THE ULTIMATE VEGAN TRAVEL & FOOD GUIDE TO TEL AVIV
It was love at first sight. The second I arrived in the centre of Tel Aviv (TLV), I was amazed by its vivid, relaxed, cool and southern vibes. Maybe that’s because back home it was freezing cold and grey (as we went to TLV in January) and here sunny and warm. Or maybe it was because I was smelling delicious food at every corner and spotted exotic fruits at street-food stalls. I could feel that this city was special and will offer us not only an amazing experience but also will definitely satisfy my foodie's heart.
If you have never been to Tel Aviv, you will soon realize that everything is happening outside. As the weather is very mild, you can enjoy your dinner and drink almost all year round in the lovely patios and terraces or even at the beach. With on average 9 sun hours per year you can for sure relax outside, watch the surfers and try one of the many local specialities.
You definitely need to make sure to check out the Carmel market and the bars and restaurants around it, especially on a Friday where the locals are celebrating into Shabbat. It seems as everyone is meeting at the market to buy fresh ingredients for cooking at home while already cheering into the weekend. I listed some of my favourite places around the market below but just make sure to enjoy the delicious falafel sandwich at the not so touristy Hashomer1 :)
Speaking of my local tips I also want to point out the local favourite hummus bar called Hummus Abu Hassan where the menu really only consists of their delicious hummus. The locals enjoy it with raw onion which was new to us and the place was really packed as it is apparently really one of the most popular places to go in TLV.
If you are a fan of Kombucha you need to check out the cute tiny Cafe Levinsky 41. The lovely owner prepares you the Kombucha of your dreams with fermented and dried fruits and flowers - really almost too pretty to drink! There are many benches in the sun around the place so you can just enjoy the cool vibe of the vibrant city.
Another foodie highlight was definitely at Sabich Tchernichovsky where we enjoyed this local type of sandwich for the first time. We even waited for the tiny shop to open and soon realized that we were not the only ones as a line quickly emerged after us. But it was so worth it as the sandwich was packed with delicious ingredients such as grilled aubergines and hummus.
I also want to point out the cool hidden court where the bar Teder FM and the restaurant Romano are located. From enjoying a really delicious pizza to drinking a local beer or even watching a movie screening, everything seems to happen here.
Another cool tip is to not take the bus from TLV to the old town but rather take one of the many free rental bikes to get there. There is a really nice bicycle path directly next to the beach to get there and a dropping off station right at the entrance to the old town.
I really hope my guide below helps you to enjoy the best food places in TLV or makes you want to go there. I am more than certain that you will fall in love with this city as much as I did :)
Lots of love,
Magda
Tips for your perfect time in Tel Aviv
Brunch:
Cafe Xoho
Super popular cute coffee place with a vide variation of brunch options such as delicious pancakes and bagels. Make sure to come early to skip the waiting line!
Benedict
If you love to have brunch for dinner this is the right place for you as they offer really good breakfast 24h. There are several Benedict restaurants around Tel Aviv (and even one in Berlin!)
Shukshuka
Authentic restaurant at the Carmel market offering (of course) shakshuka. If you want to experience the locals celebrating into the weekend you need to come on Friday morning.
Cafe Tom Yov
Lovely place with quiet tables outside in the sun around the busy Carmel market. Great variation of vegan dishes and super friendly service.
Bucke Cafe
Great atmosphere with a nice outside sitting area, delicious coffee (with almond milk!) and selection of classic, vegetarian and vegan breakfast options.
Lunch:
Sabich Tchernichovsky
We had the best Sabich at this very local tiny shop! You need to come either very early or be a bit patient as the place is super popular (probably also because it is not too expensive).
Hummus Abu Hassan
Definitely the best and most authentic hummus in Tel Aviv. The service is super quick and the few hummus variations quite cheap. Make sure to try it with onions as well!Shlomo & Doron Hummus
Very popular hummus place next to the market with a wide variation of hummus and big portion sizes. Be prepared to wait a bit to get a seat but it is worth it!HaKosem
Great place to enjoy a tasty and fresh falafel sandwich with hummus and vegetables. Rather to take away than to sit in but there are nice benches around.Mifgash Osher
Another great falafel place which is very popular with locals. You can eat your falafel on one of the benches around the shop and just enjoy the Tel Aviv vibes.
Coffee/ Juices:
Cafe Levinsky 41 (pictures below)
We had the best kombucha packed with dried and fermented fruits and herbs! The owner is really cool and you can enjoy your kombucha on a bench on the lively street in the sun.
Little Prince Bookshop
If you want to enjoy your coffee in a quiet and lovely book store and read some used books this is the right place for you. Super nice atmosphere inside and outside on the cute terrasse.
Nahat Café
Super good barista coffee and cakes with a nice outside sitting area next to the Kikar Dizengoff square. You can also buy their beans to enjoy the delicious coffee at home.
Origem Fresh Coffee
Small coffee places offering really good coffee in many variations (also decaf) and super good banana bread and other small snacks.
Uzi Elie
Really nice small smoothie and juices shop where you can select from a wide variety of fresh fruits to build your own smoothie - I really could not choose!
Restaurants:
Hashomer1 (picture below)
I can not even say how often we went there as we just enjoyed the food so much! The grilled aubergines and the falafel sandwich are super good and there is nice music in the evening!
Port Said
Very popular and cool place in the city with a nice selection of small plates including of course hummus. We had our first dinner here and ordered 2x tahini - a mistake of TLV beginners ;)
Romano
Must the go-to place as the atmosphere is just amazing! Located inside a court you can enjoy Mediterranean food and listen to nice music. There was even a movie screening when we went!
The old man and the sea
If you want to try a wide variation of Israeli dishes this is the perfect place for you! Located next to the sea you get around 20 dishes as soon as you take a seat - really cool!
Kedem
This cute little place is a real secret tip as it is not packed with tourists! You can enjoy super good Israeli salad, hummus and much more - we had dinner twice there and loved it!
Bars/ Rooftops:
Teder FM (picture below)
The bar can be found in the same court as the Romano restaurant and offers a really cool vibe. Perfect for enjoying some drinks in the evening the pizza was so (unexpected) delicious!
Sputnik
We loved this place! You can either enjoy a drink or dance on one of the several dance floors. If you come early you do not need to pay entrance afterwards there is a long waiting line.
Bicicletta
Located in a nice garden the bar offers a super nice atmosphere and good variation of drinks. There is a plant shop next to it so you really sit in nature while being in central TLV.
The prince
Really cool hidden bar/ restaurant/ coffee place located in an old house. Enjoy the cool and alternative vibes on their nice rooftop terrasse.
Brown Tel Aviv Urban Hotel
Super nice rooftop looking over the skyline of Tel Aviv with a nice outside sitting area. The bar offers great but a bit expensive (worth the view though) cocktails.
