I definitely lost my heart in Tel Aviv. Not just because of the open-minded, welcoming people who live here, also because of their beautiful beaches, their great architecture (yes, you should go there for the 100th Bauhaus anniversary), their museums and soon-to-be-open design hotels (we tell you more about those soon!). And of course because of their evolving food scene from authentic Israeli food to the best ice cream.
The intriguing thing about their restaurants and cafés is, that you can find a wide range there, from high-class fancy dining to the best street food on a budget. From traditional dishes with varieties of their well-known Hummus to fancy fusion kitchen, which adopts Western ingredients. Of our last trip we selected our six favorite restaurants and food spots in Tel Aviv.
HA ACHIM RESTAURANT
Photo by Ha Achim Tel Aviv
This is where you’ll meet a lot of locals. It was a recommendation by a DJ friend of mine and we weren’t disappointed by Ha Achim: The restaurant has a very creative and young vibe, the food is truly amazing. The waiters are as fun and diverse as the menu, which is composed of house-made salads, delicious kebabs and homegrown Israeli food. We went there on Friday before going out, the best place to meet new people and start from there into Tel Avivs nightlife.
Address: Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St 12, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
RAMESSES RESTAURANT
Next door to the oh-so-famous restaurant by Dr. Shakshuka (thanks Netflix for overcrowding this place), you find the less touristy Ramesses. You have to try their roasted pumpkin or kebab dishes. And beside the food, this place is also a perfect spot for day-drinking, because so many interesting people are passing by through this alley and no matter which weather you experience in Tel Aviv (yes, sometimes even here it can get a little bit rainy and clouds), with their heaters and parasols, you can spend there the whole day.
Address: Ben Perachyah St 7, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
HOTEL MONTEFIORE
In Tel Aviv’s first boutique hotel, which is located close to the lively Rothschild Boulevard, you’ll find a restaurant with a lovely balcony on the first floor. This recommendation is the only high-end, a bit more sophisticated restaurant in this list. Some might say here: Who needs Parisian chic when you visit Israel? But actually, the mixture of both cuisines is fantastic – and starts from unique breakfast dishes with poached egg variations to a bit pricey – but definitely worth the money – dinner courses with a French and even Vietnamese twist. Make a reservation in advance, to be sure to get a table.
Address: Montefiore St 36, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
CAFE PUAA
You find this quirky, authentic restaurant in the heart of the Jaffa Flea Market, which is one of my favorite places in Tel Aviv anyways. Sitting outside in the small alley or inside on one of those cozy couches, you’ll instantly be soaked up by the typical Tel Aviv vibe at Puaa. Besides serving all-day breakfast – a service to which you might already be used to by the more touristy, but well-known Benedict Restaurant at Rothschild Boulevard – you have to try their curried pumpkin dumplings and their famous Moussaka.
Address: Rabbi Yohanan St 8, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
SALUF & SONS
Let’s be honest: If you just pass by Saluf & Sons, you would never consider stepping into it in the first place. One reason might be, because you can’t read a single thing on their menu or their windows (but they do hand you an English menu, once you sit down). And secondly, which is the best thing about this place, you just see locals there and nearly no tourists, which doesn’t encourage some travelers to sit down. But you should! Because for now, Saluf & Sons is one of the places in Tel Aviv, where you can eat on a budget and get one of the best Hummus in this city. My favorite dish: the Malawach wrap, which is made with a bread somewhere in-between a croissant and a fluffy flat cake. Best place to go for Israeli breakfast.
Address: Nahalat Binyamin St 80, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
ANITA ICE CREAM
Which trip is complete without ice cream? When you make your way to the worth-to-be-seen artsy area in Florentin, make a stop at Anita’s Ice Cream shop. And this is kind of an award, because who knows me well, has noticed how picky I am when it comes to ice cream. At Anitas shop it isn’t just about the cute interior, with lots of plants and nice furniture, it is also that the ice cream is presented in overwhelming, almost artistic piles. And of course, speaking of the special flavors and the extraordinary creaminess: Rather go for many small scopes to make sure you can try as many ice creams as possible.
Address: Florentine St. 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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