30 Best Restaurants in Center City, Tel Aviv

This relaxed and friendly unique fish restaurant perfectly encapsulates modern Tel Aviv, combining an urban hipster atmosphere with the catch of the day and an abundance of fresh flavors, using all local ingredients. The seafood is phenomenal but there are many vegetarian and vegan highlights on the menu, including a purslane salad which will brighten up your evening. The atmosphere is informal yet chic and you’ll be mesmerised by the view into the exposed kitchen, where a skilled team are preparing plate after plate of fantastic food. It's worth ordering the grilled corn just to see it being cooked over the coals, although the taste will top all expectations. Try the fish sausage, which is far superior to any hot dog you could get. 

Part of the ultra-chic Renoma boutique hotel, Bar 51 has become one of the hottest spots on the Tel Aviv food scene since opening in 2019. Everything here is on trend, from the hip, laid-back staff to the postindustrial design and the small plates of creative, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine made for sharing. Snag one of the coveted seats at the bar and watch the kitchen team work their magic as you tuck into showstopping dishes such as the zucchini pappardelle with blue crab, or the signature lemon-infused roasted kohlrabi. Let the sommelier create a wine pairing to go with the dishes of your choice and it'll be a winner.

Helmed by one of Israel's most highly regarded veteran chefs, Ran Shmueli, Claro is one of those spots that has it all. The farm-to-table Mediterranean menu changes daily, featuring only the freshest seasonal, locally sourced produce, and the building, originally constructed by the German Templers in 1886, makes the experience unforgettable. The rustic yet sophisticated ambience complements the beautiful dishes, a perfect balance of classic Mediterranean cuisine and innovative Israeli flavors.

This tiny restaurant and wine bar, just a clutch of round tables on an alley just off Carmel Market, draws its inspiration from the market's fresh offerings (the name is Hebrew for "market stall"). The choices change daily, and the kitchen is well-known for dishing out organ meats you might not see much back home. For the less adventurous, the seafood and pork options are sure to be fresh and aesthetically appealing. Try also the white pizza with black truffles when in season. The paella with bacon, sausage, shrimp, and mussels is about as non-kosher as it gets for a place whose chef refers to the nearby market as the "Holy of Holies." 

The restaurant at this boutique hotel serves modern brasserie fare, throwing in a few unexpected Asian twists along the way. The seasonal menu changes regularly but you can always find impressive Mediterranean--Asian fusion dishes like sea bream fillet with lemongrass cream. The impeccable service, well-prepared food, and interesting wine list compare very favorably with the city's top restaurants. The dining room is in a lovingly restored home on Montefiore Street in the heart of historic Tel Aviv. White walls, potted plants, slatted wooden blinds, and the silver-plated sugar servers selected by co-owner Ruthie Brouda evoke old-world colonial days. 

This three-in-one concept combines a wine bar, cocktail bar, and restaurant in one of Tel Aviv’s hippest locations. Mix and match between the three menus and choose between the three spaces on two different floors, or take advantage of the intimate balcony space and soak up the atmosphere of the city center. The atmosphere is electric, the food fresh and interesting with much of it prepared in front of you in the moment, and the drinks are flowing. Try the sashimi with charcoal applied just seconds before it arrives at your table infusing a sense of drama and a wonderful smoky subtlety cut perfectly with the fresh zing of the lime oil. 

A self-described "Med to Table" restaurant, Animar offers a classic and elegant feel, fresh and interesting flavors, and an unparalleled view of sunset over the sea. The menu, inspired by produce from around the Mediterranean, includes a house special grilled zucchini and a truly delightful wild sea bass.

Celebrating the love that Israelis have for breakfast, this restaurant with simple and sunny decor features many variations on the morning meal, served around the clock, seven days a week. Choose the classic Israeli breakfast with all the trimmings; the Mexican egg scramble; the "Calimera" Greek breakfast, heavily laden with garlicky tzatziki and a healthy serving of spice; or several different styles of eggs Benedict. French toast and pancakes satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Despite the unusual name, it's worth tasting the signature "egg balls," cooked omelet style, formed into a dumpling shape, and served with a choice of sauces such as spinach and cream. 

A varied but simple menu—including steak, salads, sandwiches, and pasta—makes this a good place to recharge after a day at the beach or a nice spot to relax with a glass of wine at sunset. The highlight of this café is not the food but the indoor or outdoor seating with fabulous Mediterranean views. It's open 24/7.

The aromas emanating from this street-corner bakery and café make it well worth the visit. Choose from the savory or sweet section of French-style baked goods, made throughout the day by chefs trained in Paris. A plentiful Israeli breakfast is upgraded with house-made jams, French butter, and a diverse bread basket filled with sourdoughs, brioches, and sweet croissants. This place is obviously not for the gluten averse.

