Abulafia Bakery (Said Abu Elafia and Sons)

Abulafia Bakery, formally Said Abu Elafia and Sons, is one of Jaffa's most famous bakeries, located at 7 Yefet Street near the Clock Tower in Tel Aviv-Yafo. It is a long-established family bakery, and it is open around the clock, including on Shabbat, which has made it a landmark for both locals and visitors. The cuisine is Middle Eastern baking, and the operation is a counter-service bakery rather than a restaurant with a chef or Michelin context. Signature items include manakish topped with za'atar and cheese, sambusak (filled savoury pastries), and sweet pastries and knafeh, the cheese pastry soaked in syrup. Fresh bread is baked continuously, so the freshest items come straight from the oven. The setting is a busy, informal bakery with a long counter, a few tables, constant movement and a loud, sociable mood, and there is no dress code. Many customers eat standing or take pastries away. There is no wine or cocktail programme; drinks are mint tea, coffee and soft drinks. Prices are low at $, and a manakish or pastry typically costs a small amount, so a full snack meal stays inexpensive. Reservations are not taken. Queues build in the morning and on weekends, and especially during holidays, but service is quick. Late at night the bakery is quieter and the bread is fresh, which suits visitors looking for a snack after an evening out. Visitors should confirm hours on the day, since holiday schedules can differ. The bakery lies a short walk from Jaffa's old port, flea market and Clock Tower, so it fits as a breakfast stop before a day of sightseeing. Cash is commonly used, and visitors should ask about pastry fillings if they have dietary restrictions.