This moderately priced restaurant is not only for the foodies, but also for those who looking for a magical mix of old and new. The ambiance here is something special, and with a cute layout and old-school furniture and ornaments, it’s no wonder that this restaurant is often ranked as the must-try place in Tel Aviv!
Seriously, it’s all about the great dishes (meat and veggie-friendly), the valuable service, and the happy smiles of the waiters and staff. Don’t miss the sabich and lentil salad for some true Middle Eastern flavor – and the shakshuka is pretty darned tasty too! They also offer alcoholic drinks as well as shakes. During the winter months Puaa even has live shows every Thursday. This restaurant has to be on your wish-list!
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One of the best gourmet restaurants in Tel Aviv: Kitchen Market
Yet another classy restaurant in Tel Aviv is the Kitchen Market. Known for its glamorous ambiance, the Kitchen Market has been serving mouthwatering delicacies for a number of years now, and its reputation goes before it… As one reviewer put it online, “…while we absolutely loved typical local dishes, after 10 days we were ready for something different and were not disappointed.”
Located on the upper floor of the Farmers Market in Namal Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv Port), you have to try out the bestsellers: the sous vide steak and Coquille St. Jacques. The Kitchen Market has its own unique twist to everything, without eliminating the taste of Israel; from the staff to the ambiance, you can expect nothing but the best. And the food – yes, expect everything you will eat here to be mouthwatering! Whether you’re planning for a great dinner with family and friends, or perhaps you just want to chat and catch up over wine, the Kitchen Market in Namal Tel Aviv is one of the best places you can end up!
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A gluten-free, vegan and kosher Indian delight: DOSA Bar
It’s not often that a restaurant is gluten-free (check out our guide to gluten free eating in Israel), vegan, kosher AND charming as heck, but this little gem in Ben Yehuda Street is one to savor!
Try DOSA’s legendary namesake dish, you won’t be disappointed by this Southern Indian specialty. But also don’t skip the sugar-free Lassi shakes, they are yummy! This little restaurant isn’t a luxurious joint so don’t expect anything fancy. But what it lacks in style it makes up for with oodles of charm, friendliness, and cheap but tasty food! Check out our recent review here.
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One of the best Asian restaurants in Tel Aviv: Taizu
Located on Derech Menachem Begin, Taizu is without doubt one of the best Asian restaurants in Tel Aviv. This place offers an array of dishes, mostly focusing on exploring and introducing Asian flavors to Israel. They also have tons of vegan-friendly meals. What makes them stand out is their attention to the key ingredients in their dishes, to the plating of every dish; every single element goes under the scrutiny of its top chefs. So it might not come as surprise to hear that this luxurious restaurant is highly recommended by both locals and tourists.
With a top-class ambiance, Taizu’s bestsellers include Shanghainese duck dumplings, labneh calamari, and their ever-delicious mango balls for dessert. Taizu ain’t cheap, but you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth – and yep, you’ll almost certainly be back for more!
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The restaurant with the hottest bar: Shila
Perhaps the best thing about this place is that it has perfected the balance of drinks and meals, with some of their top favorites being their seafood dishes, especially the crystal shrimp and tuna carpaccio. Located on Rehov Ben Yehuda, Shila is not your typical Tel Aviv restaurant. Its exquisite architecture and interior design make for the perfect ambiance – but also come armed with plenty of cash, coz Shila ain’t cheap!
Diners have literally fallen in love with this restaurant, not only because of their tasty dishes but also thanks to their kind and very accommodating staff who will make your dinner hassle and stress-free. As one reviewer described Shila’s food: “Very indulging and with a hint of surprise.” We think it’s time to head down to Ben Yehuda…
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A unique fine dining experience: OCD
Located at Tirtsa Street in Tel Aviv (bordering Jaffa), the OCD is a highly recommended fine-dining experience. Seating is largely on the bar around the kitchen, so you get to see what you are about to eat – but the more unique element of this well-known Tel Aviv restaurant is its set meals when all diners get to eat the same meal at the same time! Even crazier – nobody knows what the menu will consist of when they arrive, so come with an open mind!
Only open during the evening (although they do have brunches one Friday a month), OCD isn’t a cheap option, with the set meals costing around 340 shekels per person. But OCD is there to be enjoyed, and is by many! Come for a completely unique dining experience!
Website | Find it on Google Maps
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Awesome seafood and the ultimate location: Manta Ray
Located right on the beach (officially Kaufman Street) in Tel Aviv, Manta Ray is home to some of the best and most affordable seafood dishes in the city. A longstanding city favorite (we reviewed it years ago), Manta Ray just keeps on pulling ’em in! Perfect for seafood lovers – and lovers of a gorgeous seaside ambiance – it also serves an array of Mediterranean dishes, and their menu is also vegan-friendly.
Watch out for the mixed seafood in white wine and butter broth, and their renowned appetizers, or mezze. And coupled with the great service from their kitchen staff, we’re pretty sure we’ll be spotting you soon at this great Tel Aviv beachside eaterie!
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The greatest chillout eaterie in Tel Aviv: Port Said
Port Said is best known for being a great Tel Aviv chillout spot. Not only do they serve yummy dishes, they also offer a cozy space for those who want to know more about the modern culture of Tel Aviv and Israel in general. Located in Har Sinai street, this place has a great atmosphere, and you’re likely to want to stay here forever and just consume all their delicious dishes.
Among their bestsellers and all-time favorites are the eggplant and minute steak, their meat and potato mix, and their renowned and delicious chicken liver. Seriously, this place is spot on for some great food or a chat with friends and a munch on something light. Their menu is gluten and vegan-friendly, making it ideal for, well, basically everyone. And no, this trendy bar and restaurant isn’t just for the hipsters and the yoof, it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys good food, good drinks, and a great atmosphere.
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Fast food delights at Miznon
Miznon in Ibn Gvirol Street in Tel Aviv has been around for years now (and they have expanded to additional branches in the city), and their loyal customers just keep coming back! This simple restaurant might be serving up just “fast food”, but their pitas stuffed with ratatouille or entrecote and fried eggs are bestsellers for a reason! If that doesn’t cut it for you, try their amazing lamb kebab, baked cauliflower or sweet potatoes, which are all local favorites as well.
Owned by the enigmatic chef Eyal Shani, Miznon and its vibrant atmosphere never fails its diners! Each dish is freshly made and expect the whole place to have a distinct aroma that will make you want to order more. Staff always have a smile on their faces, and you know you love what they do, which makes this fast food joint a must try in Tel Aviv!
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