Tel Aviv-Yafo is Israel's coastal commercial and cultural capital, home to about 475,000 people in the city and about 4 million in the wider Gush Dan metro. It combines the Bauhaus-style White City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), 14 km of Mediterranean beaches, the ancient port of Jaffa, the Carmel Market and a restaurant, cafe and nightlife scene that runs through the night, including on Friday evenings.
Tel Aviv cooking draws on Mizrahi, Ashkenazi, Palestinian and Mediterranean traditions, from hummus and sabich to modern market-driven restaurants. The city is secular, so many restaurants open on Shabbat, while kosher venues close from Friday afternoon until Saturday night.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Tel Aviv.
Hummus with fuul
Warm chickpea paste with fava beans and olive oil
Where to try: Abu Hassan (Jaffa)
Price: 30-45 ILS (approx $10-15)
Sabich
Pita with fried eggplant, egg, tahini and amba
Where to try: Sabich Frishman, Hakosem
Price: 30-40 ILS (approx $10-13)
Shakshuka
Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce
Where to try: Dr. Shakshuka, Benedict
Price: 50-70 ILS (approx $16-23)
Falafel
Fried chickpea balls in pita with salads
Where to try: Hakosem, Carmel Market stalls
Price: 20-30 ILS (approx $7-10)
Whole roasted cauliflower
Oven-roasted cauliflower served as a pita-bar signature
Where to try: Miznon
Price: 40-60 ILS (approx $13-20)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Mediterranean
Breakfast
Falafel
Georgian
Israeli
Middle Eastern
Modern Israeli
Pan
Food tours & tastings in Tel Aviv
Eat your way through Tel Aviv with a guide.
Browse food experiences in Tel AvivWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Sambusak and manakish
Filled pastries and za'atar flatbreads
Find it at: Abulafia Bakery, Jaffa
Fresh pomegranate or orange juice
Pressed to order
Find it at: Carmel Market stalls
Burekas
Flaky pastries filled with cheese or potato
Find it at: Carmel Market and Levinsky Market bakeries
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)
Produce, spices, street food and bakeries, with restaurants in the lanes of Nachalat Binyamin
Hours: Sun-Thu about 8:00AM-7:00PM, Fri to about 3:00PM; closed Sat
Levinsky Market
Spice, nut, cheese and Balkan and Persian specialty shops in south Tel Aviv
Hours: Sun-Fri daytime hours, Fri closes early afternoon; closed Sat
Sarona Market
Indoor food hall at 3 Aluf Kalman Magen Street with restaurants and delis
Hours: Sun-Wed 10:00AM-10:00PM, Thu to 11:00PM, Fri 9:00AM-3:00PM, Sat 10:00AM-10:00PM; vendors vary
Jaffa Flea Market
Cafes, restaurants and antique shops around Rabbi Yohanan Street, Jaffa
Hours: Daily; most cafes open on Saturday
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reserve evenings and Friday brunch at popular restaurants; Friday dinner is a family meal and busy.
Many Tel Aviv restaurants are open on Shabbat; kosher venues and market stalls close from Friday afternoon to Saturday night.
Tipping is 10-15% in sit-down restaurants and is often not included in the bill; check for a service line.
Hummus places in Jaffa such as Abu Hassan run out by mid-afternoon; go before noon.
Prices are in shekels; use 1 USD = 3.05 ILS as a guide.
- Vegetarian
- Excellent; hummus, falafel, sabich and shakshuka are vegetarian.
- Vegan
- Tel Aviv is among the easiest cities for vegan eating; many menus mark vegan dishes.
- Gluten free
- Available at larger restaurants; ask for 'bli gluten'.
- Halal
- Many Jaffa restaurants run by Arab-Israeli owners are halal; certification varies, so ask.
- Kosher
- Kosher restaurants are common but many popular venues are not certified; look for the kashrut certificate on the door.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 40-80 ILS (approx $13-26) per meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | 100-180 ILS (approx $33-59) | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | 300-600 ILS (approx $98-197) | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |