food tour tel aviv

Your Foodie Friends in Israel

CONNECTING YOU WITH ISRAELI FOOD, WHEREVER YOU ARE

Elevate Your Culinary Journey with Delicious Israel

Experience unforgettable culinary adventures during your visit to the captivating "land of milk and honey" with Delicious Israel. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a seasoned traveler, our exceptional specialty food tours and cooking workshops guarantee cherished memories throughout your vacation in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and beyond.

Delicious Walking Tours

Join our small group tours as we veer off the beaten path to eat, explore, learn and experience the authentic “insider” scene of Israeli lifestyle, history and culture.

Shuk + Cook Hands-On WorkShops

Embark on a 1-hour tasting journey through the Carmel Market, then enjoy the oasis of our modern kitchen studio for an Israeli-style cooking lesson with a Chef.

Enjoy Delicious Israel, No Matter Where You Are

Delicious Israel Culinary Kits

Support small Israeli food businesses, and give the gift of Israel with our Delicious Israel Culinary Kit. Ships from within the US.

Delicious Cities New York

New York, New York, what a Delicious town! Join us as we explore a restaurant crawl through NYC’s hottest Israeli food spots.

Experience Israel Virtually, From the Comfort of Your Home

Israeli food is on the tables of top chefs and is making waves around the world. Join Delicious Israel to experience the authentic roots and history of this diverse food culture with your own tastebuds.

VIRTUAL ISRAELI FOOD TOURS

Join us for an engaging, interactive online experience as we veer off the beaten path to explore, learn and experience the authentic “insider” scene of Israeli lifestyle, history and culture through the lens of food.

VIRTUAL ISRAELI COOKING CLASSES

Learn how to cook Israeli food from a local chef. Israeli food is #trending on the tables of the top chefs around the world, and you can experience it in a live, private class from the comfort of your own kitchen.

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Delicious Israel has a 5-star average rating on Tripadvisor with 1,000+ reviews.

“AMAZING Tour & Cooking Class. This was one of the most wonderful things I did in Israel…”

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Even regular Israel travelers can’t get enough

Countless reviews rave about our authentic Israel experience.

“We have been to Israel 15+ time and have tasted much of this food on other tours -- but it's never been as good as this.”

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Locals cannot get enough

Tourists and locals alike rave about our tours.

“Even though we are fellow Israelis with strong knowledge of the Israeli food scene, we kept learning many new interesting things!”

Anna V., Tripadvisor

Virtual tours are a hit

Don’t let travel stop you from experiencing all that Israeli cuisine has to offer.

“Even though we were in the states and it was over zoom, it felt like we were in Israel. It was amazing!”

Leila C., Tripadvisor

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Food Tour Tel Aviv

Taste authentic and delicious Israeli flavors!

Food Tour Tel Aviv takes place in a trendy city located on the Mediterranean coast in Israel. It is a vibrant and diverse city that is known for its thriving food scene. The city’s cuisine is influenced by the local and regional ingredients, as well as some arabic products. In Food Tour Tel Aviv some of our tours include falafel, a deep-fried ball made from chickpeas and spices, and shakshuka, a dish made with eggs cooked in a spicy and delicious tomato sauce.

Visitors should also sample the city’s famous street food, such as hummus, a creamy spread made from chickpeas and tahini, and sabich, a pita sandwich filled with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and a variety of pickled vegetables. Whether savoring traditional dishes or exploring new flavors, Tel Aviv is the perfect destination for food lovers looking to experience the best of Mediterranean cuisine.

Authentic tours

The food of Tel Aviv is unique, as well as each tour. In each activity, food, learning and good vibes are guaranteed.

Tel Aviv preserves many things from the past and during the tours you will be able to see beautiful architecture.

Meet people

Meeting new people is always nice and much better if you are sharing or cooking delicious food.

Food tours in Tel Aviv

Tasting tour in Tel Aviv’s market

Price: 75 USD

You’ll learn about the flavors and aromas of the market and hear its timeless stories.

Vegan culinary tour in Tel Aviv

Price: 81 USD

Explore Tel Aviv’s thriving vegan food scene on a tour in the best vegan destinations in the world.

Culinary tour in Tel Aviv

Price: 96 USD

During this food tour, you’ll get an insider’s introduction to the iconic market in central Tel Aviv.

Drinks & bites tour in Tel Aviv

Price: 157 USD

Your local guide and nightlife expert will take you to the Florentin neighborhood, known for its vibrant Tel Aviv nightlife.

Wine tasting from Tel Aviv

Price: 516 USD

Visit the vast landscape of the Golan Highlands and Eli Cohen Park during this full-day tour.

Private wine tour in Tel Aviv

Price: 957 USD

Explore the rich wine country of central Israel on this private, customizable day trip from the cool city of Tel Aviv.

Discover the flavors of Tel Aviv with this culinary guide

Check out these articles for tips about gastronomic places

Best food in Tel Aviv

Immigration and the mixture of cultures is always a good breeding ground for gastronomic richness, Israel perfectly represents this…

Vegan restaurants in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is one of the great places in the world to enjoy vegan food. It is no longer a novelty: the entertainment capital of Israel.

Rooftop restaurants in Tel Aviv

Head to the rooftop bars of Tel Aviv to get a different perspective on one of the trendiest and most popular destinations in recent…

A Tel Aviv food tour for every type of traveler

By: Author Brittany

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2023

While Israel itself is known as a religious hub and attracts pilgrims from around the world, Tel Aviv is a melting pot of people from all backgrounds. This is a city where almost anything goes, and you’ll see bikini-clad teens sharing the boardwalk with fully-covered religious women. The diversity in cultures bred a diversity in food, and the cuisine in Tel Aviv is as varied as its residents. I’ve joined food tours around the world, and Tel Aviv has the broadest offering I’ve found so far. No matter your style of travel (or eating), there’s a Tel Aviv food tour that will fill you with knowledge, culture and food – tailored to your specific tastes.

The vegan (or vegan-curious)

Abraham tours vegan tasting tour.

Did you know Tel Aviv is considered the vegan capital of the world ?! Because of Jewish Kosher laws prohibiting mixing meat and milk, a plant-based diet is a great option for those keeping Kosher.

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical before the vegan food tour in Tel Aviv began. My Texas identity is wrapped up in juicy steaks and cheesy, buttery baked potatoes. I was the only non-vegetarian or vegan on the tour and prepared to feel judged.

Instead, I found a welcoming and informative tour guide, who led us to some of the most amazing vegan eateries in Tel Aviv. Many Israeli foods are intrinsically vegan by nature. If you love hummus , you already love something vegan! We also tried vegan shakshuka, a Buddha bowl and –every Millennial’s favorite– avocado toast!

Vegan shakshuka on the Tel Aviv vegan tour

Did you know Israel has the second largest population of vegetarians, second only to India! The country has an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies year round and because of the country’s small size, a passion for animal activism spreads quickly.

Trust the guide to open your eyes to some unique local dishes as you learn about vegan myths (vegans DO eat things other than salad) and reasons people choose veganism as a lifestyle (moral, health, and environment).

Finish the tour at Meshek Barzilay for a sweet ending! Try a cashew cheesecake cannoli and their three types of chocolate delight. The sampler plate includes chocolate mousse with white chocolate base (made with garbanzo water), three-layer chocolate cake with coffee cream and chocolate cake with white chocolate cream. This is hands-down one of the best desserts I’ve ever tried, and I went back another day for a second serving!

Meshek Barzilay vegan chocolate dessert

The fashionista

The chic tour by bitemojo.

When I think of food and fashion, I’m mostly trying not to spill on my shirt and praying that my clothes still fit after I eat all the food. But the creative minds at bitemojo curated a DIY tour which introduces you to the artists of Tel Aviv as you explore the Carmel market streets, Kerem HaTeimanim, and Nahalat Binyamin. Enjoy 6 tastings in between visiting vintage shops and trying on handmade woolen scarves.

