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Tel Aviv food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Tel Aviv.
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash
What to eat in Tel Aviv
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Shakshuka
$8–$15
Eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce, often served with challah for dipping. It's a hearty, flavorful start to the day or a satisfying light meal.
Where to try: Dr. Shakshuka in Jaffa
Sabich
$6–$10
A pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, amba (a tangy mango pickle sauce), and fresh herbs. The combination of textures and tangy-sweet flavors is addictive.
Where to try: Sergeant Pepper or Hasalon in Florentin
Falafel
$5–$9
Crispy, deep-fried chickpea balls seasoned with herbs and spices, served in a pita with tahini and salad. It's a quintessential Israeli street food staple.
Where to try: Hakosem or Johnny Ben Yehuda
Burekas
$2–$5
Flaky puff pastry filled with cheese, potato, or spinach, often baked until golden and served with a side of hard-boiled egg and tahini. They are a savory, satisfying snack or light meal.
Where to try: Any local bakery or market stall, especially in Jaffa
Hummus
$6–$12
Creamy chickpea dip blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, served with warm pita bread and often topped with olive oil, paprika, or whole chickpeas. It's a staple of Israeli cuisine.
Where to try: Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan) in Jaffa or Bahadunas
Knafeh
$4–$8
A sweet cheese pastry made with shredded phyllo dough or semolina, soaked in a sweet sugar-based syrup, and often topped with pistachios. It's a decadent dessert.
Where to try: Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan) in Jaffa or local bakeries
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Florentin
Gritty, artistic, and hip with a vibrant street art scene.
Street foodCasual cafesLate-night bites
Jaffa (Yafo)
Historic port city with a mix of ancient charm and modern culinary innovation.
SeafoodTraditional Middle EasternMarket dining
Neve Tzedek
Chic and bohemian, with boutique shops and upscale eateries.
BrunchFine diningArtisan cafes
Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)
Bustling, chaotic, and sensory overload with food stalls and local produce.
Street foodFresh produceLocal snacks
Dietary notes
Tel Aviv is remarkably vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with many restaurants offering extensive plant-based options. While many dishes are naturally vegetarian (like falafel and hummus), meat dishes are also prevalent. Gluten-free options can be found, but cross-contamination may be a concern in traditional kitchens.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary, around 10-15% for good service in restaurants. It's often included in the bill as a service charge, so check first.
- •Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors and market stalls.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings.
- •Mealtimes are generally flexible, with lunch often being the main meal of the day. Dinner is usually lighter and eaten later.