Vibrant, eclectic, and always buzzing, Tel Aviv is more than a coastal metropolis—it’s one of the most exciting food cities in the world. A melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and creativity, this Mediterranean hub combines ancient Middle Eastern ingredients with bold, modern innovation. In Tel Aviv, every meal feels like a celebration of freshness, community, and life.
From bustling open-air markets and plant-forward dishes to world-class restaurants and all-night hummus joints, Tel Aviv is where tradition meets trend, and the result is absolutely delicious.
🥙 Hummus, Falafel & Street Food Staples
In Tel Aviv, street food is elevated to an art form. It’s where locals and visitors bond over shared tables and overflowing pitas. And yes, the hummus really is that good—creamy, smooth, and made fresh daily.
Essential Bites:
- Hummus – Often served warm, topped with olive oil, tahini, chickpeas, and paprika.
- Falafel – Crispy chickpea fritters, stuffed into pita with salad, pickles, and tahini.
- Sabich – A vegan delight with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, salad, and amba (mango pickle sauce) in pita.
- Shakshuka – Eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce, typically eaten for breakfast—but welcome any time.
Where to Try:
- Abu Hassan – A legend in Jaffa for its warm, silky hummus.
- HaKosem – Always a line, always worth the wait—for falafel, shawarma, and sabich.
- Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) – The city’s food heart, perfect for snacking, browsing, and soaking in local color.
🥗 A Plant-Based Paradise
With its focus on fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes, Tel Aviv has become a global hotspot for vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Even meat lovers will find joy in dishes that let produce shine.
Must-Try Plant-Based Dishes:
- Cauliflower shawarma – Roasted cauliflower spiced and served like traditional meat shawarma.
- Freekeh salad – Nutty ancient grains with herbs, pomegranate, and lemon.
- Lentil & tahini bowls – Creamy, hearty, and flavor-packed.
Best Vegan Spots:
- Anastasia – A stylish café serving smoothie bowls, vegan “cheese,” and gluten-free options.
- Ouzeria – Mediterranean small plates with plenty of plant-based options.
- Meshek Barzilay – A cozy organic bistro in Neve Tzedek.
🐟 Seafood & Mediterranean Bounty
Sitting right on the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv has access to incredible fresh fish and seafood, often grilled simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
Seafood Staples:
- Grilled branzino or sea bream – Light, flaky, and served whole.
- Calamari with labneh – A modern Middle Eastern twist.
- Ceviche and crudo – Influenced by Tel Aviv’s global culinary scene.
Top spots:
- M25 – A modern meat and seafood grill tucked behind the Carmel Market.
- Shila – Upscale and lively, with outstanding seafood and cocktails.
- Yaffo-Tel Aviv – By famed chef Haim Cohen, known for merging traditional and modern Israeli cuisine.
🧁 Sweets, Coffee & Craft Drinks
Tel Aviv knows how to end a meal—and start a day. From strong coffee to flaky pastries and local wines, this city has a sweet and spirited side, too.
What to Indulge In:
- Malabi – Rosewater milk pudding with coconut, nuts, and syrup.
- Kanafeh – A Levantine dessert of warm cheese topped with crispy semolina and syrup.
- Rugelach & Bourekas – Found in bakeries all over the city.
Drink highlights:
- Café Hafuch – Israel’s take on a cappuccino, literally meaning “upside-down coffee.”
- Arak – A traditional anise-flavored spirit, often served with water and ice.
- Israeli wines – Especially reds from the Galilee or whites from the Judean Hills.
🧭 Foodie Tips for Tel Aviv
- Start your day with a hotel breakfast—Israeli breakfasts are massive and legendary.
- Explore neighborhoods like Neve Tzedek, Florentin, and Jaffa for unique cafés and eateries.
- Visit a shuk (market)—try Machane Yehuda in nearby Jerusalem for a deeper dive into Israeli food culture.
- Embrace late-night eats—Tel Aviv is a city that dines, drinks, and snacks well past midnight.
Tel Aviv is a city where every meal is fresh, every ingredient tells a story, and every bite is made to be shared. Whether you’re scooping hummus with warm pita, sipping wine by the sea, or discovering the next vegan innovation, Tel Aviv is where your palate meets passion.