Doubling as an art-and-music haven for locals, this inviting neighborhood café will make you feel as if you're in someone's fun and relaxing living room. The service is personal, the patrons are friendly (you will most likely end up in a conversation with many of them), and the extensive menu has options for everyone. The in-house baked goods including homemade bagels, and the ever-changing array of muffins makes for a light breakfast or afternoon snack. The salads and sandwiches are made fresh, so you can choose any toppings you like.

At the heart of this Southern Italian courtyard restaurant is a taboon oven from which emerge a variety of fresh and classic pizzas for which this spot has become known. The rest of the menu is equally enjoyable, pairing bright, clean flavors with excellent quality ingredients. Try the white fish crudo, which is remarkably fresh and lively, or the gnocchi, which is nothing short of pillowy. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxed—it's hard to believe that you're just seconds away from one of Tel Aviv's busiest thoroughfares. Pay attention to the extensive wine list which honors the best of Italian and Israeli vineyards. Come for a full meal or pair a cocktail with a selection of the small bites during the weekday happy hour with 25% off the menu.  

A Tel Aviv classic that has stood the test of time, Coffee Bar is neither a coffee shop nor a bar—in fact, it is a rather elegant bistro. The service is excellent, the menu is fresh and contemporary, and the design is on point. It's no surprise, as the restaurant is run by R2M, the hospitality group behind the likes of Hotel Montefiore, Rothschild 12, and Delicatessen. And while Coffee Bar may have been around long before the Tel Aviv food scene became hip (it opened more than two decades ago in the industrial, edgy Yad Harutzim district), it remains as popular as ever, so make sure you book in advance.

Tel Aviv may be home to more than its fair share of Japanese eateries, but this outpost of a world-renowned Japanese brand stands out not only for its quality, but also for its impeccable service and stunning setting. The menu is a blend of traditional Izakaya and modern European cuisine, paired with sake, wine, or an impressive selection of cocktails. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, few spots in Tel Aviv attract a more discerning crowd of gastronomes. Dinings is on the third floor of one of Israel's most exclusive hotels, The Norman. 

Passed down from father to son, this local landmark has been serving some of the best falafel for more than 50 years. For a few shekels, you'll get a pita filled with plentiful, perfectly prepared falafel balls, fried potatoes (called "chips" here), and just the right amount of salad. Sit on the outdoor bench or stand and enjoy this classic Israeli street food done right.

In the midst of the buzzing Nachalat Binyamin Art Fair, the secret garden at Jonesy Gardener is an oasis of calm. To escape the madness, sit on Jonesy's green leafy patio, where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee or try local specialties like shakshuka or sabich. It's a great spot to grab breakfast or rest after visiting the hectic Carmel Market.

After winning the television show "Israel’s Next Restaurant" with his restaurant Mileage, Chef Idan Boshari opened this new offering to Tel Aviv’s gastronomic scene. Inspired by the fabric of the city and stimulated by the proximity of the sea and the local and seasonal nature of the neighboring Carmel Market, the menu changes in response to the availability and quality of the local produce. Try the Amberjack Sashimi with its unusual combination of ingredients that combine to make a perfect bite and complement it with the Gazoz-inspired cocktail with black pepper and zaatar. There’s also a focus on social responsibility, as the restaurant works closely with youth at risk. With an exciting, high-energy vibe, this is a great location to get a sense of the bustle of life in Tel Aviv.  

At this cozy neighborhood bistro, the portions are generous, the prices extremely reasonable, and the atmosphere a friendly hubbub of clattering dishes and animated conversations. The thick menu is filled with hearty salads and pastas, as well as the signature paninis. In the warmer months, there are creative daily specials like tasty risotto. During the winter, there's a daily selection of a dozen different soups. The all-day happy hour will keep your mouth and wallet smiling.

This unassuming spot nestled deep in the Carmel Market is a haven for meat lovers. The menu is short and the decor minimal but the quality is excellent; the restaurant is an extension of the Meat Market butcher's shop located just 25 meters away. Diners can choose between a selection of meats cooked on the charcoal grill or try the specialty dishes. The arais are a house recommendation that are well worth a try and the slow-cooked smoked shawarma elevates this classic street food to new heights. If you still have room for dessert, the Crack Pie is a sweet and sticky delight that you won't regret.  

Chocolate lovers should run, not walk, to this eatery for a mouthwatering, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory experience. Beneath pipes of imaginary chocolate crisscrossing the ceiling, children of all ages can order the likes of chocolate pizza—topped with chocolate chips, of course—or chocolate fondue for dipping toasted marshmallows and fruit like melon, dates, and bananas. There's even chocolate soup! For a souvenir, take home some hand-stenciled pralines in artfully designed tins. And yes, there are non-chocolate options, including pastas and salads. Service is famously iffy but who cares when you can gorge yourself on chocolate?