This is a DIY tour which can be done at your own pace via the bitemojo app on your phone. The app serves up vouchers for each tasting once you arrive at your destination, including a very tasty Malabi, a milky pudding made with rice, sugar, milk and rosewater. Complete the entire tour in one day or go back for the final tastings if you fill up early on in the tour.

Malabi in Carmel Market Tel Aviv

The political traveler

The other tel aviv tour.

Take part in a food tour unlike any you’ve ever experienced! Begin at Abraham Hostel and meet your guide for a walk to Tel Aviv’s old central station. From here, you’ll learn about the Neve Shaanan neighborhood’s unique and complicated story: from its establishment by Jewish workers nearly a century ago through major demographic shifts in recent years. The current residents of this neighborhood are labeled as “refugees”, “asylum seekers”, “migrant workers”, and “infiltrators”, living side-by-side with Israeli residents who have lived there for decades.

On this tour, you’ll learn about the culture from a local activist as you taste your way through the neighborhood. Visit one of the oldest shops around, owned by an Israeli Jew who specializes in nuts before heading to an Eritrean speakeasy of sorts. 

The Other Tel Aviv Tour – nut shop

Enjoy a traditional drink in a Hamra , a hidden drinks house and social gathering place for the Eritrean community. Continue on to taste cuisines from many different cultures, treating your taste buds to a delicious journey through parts of the world your eyes have likely never seen.

The Other Tel Aviv Tour – Eritrean Hamra

The Other Tel Aviv is part food tour, part educational experience and a completely eye opening day!

The traveler who wants to see the entire city through their stomach

Delicious israel eat tel aviv.

Delicious Israel’s 4.5 hour tour takes you on a 2.5-3 mile walking tour from Jaffa Port to Carmel Market. Enjoy 10 tastings from hidden gems and trendy eateries as you tour through Jaffa Flea Market, Neve Tzedek and end the foodie experience in the Yemenite quarter and Carmel Market. If you can’t decide which tour to take… this one has it all!

Hummus Shlomo and Doron Tel Aviv

The religious traveler

Delicious israel private shabbat dinner.

If you’re looking for a unique, intimate foodie experience in Tel Aviv, let Delicious Israel invite you into their family for a special Shabbat dinner. Join in the Shabbat blessings over the wine and challah before enjoying a meal curated to showcase local Israeli flavors.

Abraham Hostel Shabbat Dinner

If you want to learn more about Shabbat traditions, but feel nervous about joining a Shabbat dinner in an intimate setting, Abraham Hostel hosts a weekly Shabbat meal for travelers. A hostel employee hosts the evening, lighting the candles and explaining their family traditions.

This is a low-pressure, family dinner for any type of traveler will enjoy!

Delicious Israel Levinsky Market Tour

The foodie who wants to bring a bit of Israel home with them will love the Delicious Israel Levinsky Market Tour. This neighborhood is known for their fresh spices, dried fruits, hand-roasted coffees. On this tour,  you’ll get to try the best of the best. Delicious Israel has relationships with grandfathers at third and fourth generation shops, and they’re happy to introduce them to you.

Enjoy seven tastings in Levinsky Market and with each bite, you’ll taste the influence of Turkish, Greek and Iranian immigrants who have called this area home since the 1920s. Don’t forget to save space in your suitcase! You’ll want to buy some za’atar and coffee to share with friends back home (or save it for yourself, we won’t judge!).

Levinsky Market dried nuts and fruit

The hipster

Bitemojo hipster tel aviv.

Q: How did the Israeli hipster burn his mouth? A: He ate his shakshuka before it was cool!

I love a good hipster joke. But all jokes aside, hipsters always know what’s going to be the next big trend. Levinsky Market is full of history and secret family recipes. It’s also where graffiti artists take up their cans of spray paint on a nightly basis— their act of rebellion coating Florentine with colorful murals that will add to any Instagram. (The neighborhood was the perfect location for my Purim photoshoot!)

Melting ice cream cone costume for Purim

This DIY tour from bitemojo includes six tastings alongside stories, memories and a history of a neighborhood that’s somehow rooted in history and cutting-edge.

Tel Aviv is a food-lover’s dream. Try hummus served warm (I promise you’ll never eat the grocery store kind ever again). Devour ice cream in the most unusual flavors made by marine biologists. Shoot Arak and find it burns in the best way possible. Whatever you eat, your taste buds will thank you for visiting Tel Aviv. Your problem won’t be finding good food, it will be buttoning your jeans after your visit!

Which of these eight food tours in Tel Aviv sound like the most fun to you?

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Monday 3rd of February 2020

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Welcome to Lo caLocal

An authentic bite of tel aviv.

I’m Tal, a foodie, anthropologist, and proud Tel Avivian. I love meeting new people and I’ve always wanted to give people a way to experience the amazing flavors and hidden jams Tel Aviv has to offer while telling the stories behind the food. In 2019 I finally decided to make my dream come true and founded LocaLocal. 

Let me show you my Tel Aviv in an unforgettable tasty way!

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The 5 Best Tel Aviv Food Tours 

Ever wondered why Israel has become such a good culinary destination? When I mention Israeli food, you might only think of hummus, pita and falafel but that’s a real understatement. The Israeli cuisine has a lot more to offer! Ever heard of Shakshuka, Sambusak or Sabich? Discover it all on one of the below Tel Aviv food tours.

These, and many other dishes, are waiting for you to be tried when you travel to Israel! Even if you are a vegetarian or looking for vegan food tours in Tel Aviv? The Israeli cuisine has plenty of choices, there’s enough to meet every taste.

The Israeli cuisine is definitely a reason to travel to Israel , but click on the link to read many more reasons I could come up with. Also have a look at my list of almost 30 best things to do in Israel .

In the past, the food in Israel was based on a few products that are still prominently present in the current Israeli cuisine like olives, dates, pomegranates, figs, grapes, wheat and barley. Nowadays, the Israeli cuisine is influenced by flavours from all over the world. 

The original inspiration for the Israeli cuisine belongs to the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, but during the years it has also been influenced by Asia, Europe and Africa. Thanks to all these different influences, Israel has built its own food reputation that stands for various, delicious and healthy. The Israeli cuisine seems to be one of the most delicious and healthiest foods in the world and I have to agree! Therefore going on a Tel Aviv food tour is totally worth it.

In this article I will highlight 5 Tel Aviv food tours that are not to be missed when you visit Israel. Want more Israel travel tips then click on this link to see everything you need to know before you travel to Israel.

1. Visit Israel’s open-air food markets

Important to mention is that food prices in Israel are extremely high, Israel is an expensive country! If you travel to Israel on a budget, you can take advantage of Israel’s open-air food markets (a shuk) like Carmel Market in Tel Aviv but also the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem.

When it comes to food, these are must-visit places. The markets offer fresh foods of good quality at affordable prices. I especially loved the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, where I tasted different kinds of food multiple times!

Of course you can easily visit these markets by yourself but it can be overwhelming and you will miss the best places. Therefore a Tel Aviv food tour to visit Carmel Market is recommended. Abraham Tours offers various reasonable prised Tel Aviv food tours, but also in Jerusalem and other cities. Think about traditional cooking workshops, local food experiences, culinary market experiences and even an Israeli craft beer tasting.

If this aren’t already enough reasons to travel to Israel  then check my list in the link of another 25 reasons.

In case you are traveling to Jerusalem and want to visit the famous Mahane-Yehuda-Market , then click on the link for an amazing fun tour I did with Abraham Tours.

2. Shabbat Experience Food Tour Tel Aviv

Experiencing a traditional Jewish Shabbat dinner is one of the best food tours in Tel Aviv and among the best cultural things to do in Tel Aviv in my opinion.

