Eat your way through Tel Aviv with me!

Some venture to Israel to visit the holy land, connect with their religion and have a spiritual journey. That is not to say I am not part of the some. I went on March of the Living and Birthright, and I have visited with family on multiple trips to see Yad Vashem, climb Masada, explore the old cities of Jaffa and Jerusalem, pray at the Western Wall, and learn about our heritage. But… that is not what I think of when I think of Israel. Why do I continue to return? The culture of people walking on the streets, the beach lifestyle, and most importantly, THE FOOD! 

If you want to experience the authentic beauty of Tel Aviv, then you must explore the markets and stop on the streets for falafel and hummus. Dedicate time to the following markets, streets and neighbourhoods:

• Carmel Market (The Shuk) and Nahalat Benyamin Street - The famous candy tables, hidden spots for authentic Israeli hummus, Druze pita with Labane cheese and cut salad, fresh juice and hot coffee.

• Neve Tzedek is a hidden neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, and gorgeous boutique jewelry and clothing stores. If you are from Toronto, Neve Tzedek is Yorkville meets Europe.

• If you are not done shopping, roam Shenkin & Dizengoff streets.

• For the days or nights when you don’t have reservations, Rothschild street and the streets off of it are full of lively restaurants and bars. 

• And then my favourite area to eat, drink, and tour: Jaffa.

But…. if you want to really enjoy yourself and eat incredibly farm to table Israeli food, you must eat at one (or ALL) or Eyal Shani’s restaurants. I have caught myself planning trips to Israel where at least 1 meal a day has been allocated to one of his restaurants: Miznon, North Abraxas, Port Said, Romano and Ha Salon. Miznoon and Port Said are perfect stops for lunch. Ha Salon is only open 2 nights a week, so it must be booked months in advance. North Abraxas is incredibly fun - the staff make you feel like you are at home. Romano is perfect for a late dinner and drinks, as their club/bar Teder opens up and you can spend your night there. 

But where else and what else? I am not going to tell you about touring as you likely know what you want to see and do. But I will tell you where to eat: 

BRUNCH:

• Benedicts

• Bread & Co

• Orna & Ella

• Old Man by the Sea

• Cafe Xoho

• Bread Story

• Delicatessan

• Dallal

• Banana Beach

• Cafe Suzanna

• Dr. Shashuka

• Bucke Cafe

• Yom Tov Cafe

• Cucu Hotel

• The Prince

• Cafe Nordoy

LUNCH OR DINNER:

• Cafe Noir

• Kitchen Market

• Night Kitchen

• Pua

• Claro

• Bicicletta Bar & Garden

• Meshek Barzilay

• Eats Cafeteria 

• Michelangelo

CHEAP EATS / CASUAL SPOTS

• Miznon

• Ha Pizza

• Abu Hassan

• Pasta Basta

• Falafel Razon

• Toaster (Late Nights)

• Tony Vespa Pizza (Late Nights)

When you are not eating or touring, spend your days on one of the following beaches: Bograshov, Gordon or Banana beach. The perfect spot to spend your entire day, and an even better spot to watch the sunset. 

Last helpful tip, when booking your hotel or airbnb, try to book on Ben Yehuda, on Hayarkon between Allenby and Gordon, or on or near Rothschild.