I’ve been to Tel Aviv many times, but this past trip I had the chance to experience some incredible new restaurants and amazing bars that I couldn’t wait to share! Tel Aviv is a thriving city, as the city parallels with the beach. New York may be called the city that never sleeps but from experience, I can tell you that no one sleeps in Tel Aviv. Everyone is too busy trying new restaurants, hitting cool dance clubs or cocktail bars, and laying out in front of La La Land on Gordon Beach. Here are some of my favorites if you find yourself wandering around TLV.
Breakfast: Shakshuka
No filter necessary, this place is the BOMB. If you’re going to Shuk HaCarmel (which if you’re a tourist, you definitely are), this place is the spot. It’s off a little alley way from the shuk and has a various assortment of shakshukas, salads, and pitas with a Greek twist. They serve alcohol – even in the morning – and great coffees, as well.
Brunch: Bucke
I’ve been wanting to go to Bucke forever, after seeing this tray madness all over friends social medias’ and WOW, was it worth the wait. Everything there is incredible, especially if you’re a big bruncher, like me. You can tell it’s great because there’s usually a wait. Order the classic Bucke tray, you will not be disappointed.
For the Health Nuts: Cafe Xoho
Cafe Xoho has been a long time favorite of mine. The menu is usually the same but they’re always adding specials into the mix. It’s great for people who have eating restrictions, are vegan/vegetarian, etc. The service is awesome and I could picture it being in Soho, NY or Venice, LA. The coffee and treats are incredible and it’s a close walk to the beach!
Dinner: Port Sa’id
Celebrity chef, Eval Shani’s restaurant, Port Sa’id, really paints a picture of Tel Aviv in it’s truest form. When you walk up to the restaurant people are mingling outside, waiting with wine or a cocktail in hand, in the trendiest of outfits… you know you’re in the right place. This restaurant not only has incredible, mouth-watering food, but it has an energy and vibe to it. They sometimes even seat you at the same table as complete strangers, making for an interesting meal. It’s not just a restaurant, but an experience. Another amazing restaurant of Shani’s is North Abraxas, which has bar seating lining the kitchen, as well as tables upstairs. The food is literally dropped onto brown paper table cloths and the waitresses are more than willing to take shots with you. L’Chaim!
Bar: Kuli Alma
Kuli Alma is one of those bars that you will never forget and constantly find yourself comparing to every other cool place you’ve been to. It is a hipster’s dream. There are several rooms among the bar, as well as outdoor areas. The art is incredible and there is a gift shop that sells their own apparel. By 11 pm the gift shop is absolutely POPPING. Every room has a different DJ, and in the outdoor space there’s seating and a bar that includes snacks such as chips, fries, and alcoholic Slushies topped with gummy candies. Every room has museum-like art and a different vibe. Other bars that I love are Jimmy Who? – which has amazing light up signs, Spicehaus, Imperial, and Room Service have unbelievable (& Instagram worthy) cocktails, and Shalvata is my favorite club (if you’re trying to drink or if people you know have a table!)
This reminds me of the other page here I was looking at