Shabbat stands for the seventh day of the week; a day of rest and celebration that begins a few minutes before sunset on Friday and ends the following evening after nightfall, after the appearance of three stars in the sky. According to Jewish belief, God created the universe in six days, and then stopped on the seventh day. Shabbat is a ritual to command to emulate God. The Torah says: "Six days you shall work, and the seventh day is Shabbat, for the Lord your God."

Shabbat is a traditional Jewish way to escape the daily routine. It includes three essential meals: dinner at Friday night, lunch at Saturday, and the third meal at Saturday afternoon. Friday night dinner is the most popular Shabbat meal for non-Orthodox Jews.

Shabbat Tel Aviv food tour in Abraham Hostel

Every Friday, Abraham Hostel offers a Shabbat experience, which is basically a simulation of the Friday night Shabbat dinner. The Abraham Hostel staff prepares a delicious buffet dinner and before everybody starts eating they will explain more about the aspects related to this Shabbat tradition. The event is held at  Abraham Hostel , is very affordable and an absolute great Israeli food experience. Click here for more info about the Shabat Tel Aviv food tour .

Before dinner, an Abraham staff member says a special prayer over wine in a ritual known as Kiddush (sanctification). After the blessing everyone takes a sip of his or her wine. Even if you are not Jewish, it is fine to sip the wine. The final ritual before the actual meal is the blessing over bread, called Hamotzi. The Hamotzi blessing will ‘cover’ your meal (except for dessert and wine). ‘Grace After Meals,’ recited after the meal, will cover everything you've eaten.

After these blessings it’s time to enjoy a delicious cooked dinner from salad to pasta, potatoes, fish and meat, together with travelers from all over the world! Everyone sat down at long tables, where candles were lit. For the lighting of Shabbat candles are two reasons: To ‘honour Shabbat’ and to create peace (shalom bayit).

This Shabbat experience is an approachable way to learn more about the Jewish Shabbat tradition. Although I recommend this activity while staying in Abraham Hostel, I think it’s even more interesting to join a real Israeli family for a Shabbat dinner.

Shabbat Experience Betzavta

Joining a local family for a real Shabbat dinner is one of the most unique things to do in Israel. If you’re interested in joining this local culinary experience, I highly recommend Betzavta, a concept that brings locals and travellers together as you will get invited to a local home for a traditional Israeli cuisine. This culinary tour in Tel Aviv is a super authentic experience. They are now extending to local families outside of Tel Aviv as well to taste the Israeli food all across the country at a local home.

3. Hummus workshop and Dinner

When you travel to Israel, you will probably eat the famous Israel food hummus several times throughout your trip! Although almost every cuisine in the Middle East claims hummus as its own, Israel originally adopted hummus as its unofficial national dish because it suited Jewish kashrut laws (religious rules that deal with eating and food preparation). Once you try the Israeli hummus, you will realize it’s way better than the one you ever bought in a supermarket.

The hummus workshop including dinner is a really great and social experience and one of my favorite Tel Aviv food tours I did.

For the ones who still don’t know what I’m talking about: Hummus is a vegan and healthy dish made out of mashed chickpea. Chickpeas are very healthy because of the rich source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Because of the complex carbohydrates it makes you feel satisfied and full.

While I was staying in Abraham Hostel I signed up for their Hummus workshop to learn how to prepare the ‘original’ Israeli hummus. The workshop is held inside the hostel and their talented cook explains you step-by-step how to make the best hummus in Tel Aviv. 

After finishing your freshly made Tel Aviv hummus it’s time to serve it the traditional way; on a large plate, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs and accompanied by fresh pita bread to dip it. Tasting your own made hummus is another reason to sign up for a Tel Aviv food tour.

It was the first time I learned how to make hummus and I found it very tasteful. I will definitely try to make it again at home. For me, this hummus dinner was enough to feel satisfied and a great way to spend a low-budget evening with fellow travellers. I loved the relaxing atmosphere in the hostel and everything was well organized. 

4. The Other Tel Aviv Food Tour - Food, Culture & People

As I mentioned before, there are a lot of great ways to discover different types of food in Israel. If you have enough time in Tel Aviv, I would recommend joining The other Tel Aviv food and culture tour hosted by Abraham Tours. This tour will show you the neighbourhood of Neve Sha’anan in the South of Tel Aviv. Exploring Neve Sha-anan is one of the unique and less touristy things to do in Tel Aviv, since you won’t find it many Tel Aviv travel guides. The reason for that is that many Israelis tend avoid this neighbourhood, which is notorious because of its reputation for sex industry.

Foreign workers and refugees from different parts of Africa and Asia are settled in this neighbourhood, which therefore make it one of the most multi-cultural places to visit in Tel Aviv. A lot of these African and Asian migrants opened their own restaurant. Because of this, you have the opportunity to taste multicultural cuisines and learn more about the social history and political background of this underbelly of the city, which at the same time make for an amazing Tel Aviv food tour.

You will get to experience tasteful dishes and snacks that originate from different parts of the world. We for example stopped at an authentic nut shop, owned by an Israeli Jew and a hidden ‘Hamra’ drink house that serves as a social gathering place to the Eritrean community.

At the drink house we enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee accompanied by sweet popcorn and learned more about ‘Buna’, the Eritrean coffee ceremony. It seems that the neighbourhood of Neve Sha’anan hosts around 30 of this hidden places.

Apart from the above visits you will also explore other small restaurants of different communities living in Neve Sha’anan, where you’re able to taste dishes like ‘Mashada’ (a chicken dish with peanut). Places like these make this Tel Aviv food tour even more special.

Ever heard of ‘injera’? It’s a sourdough-risen flatbread with a bit of a sour taste, originating from Eritrea and Ethiopia. This culinary tour in Tel Aviv is showing you the many faces of the Israeli food.

In Neve Sha’anan you will also find local vegetable markets where they sell lots of spices, and a variety of vegetables and fruits. At one of these vegetable supermarkets we tasted the difference between dry and fresh dates. At a Chinese supermarket we tried a delicious Indian dessert made out of chickpeas, called ‘Laddu’.

While strolling around the Neve Sha’anan neighbourhood – close to Abraham Hostel in Tel Aviv – you will see lots of old shops. It’s a real contrast to the neighbourhoods in the centre and north of Tel Aviv. The guide explains about the changes this neighbourhood has been through, and the negativity they still face; like the former abandoning of the bus station, the huge demographic changes in recent years and the complicated situation of the inhabitants and their political marks. 

Nowadays the neighbourhood is changing. More young hipsters are settling in this area because it’s cheaper than the centre of Tel Aviv. Because of these changes, rental prices slowly start to rise. I’m curious about how this neighbourhood will develop in 5 years, but for now it makes the excellent places for a Tel Aviv food tour.

Curious what The Other Tel Aviv tour has to offer? Check out this tour organised by Abraham Tours starting from the Abraham Hostel in Tel Aviv . Food can bring people together! After this tour, you will be amazed by the food, but perhaps even more by the untold stories of the neighbourhood of Neve Sha’anan and its complex community. The tour will take around 3 hours.

5. More Tel Aviv food tours

Apart from the above Israeli food experiences, there are more culinary things to do in Tel Aviv. If you don’t feel like joining tours, workshops or cooking classes, just wander the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and visit small local restaurants or food stalls to try some typical Israeli cuisine like for example Shakshuka, a great dish that you should try while visiting Israel.

Israeli wine tasting would be a good culinary thing to do as well. I loved their local wine from the Judean Hills. The desserts afterwards were very tasty as well! 

Tel Aviv Vegan food tours are also available! A fun culinary Tel Aviv food tour specially tailored for vegan travelers. Click on the link for more info!

