According to the recent edition of Timeout Tel Aviv (the Hebrew edition), these are the top five value-for-money restaurants in Tel Aviv; the eateries where you really do get decent nosh for your shekel. I’ve been to a couple of these places and have to agree with the boys at Timeout…
This is, of course, the next level up from standing at street corners with a felafel and shwarma in your hand – but not by much!
Odelia
A great little restaurant serving some fine Tripolitai food (of Libyan, or more specifically Tripoli, descent). You can find some very decent hummus dishes here, as well as the legendary mafrum (in potato or eggplant versions – this is one of my very favorite Israeli dishes). The amazing thing about this place – all dishes are set at 14 shekels. Definitely worth a visit.
Address: 89 Ben Yehuda (they have no telephone!)
Giraffe Noodle Bar
One of Tel Aviv’s most popular restaurants, thanks to its atmosphere and ability to keep a hungry Tel Aviv clientele coming back for more Asian goodness via a hot wok and exotic spices. Giraffe have a couple of other branches in Tel Aviv, but this is the standard bearer, the one you should try. That Portobello mushroom starter gets me every time…
Address: 49 Ibn Gvirol (telephone: 03-6916924)
Goocha
Goocha has a couple of branches in Tel Aviv, with a third on the way. If you’re looking for good value sea food, with the classic seafood dishes accompanied by a few surprises (where East meets West, and Sea meets Land), give this place a shot. As well as the sea food you can also get pastas, salads and even steaks, all at nice, friendly prices.
Address: 14 Ibn Gvirol (03-6911603) and 171 Dizengoff (057-2223333)
HaSdera 34
Big, cheap and tasty portions for under 40 shekels! The menu has expanded over the years to include all those foods Tel Avivians love – from sushi to steak! Nice bar to sit at (with user-friendly barmen), music is pretty good, crowd is young, and the plates are heaving with huge portions that don’t leave a big dent in your wallet! Service is also decent, definitely not too stuffy.
Address: 34 Ben Gurion (03-5272116)
Zinc
Some fine food at this bar-restaurant, including pasta, risotto, meat, fish, seafood, and salads. If you love food, enjoy drinking and just chilling out with friends, you’ll be in good company. Sit at the bar, on those soft couches, or even outside. Nice, easy menu lets you choose meals at 25, 30 or 45 shekels.
Address: 29 Carlibach (03-5615282)