Tel Aviv
Best restaurants and what to eat
Israel
Tel Aviv is Israel’s most cosmopolitan food city, where Levantine street food, Mediterranean seafood, and modern chef-driven cooking meet in a dense urban setting. The city’s culinary identity is shaped by immigrant traditions, nearby markets, and a strong café culture, making everything from breakfast spreads to late-night bites especially vibrant.
Traditional food
טחינה
Silky sesame paste with a deep nutty flavor and a clean, slightly bitter finish. In Tel Aviv it is used both as a sauce and a table condiment, especially with falafel, roasted vegetables, and grilled fish.
זעתר
A fragrant herb blend of thyme, sesame, and sumac with an earthy, lemony brightness. It is often sprinkled over bread with olive oil, folded into cheeses, or used to season meats and vegetables.
עמבה
A pungent pickled mango relish with turmeric, mustard, and spice-driven sharpness. In Tel Aviv street food it is prized for its tangy punch on sabich, falafel, and sandwiches.
חומוס
A smooth chickpea puree enriched with tahini, lemon, and garlic, with a velvety texture and nutty depth. Served warm or room temperature, it is a cornerstone of Tel Aviv mezze and a daily staple for dipping fresh bread.
לאבנה
A thick strained yogurt cheese with a cool tang and creamy, spreadable body. In Tel Aviv it is often drizzled with olive oil and paired with herbs, olives, and flatbread at breakfast or as part of a mezze spread.
גבינת צפתית
A salty, crumbly white cheese with a fresh dairy aroma and a pleasantly springy bite. It is beloved in Israeli kitchens for salads, sandwiches, and pastries, and is especially good with tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil.
Wines & drinks
ליקר ערק
A clear anise spirit popular across Israel and commonly poured in Tel Aviv bars and restaurants. It is usually served chilled, sometimes diluted with water to turn milky and aromatic.
בירה מכבי
A light Israeli lager associated with local drinking culture and casual seaside dining in Tel Aviv. It is crisp, clean, and typically served ice-cold with street food or grilled dishes.
בירה גולדסטאר
A fuller-bodied Israeli lager with a malty backbone and a familiar, easy-drinking character. In Tel Aviv it is a classic companion to pubs, snacks, and late-night meals.
בירה נגב
An Israeli craft beer label known for hop-forward styles and a more modern brewing profile. In Tel Aviv it appears on tap in craft bars and pairs well with rich mezze and fried foods.
בירה מלכה
A boutique Israeli beer brand offering expressive, often aromatic styles with a contemporary feel. It is popular in Tel Aviv’s craft beer scene and suits everything from salads to spice-driven street food.
בירה ג'מס
A Tel Aviv-area craft beer with a modern, hop-centric personality and a broad range of styles. Served chilled on tap or in bottles, it reflects the city’s contemporary beer culture.
Local dishes
שקשוקה
A quintessential Tel Aviv breakfast of eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, often finished with herbs and feta. It is hearty, aromatic, and perfect with pita for scooping up the sauce.
פלאפל
Golden chickpea fritters served in pita or on a plate with salads, pickles, and tahini. Tel Aviv treats falafel as both a quick lunch and a culinary calling card, prized for freshness and crunch.
סביח
A beloved sandwich built around fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potatoes, salads, tahini, and amba. The result is rich, tangy, and texturally layered, making it one of the city’s most satisfying street foods.
מלאווח
A flaky Yemeni pan-fried flatbread often served with tomato dip, hard-boiled egg, and spicy condiments. Crisp on the outside and tender within, it is a deeply comforting Tel Aviv brunch and breakfast item.
בורקס גבינה
Cheese-filled bourekas with a crisp, buttery exterior and a savory, molten center. Common in Tel Aviv bakeries, they are often eaten with a hard-boiled egg and pickles for a classic snack.
שיפודי פרגית
Chargrilled chicken thigh skewers with a juicy interior and smoky, seasoned exterior. In Tel Aviv they are a popular grill-house dish, served with salads, hummus, and flatbread.