This Tel Aviv food blog is written by travel photographer Kim Paffen ; for Traveltomtom she travelled to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Check out her Instagram account: ourplanetinmylens .

Traveltomtom has been to Israel a bunch of times and wrote many different blogs like: all essential things to know before traveling to Israel , a guide for visiting Masada Mountain , best things to do in Israel , etc. 

In case this blog was helpful for planning your trip to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, please help me in return by sharing the link of this article on Internet. Every share is much appreciated.

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Yalla basta, it’s a savor to meet you.

Yalla Basta is an innovative tourism company specializing in content and culinary experiences in Israel’s most popular markets. The market best represents the micro-cosmos of the Israeli society and visiting one gives a glamps into Israel in a unique and fascinating way. As part of our vision, to make the market experience accessible to everyone, we run eight websites full of content and information, which would help you get to know the various markets better, plan your visit there and decide, as you go, if you want to travel on your own or with our tastings and tours card.

Our tastings card is a uniquely fun product, allowing you to experience the market at your own time and pace, while tasting and eating from the best stalls and stores in each market, learning about the market as you roam it and coming into touch with the vendors. Today, we offer a selection of card, all bilingual (Hebrew and English), which would provide you with the most unique experience of each market, it culture and vendors. Some of them fit those who keep Kosher and others fit those traveling on the weekends. We also produce branded cards for educational and commercial companies, intensifying their fun activity.

The guided tours lead groups, families and colleagues on a roaming full of scents, flavors, stories and anecdotes from the lively market’s life and are build together with you, in order to best fit the nature of the group, preferred tastings and style of tour that would fit you. Our tours focus on the cultural and culinary experience of the place and allow you to take a few hours’ break from the daily life and get in touch with the vibrant and colorful rhythm of the market. We have tours in English, Hebrew, Spanish, French and Russian, according to the group’s needs.

Yalla Basta works with the leading organizations, bodies and companies in the market. We maintain the highest level of service and are satisfied by the returning customer base, keep coming back for additional and new experiences in market and the unique places Israel has to offer.  

 Our websites:   Machane Yehuda | Old City of Jerusalem  | Shuk HaCarmel | Shuk Levinsky  | Jaffa flea Market  | Shuk Nazareth | Shuk Ramla  | Walking tours Israel  | Berlin food tours

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Feed Your Sol

 tel aviv food tours & walking workshops ,  virtual and in-person wellness & lifestyle experiences , virtual & in-person wellness & lifestyle experiences .

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Create self care and balance. Learn how to maximize your time, budget, energy and mental health.

Tailor-made team-building sessions that leave your team refreshed, happy,

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Taste Tel Aviv

Perfect for individuals  &  groups , Chef Moran Sol Broza will take you on

a journey of tastes which make up Israeli cuisine.  Meet locals, learn about Tel Aviv, & eat the most delicious food.  

Delivering homemade frozen food to Central Tel Aviv. 

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Tel Aviv Food Tour - Secret Food Tours

As Romans we're wildly passionate about Italian food and we'd be delighted to share our love of food with you. Italian food is recognised around the world for its delicious flavours, exquisite dishes and world class ingredients. Although many countries now have some great Italian food, it's only when you visit Italy that you're able to taste the true passion and the best flavours this country has to offer. By booking our Secret Food Tours: Rome, you'll enjoy a variety of local Italian favorites.

Explore our Tel Aviv Food Tours

On our Secret Food Tour: Tel Aviv we’ll provide you an unforgettable sensory and flavoury experience.

Our Secret Tours, you'll enjoy a variety of local Italian favorites. Italian food is recognised around the world for its delicious flavours, exquisite dishes and world class ingredients. Although many countries now have some great Italian food, it's only when you visit Italy that you're able to taste the true passion and the best flavours this country has to offer.

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If you know me I am overly obsessed with both Tel Aviv and food. The food scene in Tel Aviv is outrageous and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. I have visited Tel Aviv 10+ times and moved here permanently in 2019 and my list keeps growing, living here for four years now.

I decided to make this extensive guide (so many years, visits and pictures in the making) because the lists were getting too long in my FULL Tel Aviv Itinerary Guide and to help answer ANY question about where to eat in Tel Aviv. This includes: WHAT to eat in Israel, brunch in Tel Aviv, cafes in Tel Aviv, cheap eats and street food in Tel Aviv, casual dinner in Tel Aviv, fine dining in Tel Aviv, dessert in Tel Aviv, best spots for every specific craving, and my absolute favorite and recommended food tour in Tel Aviv. Anything you are in the mood for Tel Aviv has it and this guide will help you plan your itinerary around food and reservations like I do! Keep reading for the best restaurants and best food in Tel Aviv. *I will keep updating this list as I keep trying more restaurants during my time living in Tel Aviv*

Disclosure: This Israel Tel Aviv Food Guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Travel Guide Contents

Must-Know Tel Aviv Food Guide Tips

• For my full Tel Aviv travel guide and to know everything else of what to do in Tel Aviv head to my Tel Aviv travel itinerary . For Israel travel in general, where to visit when traveling to Israel, safety in Israel, head to my full Israel travel tips guide .
• RESERVATIONS : These days post-Covid, tourists are everywhere in Tel Aviv and restaurants are packed. I highly suggest making a reservation at all of your brunch/dinner spots you want to go to well in advance of your trip or you will likely not get in. You can find almost all restaurant reservations HERE on OnTopo (and there is an English option) or Tabit (no English but easy to figure out!).
• Travel Insurance: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads . This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
• TEL AVIV PACKING LIST: Tel Aviv is insanely hot during the summer and mild in the winter! For all of my travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here .

WHAT FOOD TO EAT IN ISRAEL

Israeli food is the absolute best. Before getting into the restaurants of WHERE to eat in Tel Aviv, you have to make sure you eat all of the Israeli food staples while visiting.

• Hummus: Needs no introduction and once you have it in Israel you will never like store-bought brands again. Where to try it: Abu Hassan and Shlomo v Doron .
• Falafel: Falafel is one of Israeli’s favorite street food and it is amazing here. And it’s vegetarian so it’s perfect for everyone. Usually comes in pita with a ton of other amazing vegetables. Where to try it: HaKosem , Yashka or anywhere in Shuk HaCarmel .
• Shawarma : Shawarma is Israel’s other famous street food and is thinly sliced and cooked meat (can be chicken, beef, lamb, etc. Where to try it: Yashka .
• Sabich: Sabich is the lesser known of all the Israeli street foods but might be my favorite one. It’s eggplant and egg served in a pita with different veggies. Where to try it : Sabich Frischman or Sabich Tchernichovsky .
• Tahini: Tahini is also known internationally but it is exceptionally good in Israel. Also they call it ‘tahina’ here. Where to try it: Everywhere! ALWAYS ask for it on the side with everything.
• Schnitzel : I love a good schnitzel. And Israel happens to have some of the best. Where to try it: Cafe Noir and Malka and for schnitzel sandwiches (in challah): HaShomer 1 & Java .
• Knafeh : I was only JUST introduced to knafeh since I moved here and I’m honestly upset with myself it took this long to find out about it. Knafeh is an AMAZING traditional Middle Eastern sweet dessert of syrup-dipped pastry filled with cheese and often pistachios, ice cream and other treats on top. I’ve never eaten anything like it. Don’t sleep on it!! It’s a Midden Eastern treasure not enough people talk about. Where to try it: Yaffa Knafeh .
• Jachnun : Traditional Yemenite pastry. Where to try it: Shuk Levinsky .
• Shakshuka : An Israeli breakfast staple and one of my favorite dishes. Baked tomatoes with eggs inside. Have it with Challah on the side to dip. Where to try it: Shakshukia or Java .
• Halva : An Israeli dessert that you can find ALL over the markets. Lots of sugar but melts in your mouth. I always bring it home for friends to the states. Where to try it: Shuk HaCarmel or Shuk Levinsky .
• Malabi : This is an Israeli dessert that is super sweet and is really good (but you either love it or hate it). It’s kind of like pudding with rose water. Where to try it: HaMalabiya or on the dessert menu of most restaurants!
• Fresh Juices/Smoothies : Fruit and produce are beyond fresh in Israel. You can find juices and smoothie stands all over the city. Where to try it: Etrogman , Tamara Juice Bar or in Shuk HaCarmel .
• Israeli salad : Served as a side with EVERY meal, all the chopped tomatoes and cucumbers and always fresh. Where to try it: Any restaurant!
• Arak: Israeli alcohol! You have to have shots (called chasers in Israel) of these before you leave. Don’t smell it before, trust me. Where to try it: All bars!

