Quick answers — eating in Tel Aviv
- Best restaurant overall
- OCD Restaurant
- Best value
- Claro (450 ILS / 120 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Middle Eastern, Seafood, Mediterranean, Modern European
- Dishes to try
- Hummus, Sabich, Shakshuka, Falafel
- Booking window
- For top restaurants like OCD or Animar, it's advisable to book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as seating is often limited. Utilize online booking platforms or direct restaurant websites.
Bookings are essential for top establishments, often weeks in advance. Dress codes are typically smart-casual, leaning towards elegant. Tipping around 12-15% is standard. Dinner hours generally start from 7:00 PM, with many kitchens open until 10:30 PM or later.
Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Tel Aviv
Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.
OCD Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Israeli · Florentin · 950 ILS / 260 USD
Raz Rahav
OCD offers an immersive, multi-course tasting experience at a communal table, focusing on hyper-seasonal Israeli ingredients. Chef Rahav's innovative, playful approach transforms familiar flavors into unexpected culinary art, served in an intimate, minimalist setting that encourages interaction and discovery.
Order: Varies seasonally, but always features unique takes on local produce and seafood
George & John
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Israeli · Old Jaffa · 650 ILS / 180 USD
Tom Aviv
Housed within The Drisco Hotel in historic Jaffa, George & John offers a sophisticated, intimate setting. Chef Tom Aviv crafts inventive dishes that meld local ingredients with international techniques, creating a refined menu that is both adventurous and comforting. The elegant decor and attentive service enhance the experience.
Order: Beef fillet with bone marrow, seasonal risotto
Messa
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Israeli · Dubnov Street · 550 ILS / 150 USD
Avi Conforti
Messa is renowned for its striking all-white interior, offering a dramatic backdrop for a high-end culinary journey. Chef Avi Conforti delivers a contemporary Israeli menu with a global flair, characterized by precise execution and imaginative plating. It's a chic, elegant destination for a memorable evening.
Order: Seared foie gras, slow-cooked short ribs
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Tel Aviv
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Animar
Acclaimed local fine diningMediterranean Seafood · Neve Tzedek · 600 ILS / 165 USD
Hillel Tavakuli
Animar presents a sophisticated seafood-centric menu in a stylish, bustling environment. Chef Tavakuli artfully combines fresh catches with Mediterranean herbs and spices, crafting dishes that are both refined and deeply flavorful. The vibrant atmosphere complements the exquisite plating and thoughtful wine list.
Order: Whole fish preparations, Seafood Crudo
Shila - Sharon Cohen's Kitchen & Bar
Acclaimed local fine diningMediterranean Seafood · Ben Yehuda Street · 500 ILS / 135 USD
Sharon Cohen
Shila is a Tel Aviv institution known for its vibrant atmosphere and outstanding seafood. Chef Sharon Cohen’s kitchen delivers bold, unpretentious Mediterranean flavors, emphasizing quality ingredients and expert execution. It's a lively spot, perfect for a dynamic dining experience centered around fresh fish and creative dishes.
Order: Shrimp in butter and garlic, Fish Kebab
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Tel Aviv
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Pastel
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Mediterranean · Museum Area · 550 ILS / 150 USD
Eylon Amir
Situated within the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Pastel offers a chic dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu provides elegant interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine, served in a beautiful, light-filled space that extends into a serene garden. It's a perfect blend of art, ambiance, and culinary skill.
Order: Seasonal Gnocchi, fresh fish with seasonal vegetables
Claro
Acclaimed local fine diningFarm-to-table Mediterranean · Sarona Market · 450 ILS / 120 USD
Ran Shmueli
Set in a beautifully restored templar building, Claro offers a warm, rustic-chic ambiance. Chef Ran Shmueli champions a farm-to-table philosophy, utilizing fresh, seasonal produce from local farms and the Galilee region. The open kitchen and wood-fired oven add to the engaging and authentic dining experience.
Order: Wood-fired pizzas, roasted whole fish
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Tel Aviv
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Popina
Acclaimed local fine diningModern European · Neve Tzedek · 500 ILS / 135 USD
Orel Kimchi
Popina, nestled in the charming Neve Tzedek district, presents an innovative take on modern European cuisine. Chef Orel Kimchi's dishes are known for their technical precision, creative combinations, and elegant presentation. The restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a sophisticated meal.
Order: Deconstructed seafood dishes, Foie Gras Crème Brûlée
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Tel Aviv
Miznon
Experience Eyal Shani's elevated street food. Try the 'folded burger' or the iconic 'cauliflower pita' – a whole roasted cauliflower head served in pita. Expect around 50-80 ILS per person for a satisfying meal.
HaKosem
Renowned for its exceptional falafel, often cited as the best in Tel Aviv. Get a fresh, hot pita stuffed with crispy falafel balls, tahini, and salads. Budget around 30-45 ILS for a generous, filling portion.
North Abraxas
Another Eyal Shani venture, offering a lively, casual atmosphere and large-portioned, rustic dishes. Don't miss the 'minute steak' or their focaccia. Expect to spend 70-120 ILS for a hearty meal with drinks.