Chef Aviv Moshe serves traditional dishes like the shredded-wheat-like pastry called kadaif, but his method of preparation is in a class of its own. This Mediterranean–Middle Eastern haute cuisine is enlivened with French and Italian touches. White is the dominant color in the lavish dining room, with marble floors and tented ceiling lamps on which video art is projected. A long, white central table with stylish high-back chairs is the room's centerpiece, perfect for mingling with fellow diners while the attentive staff serves such dishes as seared red tuna over an eggplant-and-goat-cheese roll with pomegranate dressing or sea bass with shallot ravioli. Make sure you save room for dessert as pastry chef Adi Sibrower's spectacular creations will blow your mind. Adjacent to the restaurant is the bar, a much more chaotic affair done up in stark black. Don't miss '80s night on Wednesday, when a winning combination of DJs playing retro tunes, good food, and strong drinks ensure an unforgettable night.

This bar and grill is part retro lounge, part bistro. Best known for its burgers, the place has an extensive menu that includes everything from shish kebabs to calamari and quesadillas. It's good for the whole family, with children's dishes and, for the adults, an interesting selection of cocktails. The ribs in molasses are a real treat, as is the chicken Caesar salad. Drop by after midnight, when late-night specials add to the mix.

As the name suggests, this popular eatery is geared toward the city's night owls, open every night until midnight. Using local ingredients and highlighting modern takes on traditional Israeli cuisine, the menu items are meant to be shared like tapas. Tomato carpaccio with za'atar leaves, calamari, and gnocchi with oyster mushrooms and roasted cherry tomatoes are a few of the best-selling menu items. For dessert there's a lollipop-shape crème brûlée wrapped around tonka-bean puree and drizzled with fruit syrup.

For one of the best meals in the city, take your place at one of the tables spilling out onto the sidewalk or alongside the small, chic bar. The menu changes daily, depending on what Eyal Shani, its celebrity chef, finds to be the freshest produce or catch of the day. A couple of delectable dishes are often featured, including lamb shawarma marinated overnight in wine grapes from the Judean Hills, and cold shrimp with green onions and tomatoes served in piping-hot homemade pita. If you arrive without reservations, you may be able to find room at the bar.

Chef Rima Olivera's 30 years of experience in the world's best kitchens and her principles of cooking set this eatery apart from the rest in the Tel Aviv food scene. The menu changes constantly based on the choicest seasonal ingredients, including those that are locally grown and those that are hand-picked from abroad. An open kitchen at this tastefully designed location lets you watch the charismatic chef in action. Every dish that comes out of her kitchen is packed with perfectly balanced flavors and cooked to perfection. Taste the gently seasoned zucchini salad with truffle oil for starters. Also recommended is the Vietnamese-style sea bream and the grilled beef fillet with black pepper and porcini “crème brûlée.” Be sure to end the meal with a palate-cleansing shot of green-tea milk with jasmine cream before dessert.

This distinguished Japanese restaurant is consistently ranked among the best in a city with no shortage of sushi. The expansive bar is the restaurant's centerpiece, and the surrounding tables are filled with all sorts of locals, from extended families enjoying an early meal to young people who arrive in clusters later in the evening. Onami presents a large variety of tastefully presented Japanese dishes, including agedashi tofu (fried and served with a sweet soy sauce), that can be combined with sushi or sashimi.

This laid-back sidewalk restaurant set in the shadow of The Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv is always packed with a lively young crowd smoking cigarettes and engaging in animated conversation. They come here for the buzzing atmosphere and celebrity Chef Eyal Shani's delicious take on Israeli specialties such as grilled eggplant, chicken liver, freekeh, and malabi for dessert. Walk past at almost any hour of the day and it's clear that Chef Shani knows what the locals want. But be warned: there are no reservations and you will inevitably have to wait for a table.

This food stand is one of the best spots to sample the classic Iraqi-Israeli street food called sabich. The Zen-like concentration of the owner results in a hearty and thoughtful dish consisting of fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, tahini, and spice (if you say you can handle it)—a perfect combination of flavors. Here you have the rare options of a whole-wheat or gluten-free pita.

Tel Aviv’s admirable contribution to Asian Fusion, this fine dining spot has an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Perfect for a business dinner, the menu is sophisticated and well designed, giving a modern and local twist to well-known dishes. Try the chicken gyoza perfectly complemented by a bed of corn foam, or turn to the sushi menu and try the fish-and-chips roll with sea bass tempura and Jerusalem artichoke chips, set off  by the zing of yuzu aioli. Add a specialty cocktail to the mix and sit back and enjoy.

Part of the city's influx of Asian restaurants, the "Asia-terranean" kitchen of Taizu is a nod to the street food of India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The interior design is based on the five elements of Chinese philosophy: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal, each of which is also represented in the style of food. Visit in a group and share plates such as lemongrass-infused steak, seafood dumplings, spicy Thai salad, and fragrant Indian curry. The menu is guaranteed to delight the tastebuds of every  Asian food lover.