Related Post: Tel Aviv Travel Itinerary

FOOD IN TEL AVIV BY MEAL TYPE

Brunch and breakfast in tel aviv.

• Café Xoho : My most favorite brunch spot, but if you only have a few days in Israel, this is not the spot to get traditional Israeli breakfast and brunch. It is definitely a Western brunch place. Still, my favorite. You  must  get the egg and cheese bagel.  It’s not JUST an egg and cheese , there is a special onion jam in there that makes it unbelievable. Other things to consider are their beer bread specials. They’re SO good and always have the freshest ingredients and change weekly. Their vegan desserts are also amazing and they’re known for their ice cream cookie sandwiches. Also their Matcha smoothie. They make their own ice cream and cookies from scratch.
• Bucke Cafe : Bucke is my other favorite brunch spot in the city. They are known for their trays of food that comes with a ton of different options and changes with fresh in-season produce. The place is super cool and hipstery. This is a must on your brunch in Tel Aviv stops and packs all the fun Israeli breakfast foods into one tray.
• Yom Tov Cafe : Another must for brunch in Tel Aviv, Yom Tov is crowded with their outside seating everyday of the week and is the best for people watching. Yom Tov is at Shuk HaCarmel and has the freshest and most eclectic brunch menu.
• Benedict Tel Aviv : Everyone loves Benedict. It’s overrated when you live here, but amazing when you’re visiting. It is very tourist and English friendly. It is also  24 hours  so it is also always a good idea at 4AM. Get the  eggs benedict  (duh). Also their  banana pancakes  are the most famous.
• L’chem V’Shut (Bread & Co.) : Super local spot with amazing breakfasts and breads – when you walk in the smell of fresh bread is unreal.
• Citizen Garden : Really cute healthy cafe with a great backyard spot to sit! Obsessed with their creative breakfast dishes and sitting outside for hours.
• NOLA American Bakery : An American inspired brunch spot on Dizengoff based on New Orleans. The owner is from New Orleans and moved to Tel Aviv which makes me the happiest since I went to university in New Orleans .
• Manta Ray : Fancier brunch when you want a more upscale brunch with a view! Great menu and their location is RIGHT on the sea with amazing views.
• Java : This is my favorite local Tel Aviv spot and they have my favorite Shakshuka and Challah ever here. Also my favorite schnitzel sandwich.
• Dallal : Another nicer sit down spot but one of my favorite spots to go for brunch in the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood. The space is huge and beautiful and the food is amazing.
• Anastasia : This is for the vegans! Full vegan brunch spot with amazing smoothie bowls, vegan shakshuka and more.
• Cafe Cucu : Newest spot on the list! Super cute brunch spot on Dizengoff Square with amazing twists on classics like Beet Hollandaise on Eggs Benedict.

Cafes in Tel Aviv

Need a tea/coffee break or just want to sit and people watch? The cafe culture is thriving in Tel Aviv. Check out some of my favorite cafes with the best coffee in Tel Aviv to hang at.

Related Post: Israel Travel Guide

Lunch, Cheap Eats & Street Food in Tel Aviv 

• Shlomo and Doron : Amazing local hummus spot off Shuk HaCarmel with different twists on hummus. Get the shakshuka hummus or the falafel hummus!! Also make sure you eat hummus with an onion as Israelis do.
• Miznon :  World class.  Eyal Shani is THE most famous Israeli chef probably in the world and Miznon is his most  fast-casual . It is a street food spot and you can get anything in a pita. I get the  cauliflower  or minute steak pita but the chicken, meat, veggies ANYTHING is amazing. They also put so much inside of the pita (hummus, veggies, tahini, etc). You also MUST order the side of a cauliflower head. I can’t even explain why it is so unbelievably good but Shani totally changed the pita game. This isn’t as fun anymore if you are a tourist from NYC, Miami, Vienna, and more as there are tons of Miznons all over the world, but I still believe it is the best here.
• HaKosem : Best  falafel and shwarma  in Tel Aviv. Truly the best you will ever ever have. They put fried eggplant inside too. Get the original falafel pita with everything in it. Must go.
• Frishman Sabich : Best  Sabich  in Tel Aviv. It is right on the corner of Frischman and Dizengoff and is a small take-out place.
• Hummus Abu Hassan :  Best  hummus  in Tel Aviv. It will not disappoint. It will actually blow your mind how you ever thought any other brand packaged container is good. Must go before 2PM as they close after the daily batch finishes (that’s how fresh it is).
• Jasmino : Super casual AMAZING pita place on Allenby. Always a line here. Best pitas with meat ever (similar to Miznon).
• Aboulefia : Best takeaway burekas and other savory and sweet pastries (also amazing late night).
• HaShom er 1 : One of my favorite schnitzel sandwich spots right in the middle of the Shuk.

Casual Dinner in Tel Aviv

• Port Sa’id : Same chef as Miznon and probably his most popular and by far my favorite place to eat in Tel Aviv . This is THE #1 spot I tell any visitor to go to when traveling to Tel Aviv. The food, drinks and vibe are always perfect and it is in a fun, trendy area by the Great Synagogue on Allenby. No reservations though so be prepared to wait.
• Ha’Achim : This is one of the most standard Israeli restaurants and is consistently amazing. I would ALWAYS recommend Ha’Achim and love going here. You MUSTTTT get the artichoke dish.
• Beit Kandinof : Amazing Israeli restaurant in the center of Jaffa. Perfect spot for big groups as well, the restaurant is massive. Also the architecture and building that this restaurant is in is pure Jaffa vibes. I always bring tourists here.
• M25 : Best meat restaurant in all of Tel Aviv. Part meat shop, part restaurant M25 sits right in Shuk HaCarmel and you quite literally pick what meat you want out of the freezer and how you want it cooked. It’s amazing. You MUST get the arayes and salad as appetizers, and the crack pie as dessert. Thank me later.
• Old Man And The Sea : One of the most popular tourist restaurants in Tel Aviv and honestly a must-go for the experience. This is a typical Israeli restaurant in Jaffa on the port that comes with the 1 million little dishes that keep refilling. A must.
• La Shuk : Super casual,  right in the middle of the city  on Dizengoff Square. Such delicious Israeli food and great prices. I love the cauliflower and eggplant dishes. Highly, highly recommend…I always brought visitors here when I lived there.
• Romano : Another one of Eyal Shani’s masterpieces (same as Port Said, Miznon, etc). This is located on top of Teder and has the best vibes and the same amazing food. This one takes reservations if you can’t get into Port Said and is the same food!
• Ouzeria : Amazing amazing spot in Florentine neighborhood. Fresh ingredients and middle eastern dishes. One of my newest favorite spots.
• Café Noir : Solid restaurant, known for their  schnitzel  in Tel Aviv.
• Santa Katarina : Also right behind the Great Synagogue. Really good Israeli dishes and fun crowd. Highly recommend and try to make a reservation.
• Saluf and Sons : Traditional Yemenite small spot in the center of the Levinsky Market. Amazing amazing Yemenite dishes and fun and casual vibe. Try to sit at the bar.
• Merloza : New casual restaurant in Shuk HaCarmel with amazing fish dishes. Love the Shuk vibe so this is great if you are going out after or want to be in the local scene, not touristy at all.
• Onza : Amazing Georgian restaurant in Yafo.