Hummus Abu Adham
A local favorite for traditional hummus, served warm and creamy, topped with various garnishes like ful (fava beans) or masabacha. Enjoy with fresh pita and raw onion. A plate costs about 25-40 ILS.
Sabich Tchernichovsky
Specializing in Sabich, a popular Iraqi-Jewish sandwich. It features fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potato, tahini, and amba (mango pickle sauce) in a pita. A delicious and hearty option for around 35-50 ILS.
Local dishes
What to eat in Tel Aviv
Hummus
A staple chickpea dip, creamy and rich, often served warm with olive oil, paprika, and fresh pita bread. Try it at Abu Hassan in Jaffa (also known as Ali Karavan) for an authentic, bustling experience where locals queue for its famously smooth texture and fresh preparation.
Sabich
A delicious Iraqi-Jewish sandwich featuring fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, Israeli salad, and amba (pickled mango sauce) tucked into a pita bread. It's a flavorful and satisfying street food. Oved Sabich in Tel Aviv is renowned for its perfectly balanced and generously filled pitas.
Shakshuka
A popular breakfast or brunch dish of eggs poached in a savory, spiced tomato sauce, often with bell peppers and onions. It's typically served sizzling in a pan with challah or pita bread for dipping. Dr. Shakshuka in Old Jaffa offers a traditional and robust version.
Falafel
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices. Served in pita bread with tahini, hummus, and a variety of salads and pickles. It's Tel Aviv's quintessential street food. HaKosem Falafel is celebrated for its fresh, crispy, and flavorful falafel.
Malabi
A delicate, creamy milk pudding often flavored with rosewater and garnished with sweet syrups (like grenadine), shredded coconut, and crushed pistachios. It's a refreshing and light dessert, perfect for a warm evening. Hamalabiya, with multiple locations, serves excellent variations.
Burekas
Savory baked pastries made from flaky phyllo dough, typically filled with cheese, spinach, potato, or mushrooms. Often served with a hard-boiled egg, pickles, and a tomato sauce. Burekas Panyas in Levinsky Market is famous for its delicious, freshly baked versions.
Arayes
Grilled pita bread stuffed with a seasoned mixture of minced meat (usually lamb or beef), herbs, and spices. It's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, a satisfying and lesser-known delicacy. Many Middle Eastern-inspired restaurants, like Mashya, offer upscale versions.
Knafeh
A traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry (kadaif) or fine semolina dough, soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, and layered with cheese. It's served warm and often topped with pistachios. Knafeh Jaffa is a well-regarded spot for this sweet treat.
How to book a table in Tel Aviv
- · For top restaurants like OCD or Animar, it's advisable to book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as seating is often limited. Utilize online booking platforms or direct restaurant websites.
- · Many higher-end establishments, particularly those offering tasting menus, may require a credit card guarantee or a small deposit to secure your reservation. Be aware of their cancellation policy to avoid charges.
- · Consider dining during lunch service at some fine-dining restaurants. They often offer a more accessible, slightly less expensive menu while still providing a taste of the chef's culinary style and ambiance.
- · Always notify the restaurant if you anticipate being late or need to cancel. No-show policies can be strict, potentially resulting in a cancellation fee or making it difficult to book future reservations.
FAQ
Tel Aviv restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Tel Aviv?
OCD Restaurant in Florentin is the benchmark table — Modern Israeli, led by Raz Rahav, acclaimed local fine dining, around 950 ILS / 260 USD per person. Order the Varies seasonally, but always features unique takes on local produce and seafood
Where is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Tel Aviv?
OCD Restaurant in Florentin is the Middle Eastern table to book in Tel Aviv (950 ILS / 260 USD per person). Other strong options: George & John, Messa.
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Tel Aviv?
Animar in Neve Tzedek is the seafood table to book in Tel Aviv (600 ILS / 165 USD per person). Other strong options: Shila - Sharon Cohen's Kitchen & Bar.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Tel Aviv?
Pastel in Museum Area is the Mediterranean table to book in Tel Aviv (550 ILS / 150 USD per person). Other strong options: Claro.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Tel Aviv?
Popina in Neve Tzedek is the modern European table to book in Tel Aviv (500 ILS / 135 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Tel Aviv without spending a fortune?
Claro is the best-value table on this list at roughly 450 ILS / 120 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Miznon, HaKosem, North Abraxas.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Tel Aviv?
For top restaurants like OCD or Animar, it's advisable to book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as seating is often limited. Utilize online booking platforms or direct restaurant websites. Many higher-end establishments, particularly those offering tasting menus, may require a credit card guarantee or a small deposit to secure your reservation. Be aware of their cancellation policy to avoid charges.
What food is Tel Aviv famous for?
Hummus, Sabich, Shakshuka, Falafel, Malabi — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A staple chickpea dip, creamy and rich, often served warm with olive oil, paprika, and fresh pita bread. Try it at Abu Hassan in Jaffa (also known as Ali Karavan) for an authentic, bustling experience where locals queue for its famously smooth texture and fresh preparation.
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