Fine Dining in Tel Aviv

• North Abraxas : One of my oldest, favorite restaurant. Same chef as Miznon and Port Said. Their  fish  is OUT OF CONTROL good. Just ask for the fish of the day. They change their menu daily BUT my recommendations (tried and tested 20+ times):  Bread salad, cauliflower, steak, green beans, burning potato & zucchini pizza.  And you must get the  Cucumber Gin  drink. You also must make a reservation here beforehand. Make sure to choose the restaurant (North Abraxas) not the bar (Abraxas Bar) when making a reservation. Though, Abraxas Bar also has similar (smaller) menu and gets rowdy later at night (my favorite bar).
• HaBasta : One of my other favorite restaurants. Was in the top 50 Middle East restaurants of 2022. The food is always fresh and amazing and the dishes change every night. It is right in the middle of Shuk HaCarmel.
• Malka : Another Eyal Shani restaurant and his first fully Kosher one – but don’t let that deter you. Has my most famous dish in the whole country maybe ever here – his Queen Malka dish which is schnitzel with mashed potato inside. It’s literally insane. The restaurant becomes super fun and a rowdy party during later seatings. A must.
• Shila : One of the nicest restaurants in Tel Aviv, known for its fish dishes and amazing Israeli cuisine. Probably my favorite high-end restaurant in the city. Highly, highly recommend. They also opened a bar across the street that has a different menu and is a more casual bar but same chef.
• George & John : One my newer favorite restaurants. Kind of in a random location in between Florentine/Jaffa but the food is truly incredible. Highly recommend for a fancy upscale restaurant.
• Claro : Really amazing restaurant with amazing dishes at Sarona Market. Highly recommend sitting at the bar.
• Cafe Popular Bar : Newer spot in the Old North for a super fun and good solid dinner. Make sure to reserve the downstairs bar area. The food is AMAZING. This place is super trendy and fun scene and gets really fun later at night. When my parents visited me for the first time this was their favorite of all the nice restaurants I brought them too.
• Dalida : Really amazing Israeli restaurant right off of Shuk Levinsky and highly recommend for amazing Israeli dishes with a twist.
• Abie : B the same chef as Ha’Achim but his fanciest restaurant and it was INCREDIBLE. Order everything, literally. Not one thing is bad. You must get the side of potatoes (trust) and the crispy fish.
• Social Club : High quality, good vibes restaurant on Rothschild with amazing food. Get the gnocchi or the salmon dish as well as the artichokes. You must also get the special dessert (see dessert section).
• OCD: One of the most interesting food experiences I have had in a long time. A private seating with only about 20 seats sitting around the kitchen, everyone served at the same time, about 13 courses of amazing food. Super expensive and a long evening but an awesome experience.
• Mashya : Highly, highly recommend for a fine-dining amazing meal.
• Topolopompo : One of the best meals I have ever had. Must make a reservation. It’s insane Asian cuisine dishes with a twist. If you only have a two or three nights in Tel Aviv I would probably stick to more Israeli centric restaurants but if you have more you must add this.
• Taizu : One of the best restaurants for Asian food in the city.

Dessert in Tel Aviv

• Anita/Golda Gelato : Best  gelato  in Israel. Anita is in Neve Tzedek right on Shabazi Street with 3 locations on the same street. It’s my favorite location but Golda is found in more locations around the city (literally every other corner) and big secret: it’s the exact same flavors, they’re owned by the same owner. Get the  cookieman  flavor, you won’t be disappointed. Anita also just opened their first NYC location on the UES as well!
• Showroom Bakehouse : Amazing, amazing cookies! They are the Levain Bakery of Tel Aviv.
• Arte Cafe: Israeli gelato spot in the middle of Nachalat Binyamin with insane flavors you would never think about ordering in ice cream – but do it. Try the bread flavor (trust me) it’s the best. This is hands down my favorite not-so-popular gelato spot.
• Otello: New gelato spot with two locations in the city.
• Yaffa Knafeh : If you are eating dinner in Jaffa or walking around, do not skip Yaffa Knafeh for dessert.
• Social Club: NOT a desert place, it’s a VERY good dinner spot BUT I had to add this here because I think I had the best dessert of life here – the massive pistachio ice cream with halva on top!
• Tamara : Best frozen yogurt in the city. They have 2 locations and then a ton of other locations for smoothies and pops but go to their froyo spots – the one on the beach is new and amazing!

Related Post: North Day Trips From Tel Aviv

FOOD IN TEL AVIV BY CUISINE

We all have serious cravings some times and in Tel Aviv you can find ANY food you possibly want in all cuisines. Here’s where you should go if you are looking for the….

• Best Pizza in Tel Aviv : Teder.fm , Har Sinai and Lila
• Best Burger in Tel Aviv: Vitrina , Fat Cow and American Burgers
• Best Thai in Tel Aviv: Thai at Har Sinai , Nam , Kab Kem
• Best Sushi in Tel Aviv: Fu Sushi and TYO
• Best Italian in Tel Aviv: Rustico , Cicchetti , La Repubblica and Cafe Italia
• Best Asian in Tel Aviv: Taizu and Topolopompo
• Best Mexican in Tel Aviv: Mezcal and Taqueria
• Best Steak in Tel Aviv : M25, Triger, Whiskey Bar Museum
• Best Bagel in Tel Aviv: Cafe Xoho and Tal’s Bagels
• Best Middle Eastern/Local Cuisine in Tel Aviv : Old Man & the Sea , Ouzeria , Ha’Achim and La Shuk
• Best Acai Bowls/Juices/Healthy in Tel Aviv : Hamaniya , Anastasia , Jusa, Etrogman
• Best Concept Dining in Tel Aviv : OCD , Burek
• Best Kosher Restaurants in Tel Aviv: Malka , Whiskey Bar Museum, Devora

FOOD MARKETS IN TEL AVIV

• Shuk HaCarmel : The central Tel Aviv market and the market people are usually referring to when they say they are going to “the shuk”. It has everything you could ever want from food, souvenirs, produce and more. Come here for Israeli candy, falafel, hummus, smoothies, and everything else. Always always negotiate here – once they hear English they will rip you off.
• Shuk Levinsky : This is a different type of market with more flavors from different cultures – think Yemenite, Turkish, Greek, etc.
• Sarona Market : This is the newest, most modern market in Tel Aviv and is an indoor/outdoor market with a ton of different restaurants and food stands within the massive complex. Good for winter since most is indoors!

BEST FOOD TOUR IN TEL AVIV

I wrote about this beyond amazing tour on my general Tel Aviv itinerary but it’s worth noting again because its that amazing and it’s all about Tel Aviv’s FOOD! Delicious Israel Food Tours has different tour options to learn and taste the different Israeli foods. I could not recommend this tour more. I did the Market Hop tour which went to both Shuk Carmel and Shuk Levinsky and I LOVED it. I had visited Tel Aviv 8+ times before and thought I knew Israeli food – but I still learned SO much on this tour and tried so many new foods between the two Shuks.  I can honestly, whole-heartedly say this was the ABSOLUTE BEST food tour I have EVER taken. It is a MUST-DO when visiting Tel Aviv no matter what. I would take any tour that fits your schedule/budget as I know they all are AMAZING. You must book in advance – it does sell out. I had to book two months in advance!

BOOK A TOUR WITH DELICIOUS ISRAEL now !

*Thanks to Inbal for inviting me on the Delicious Israel Market Hop food tour! While I did receive  this tour  as a gift, my review and experience is, as always, 100% personal and honest*

Related Post: Porto Portugal Food Tour Review

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About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

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Sreenandhana

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Hi, Onza is a Turkish restaurant, not Georgian as an fyi 🙂

Hi! What are the best rooftop and beach side restaurants for groups of 20?

Miriam Peretz

Very informative post! We can not wait to (hopefully) go to Israel again very soon and visit some of your recommendations. Thank you for sharing your insights with us all!

Rachel Shulman

Thank you so much! I hope they open to tourists soon too!

Stephanie Best

I’m loving your blog and can’t wait to read more!

Thank you so much!

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11 Delicious Foods To Try In Tel Aviv And Where To Find Them

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With its sprawling beachfront and wide, shady boulevards, Tel Aviv is a stunning city that never sleeps. But the White City offers more than just its good looks — it’s a”foodie-forward” city. Its diversity of fresh, flavorful, and fabulous food has resulted in being voted one of the top destinations for vegan travelers. From street food to top chefs, the cooks and kitchens of this city adopted a fusion of culinary traditions and cooking methods spanning 3,000 years of history all over the globe.

From the pedestrian streets of Carmel Market to the stone paths of Jaffa’s old city, I absolutely fell in love with the delicious dishes and food culture in Tel Aviv. I have listed some of my favorite foods in Tel Aviv , giving you a bit of background on what and how, as well as where to go and try each one.

Tourist Israel was my host for the Tel Aviv Food Tasting Tour of the Carmel Market which contributed to this article. However, all opinions are my own. 

Hakosem Falafel

Falafel is a fried ball made of chickpeas, spices, and herbs; it is one of Tel Aviv’s most recognized street foods and is considered the national dish of Israel . Crispy and crunchy, it’s most often served in a fresh pita with a salad, pickles, and tahini. It’s one of Israel’s favorite street foods and vegetarian, perfect for everyone.

You can find great Falafel everywhere in Tel Aviv, from street stalls to markets. My favorite was Hakosem Falafel in the heart of Tel Aviv-Yafo. It’s a street food establishment that offers Israeli cuisine with good vibes and a bustling atmosphere.

2. Knafeh 

Yaffa knafeh .

Knafeh is a fantastic traditional Middle Eastern sweet dessert of syrup-dipped pastry filled with cheese and often pistachios and other treats on top. Near the flea market, I passed Yaffa Knafeh on my bike and noticed a line of people wrapped down the street. I just had to stop and see what the fuss was all about. 

Watching the cooks put the knafeh pans on the hot coals, flip them, add a splash of sweet syrup, and listen to it sizzle — the best. If you eat dinner in Jafffa or are simply out for a stroll, do not pass up Yaffa Knafeh for dessert. Your sweet tooth will thank you.

Pro Tip: Top off the warm knafeh with goat cheese ice cream and chopped pistachios. 

Magic Halvah 

Halva is a confection made from sesame seed paste and sugar with a dense texture and a nutty aroma. It comes in different flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate, and is infused with nuts and other things.

Magic Halvah (Kesem Ha Halva) is a small shop in Levinsky Market offering a variety of halva and is a must-visit. My favorite is topped with pistachios. They will cut a whole slice for you, then you cut it into bite-sized pieces to savor along with coffee or tea.

4. Spices And Herbs 

Pereg spices.

Tel Aviv is famous for hard-to-find eastern spices and herbs. Pereg Spices in Levinsky Market is one of the hidden gems of Tel Aviv, loved by locals and tourists alike who quickly fall in love with its one-of-a-kind atmosphere and a plethora of local and Middle Eastern spices and herb blends, including za’atar. 

In the late 1920s, many working-class immigrants from Greece settled in the Florentin neighborhood in the south of Tel Aviv. Levinsky Market became the throbbing heart of this immigrant neighborhood, a reflection of the cultural melting pot where you could find spices and goods from around the globe.

5. Shakshouka

Dr. shakshuka.

This North African baked egg dish contains tomato, onion, cumin, chili peppers, and spices. It is served sizzling hot with sunny-side-up eggs on top. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, this one-skillet dish is best enjoyed with warm slices of thick bread to mop up all the flavors. It’s an Israeli staple and the ultimate comfort food.

Dr. Shakshuka is a well-known culinary institution in Jaffa. Founded in the ‘90s, this kosher establishment feeds hungry people who love this authentic food.

6. Druze Pita

Carmel market.

The freshly-rolled dough is stretched by spinning it between the hands and flipping it onto a dome-shaped oven on which it cooks. The pita, which is large and thin, browns and bubbles lightly. It’s folded and slathered with Labneh white cheese, za’atar spice, tabouli, and olive oil; rolled up; and sliced into pieces for easy eating. The Druze are a small ethnic minority in Israel, but their bread — and reputation for making it — is renowned.

Carmel Market is Tel Aviv’s largest and most-famous cultural melting pot. It was a popular stop on my food-tasting tour of the Carmel Market. Crowds gathered and watched the cook transform one giant pita after another, waiting for a taste.

This Yemenite flatbread has a touch of tang, similar in texture to Ethiopian injera bread, spotted with holes created by fermentation bubbles. Spongy like a crumpet on one side and smooth like a pancake on the other, it is served with tasty Yemenite sides like baked eggs, fresh tomato, and spicy green chile sauce called “zhug.” I recommend savoring the bread with delicious Yemini stews or soups.

Shaluf and Sons is an authentic Yemini eatery where you can eat on a budget in the Kerem Hateimanim neighborhood, outside the Levinsky Market. Stop for lunch, sit at a communal table, and the staff will assist with recommendations on all the delicious Yemenite delights.

7. Local Cheeses

Beit kandinof .

Israel’s cuisine is heavily influenced by dairy, which plays a prominent role on most menus throughout the country, especially around the Festival of Shavuot. This delicious, grilled bryndza cheese is a sheep cheese swimming in a savory tomato cream, topped with mixed nuts and green chili oil. 

Beit Kandinof is a combination of an art gallery, bar, and restaurant with a fun atmosphere. Located in the Kandinov House, it was built adjacent to the walls of Old Jaffa and the port walls at the end of the 19th century. This satisfying grilled bryndza cheese was just one course of my favorite meal in Tel Aviv.

Abu Hassan Restaurant

A plate of hummus is one of Israel’s most iconic dishes. Any rendition of Israel’s most iconic food you find in Tel Aviv will shame the supermarket version in the U.S. The simplicity of the chickpeas with fresh tahini scooped up with warm rounds of pita can’t be beaten.

Abu Hassan is said to serve the best hummus in Israel. This culinary gem is a tiny place with simple kitchen tables and a scarce amount of chairs; the long lines prove something special is done here. 

Pro Tip: You must go before 2 p.m. as they close after the daily batch finishes.

9. Shawarma 

Golda’s deli.

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish featuring slow-roasted, mouth-watering meats, usually cooked on a revolving spit and shaved for serving. I had a turkey shawarma plate with burnt eggplant, onion in sumac, tomato, parsley, and sauerkraut tahini served with pita at Golda’s Deli in the Jaffa Hotel.

Named after Israel’s first female prime minister, Gold Meir, the deli-style restaurant features Israeli classics, a street-food-inspired menu, and fresh Mediterranean salads from an open kitchen. Dining in the lovely open courtyard of the hotel, choosing just one of the options was hard. I couldn’t resist adding a poppy-seed-covered bagel as big as the plate.

Levinsky Market

Kubbeh is a popular dish in Levantine cuisine and is made of bulgur and minced onions with ground beef, lamb, or goat. Aromatic meat and spices can be fried, baked, or cooked in a broth. Proprietor Avi was surrounded by giant bubbling pots and everything smelled delicious.

Located at Stall 53 in the Levinsky Market, in the southern part of Tel Aviv, it brims with atmosphere and aromas. The Levinsky Market was founded by Greek immigrants in the 1920s, and later, welcomed an influx of Iranian, Persian, and Yemenite immigrants who shared their dishes and customs from home. 

Pro Tip: The market operates daily from Sunday through Thursday and closes early Friday afternoon through Saturday for Shabbat.

11. Kataifi

Carmel market .

Kataifi is a popular dessert in the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece. The buttery, shredded dough and a mixture of coarsely-chopped nuts are generously soaked in cinnamon-flavored sugar syrup. Much like baklava, I loved the little bird nest shapes filled with pistachios.

This is one of many vendors in Carmel Market that first opened in 1920. I marveled at the sweet treats around every corner. This stall was overflowing with heavenly bites just waiting for passersby to try and take home. 

Pro Tip: Take the Tel Aviv Food Tasting Tour of the Carmel Market with Tourist Israel. The 2-hour tour is an introduction to the market and a delicious tasting opportunity.

Sharon pairs her zeal for travel writing with the side hustle of leading small-group womens tours. She is always looking for that unique angle to bring a fresh perspective to a story. Enjoy more of Sharon’s writing on her website , or follow her on Instagram .

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Caution or ‘crushing attack’? Israel faces tough choices after Iran strikes

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James Shotter in Jerusalem and Neri Zilber in Tel Aviv

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Benjamin Netanyahu’s initial assessment of how Israel’s aerial defences dealt with Iran’s first direct drone and missile attack on the Jewish state contained more than a hint of satisfaction.

“We intercepted. We stopped [the attack]. Together we will win,” the Israeli prime minister wrote on X on Sunday, after Israel and its allies shot down 99 per cent of the barrage launched by Iran and its proxies.

But the next challenge for Israel’s leadership is arguably even more complex: how to respond to the first direct attack on the country by a sovereign state for more than 30 years without plunging the Middle East into a full-blown conflict .

“This is a new stage. It could be referred to as the first direct Iranian-Israeli war,” said Raz Zimmt, an Iran expert at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies. “Right now it’s still very partial, very limited. But [how it plays out] has the potential to change the rules of the game between Israel and Iran from now on.”

Israeli officials — who even before Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile strikes were bent on restoring the country’s deterrence that had been eviscerated by Hamas’s October 7 attack — have made clear they will respond to the barrage. But diplomats said they were still in the dark as to what form the response would take.

Israel’s presumed strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus this month and Iran’s retaliation on Saturday have overturned the policy of avoiding direct confrontation that guided the two countries’ shadow war for 30 years. Now both are in uncharted territory.

For Netanyahu, the politics are difficult. As so often since he took office in 2022 at the head of the most rightwing government in Israeli history, he faces competing demands from international allies such as the US, whose support underpins Israel’s security, and the far-right coalition partners who hold the keys to his political future.

The US, where officials were already frustrated at not having received advance warning of Israel’s strike in Damascus , was quick to urge restraint, with secretary of state Antony Blinken saying Washington did “not seek escalation”.

Benny Gantz, the former general and opposition politician who joined Netanyahu’s cabinet after the outbreak of the war with Hamas in October, also urged patience on Sunday, saying Israel should not rush to take a unilateral approach to dealing with Iran.

“Faced with the threat of Iran — we will build a regional coalition and [exact] a price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us,” he said.

But hardliners in Netanyahu’s coalition called in unison for an aggressive response.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the ultranationalist national security minister, demanded a “crushing attack”. “The concepts of containment and proportionality are concepts that passed away on October 7,” he said, referring to Hamas’s attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. “In order to create deterrence in the Middle East, the landlord must go crazy.”

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, made similar demands. “If our response resonates throughout the Middle East for generations to come — we will win,” he said. “If we hesitate, God forbid, we will put ourselves and our children in existential danger.”

On the streets of Jerusalem — which shop owners said were quieter than usual as locals recovered from a disrupted night — similar debates were playing out among a population still reeling from six months of war with Hamas and traumatised by the security failures that had led to the deadliest day in the history of the state on October 7.

Naomi, 26, who is from Jerusalem, said retaliation against Iran would risk drawing Israel into a bigger conflict that would make it harder to achieve its goals in Gaza, particularly bringing home the more than 130 hostages still being held by Hamas in the enclave.

“We don’t want things to escalate beyond what has already happened. And more than that, there are more important things than having a war with Iran,” she said. “There are 136 hostages who need to come home, and nothing else matters . . . Of course, this will complicate that.”

But others said Israel had no choice but to respond forcefully. “In jail, when you are a new inmate all the other prisoners beat you up, and then you need to hit them back to send a message that you are not weak,” said Daniel, 38, who works in the restaurant trade. “Israel needs to do the same. If it doesn’t respond, the missiles will come like rain.”

Zimmt said the two main considerations for Israel in deciding how far to go in its response would be the position of the US, and the extent to which the action it took against Iran — and any Iranian response — would affect its ability to carry on its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

Eyal Hulata, who was head of Israel’s National Security Council until last year, said the country’s calculations would also be affected by how the international community responded to Iran’s attack, arguing that if it took no action, Israel’s response would need to be tougher.

“If the international community does nothing, they shouldn’t expect Israel to stay put,” he said. “The question is what does the international community do when Iran does something like last night? And Israel needs to calculate also according to that. We weren’t alone last night. Are we alone tonight?”

Tamir Hayman, a former head of Israel’s military intelligence, said the success of the Israeli air defences in preventing widespread casualties and damage had brought the country more time to respond.

“The Israeli response will come, on Iranian soil. But we should not create clarity on the issue, let’s let the other side suffer in uncertainty,” he wrote on X. “Time is in our hands, you can think, plan and act smartly — success in defence makes this possible.”

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International Edition

Attaque de l’Iran contre Israël : Easyjet suspend ses vols à destination et en provenance de Tel Aviv

La compagnie britannique précise avoir contacté par SMS et e-mail les clients des vols concernés par ces annulations, qui courent jusqu’au 21 avril.

Une décision prise pour assurer « la sûreté et la sécurité » de nos passagers. La compagnie aérienne britannique Easyjet a annoncé lundi suspendre ses vols « à destination et en provenance de Tel Aviv », à l’heure où le monde attend la réponse d’Israël à l’attaque sans précédent menée par l’Iran dans la nuit de samedi à dimanche.

« En raison de l’évolution de la situation en Israël, Easyjet a pris la décision de suspendre temporairement ses opérations à destination et en provenance de Tel Aviv jusqu’au 21 avril », a annoncé la compagnie aérienne lundi, dans une déclaration transmise à l’AFP.

Les clients concernés contactés par l’entreprise

« La sûreté et la sécurité de nos passagers et de nos équipages sont toujours la priorité absolue d’Easyjet », a ajouté la compagnie, précisant avoir contacté par SMS et e-mail les clients des vols concernés par ces annulations. Easyjet avait déjà annulé dimanche une rotation entre l’aéroport de Londres Luton et Tel Aviv, a précisé à l’AFP une porte-parole de l’entreprise.

L’Iran a lancé des centaines de drones et de missiles en direction du territoire israélien dans la nuit de samedi à dimanche, en riposte à une frappe, le 1er avril, sur l’annexe consulaire de l’ambassade iranienne à Damas (Syrie), attribuée à Israël. La presque totalité des missiles et drones ont été détruits avant de toucher le territoire israélien. Il s’agissait de la première attaque directe de l’Iran contre Israël.

La compagnie aérienne allemande Lufthansa avait déjà annoncé dimanche la suspension jusqu’à lundi inclus de ses vols à destination et en provenance de Tel Aviv ainsi que d’Erbil en Irak et Amman en Jordanie, « dans le contexte de la situation actuelle ».