Israel is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern innovation, where millennia-old religious sites meet vibrant contemporary culture. From the golden Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem to the bustling beaches of Tel Aviv and the otherworldly landscapes of the Dead Sea, this small Mediterranean nation offers extraordinary diversity.
Israeli cuisine is one of the world's most exciting and diverse culinary traditions, shaped by waves of Jewish immigration from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, layered onto the ancient Arab culinary foundation of the land. Hummus, shakshuka, falafel, and sabich are everyday staples, while a new generation of celebrated chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi, Assaf Granit, and Eyal Shani have elevated these traditions to international prominence. Tel Aviv has emerged as a global food capital with an extraordinary density of outstanding restaurants, a thriving street food scene, and more vegan restaurants per capita than almost any city on earth.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Israel.
Hummus
The national obsession - creamy chickpea paste with olive oil, served warm with fresh pita. The debate over the best hummusiya in Israel is passionate and never-ending; Abu Hassan in Jaffa and Ali Karavan are perennial favorites.
Where to try: Any hummusiya (hummus restaurant), Mahane Yehuda Market, Jaffa
Price: $5-10
Shakshuka
Eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, served sizzling in the pan with bread for dipping. This North African Jewish dish is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across Israel in dozens of regional variations.
Where to try: Breakfast cafes throughout Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Dr. Shakshuka in Jaffa
Price: $10-15
Falafel
Deep-fried chickpea balls stuffed into warm pita with salad, tahini, and pickled vegetables. The Israeli version is crispier and more herb-laden than Lebanese varieties. Quality varies enormously - seek out dedicated falafel stands.
Where to try: Street stands everywhere, HaKosem in Tel Aviv, stalls in Mahane Yehuda Market
Price: $5-8
Sabich
An Iraqi-Jewish street food masterpiece: pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, hummus, Israeli salad, and amba (fermented mango sauce). Criminally underrated outside Israel but beloved locally.
Where to try: Sabich Frishman in Tel Aviv, Ima restaurant in Jerusalem, street stands
Price: $6-9
Knafeh
A Middle Eastern cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup, topped with crushed pistachios - one of the most addictive desserts in the world. The warm, stretchy cheese and crispy pastry contrast is magical.
Where to try: Arab bakeries in Old Jaffa, Mahane Yehuda Market, Acre Old City, Nazareth
Price: $4-8
Jachnun
A Yemenite Jewish Shabbat delicacy of slow-cooked rolled pastry served on Saturday mornings with grated tomato and hard-boiled egg. Rich, flaky, and deeply satisfying - a taste of Yemenite Jewish heritage.
Where to try: Mahane Yehuda Market Jerusalem (Saturday mornings), Yemenite Quarter restaurants in Tel Aviv
Price: $8-12
Burekas
Flaky pastry filled with cheese, potato, mushroom, or spinach - the Israeli breakfast pastry. Sephardic Jewish in origin, they are eaten throughout the day as a snack or light meal. Borekas Itzik in Tel Aviv is the benchmark.
Where to try: Borekas Itzik Tel Aviv, bakeries throughout Israel, markets
Price: $3-6
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Machneyuda
This legendary restaurant in Mahane Yehuda Market offers creative Israeli cuisine in a lively, almost chaotic atmosphere. Chef Assaf Granit's innovative dishes use market-fresh ingredients, and the energy is electric with music and communal tables. Reservations essential.
10 Beit Ya'akov Street, Jerusalem
Tmol Shilshom
A beloved literary cafe and bookstore serving vegetarian Israeli cuisine in a charming space. The cozy atmosphere, excellent salads, and cultural events make it a Jerusalem institution. Perfect for lunch or coffee with a book.
5 Yoel Moshe Salomon Street, Jerusalem
Hummus Ben Sira
A simple Jerusalem hummus joint that locals swear by. The creamy hummus, fresh pita, and authentic atmosphere provide the quintessential hummus experience. Get there early as they close when the hummus runs out.
3 Ben Sira Street, Jerusalem
Azura's Sabich Stand
Near the famous restaurant, this stand serves incredible sabich - fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, Israeli salad, tahini, and amba in pita. A perfect on-the-go meal at Mahane Yehuda Market.
Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem
Café Kadosh
A Jerusalem institution since 1967, this European-style cafe serves excellent pastries, cakes, and coffee. The chocolate babka and apple strudel are legendary. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon coffee.
6 Shlomzion HaMalka Street, Jerusalem
Eucalyptus
Chef Moshe Basson creates extraordinary dishes inspired by biblical ingredients and ancient recipes. Located near the Old City, this elegant restaurant offers tasting menus featuring wild herbs, ancient grains, and innovative techniques. A culinary journey through history.
14 Hativat Yerushalayim, Jerusalem
Azura
A legendary hole-in-the-wall in Mahane Yehuda Market serving outstanding Kurdish-Israeli home cooking since 1952. The kubbeh soup, stuffed vegetables, and authentic atmosphere attract everyone from market workers to food critics. Cash only.
4 HaEshkol Street, Jerusalem
Hakosem
Repeatedly voted Tel Aviv's best falafel, this tiny shop serves perfectly crispy balls in fresh pita with unlimited toppings. The line moves fast, the staff is friendly, and the falafel is genuinely exceptional.
1 Shlomo HaMelech Street, Tel Aviv
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Cafe
Cafelix
A trendy Tel Aviv cafe popular with freelancers and students. Good coffee, healthy food options, and reliable WiFi make it perfect for working. The açai bowls and avocado toast are Instagram-worthy.
12 Frishman Street, Tel Aviv
Rothschild 12
A stylish cafe on Rothschild Boulevard serving excellent coffee, fresh juices, and healthy breakfast/lunch options. The outdoor seating on the boulevard is perfect for people-watching.
12 Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv
Anastasia
A trendy Tel Aviv cafe known for exceptional coffee, excellent breakfast, and healthy options. The granola, shakshuka, and fresh-baked goods attract morning crowds. Great coffee program.
3 Berdichevsky Street, Tel Aviv
Suzanna
A charming cafe in Neve Tzedek serving breakfast, salads, and baked goods in a garden setting. The peaceful courtyard provides an oasis from busy Tel Aviv. Popular for weekend brunch.
9 Shabazi Street, Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv
Hummus
Abu Hassan (Ali Karavan)
Jaffa's most famous hummus joint has been serving perfect hummus since 1960. The creamy hummus topped with whole chickpeas, warm pita, and pickles is legendary. Only open until they run out, usually by 2 PM.
1 HaDolphin Street, Jaffa
Said Hummus
A basic hummus shop in Acre's Old City serving exceptional hummus in a no-frills setting. The hummus is creamy and perfectly seasoned, accompanied by fresh pita and pickles. Authentic and delicious.
Market Street, Old City Acre
Hummus Eliyahu
A simple Tel Aviv hummus joint beloved by locals for creamy hummus and friendly service. The basic setting and excellent quality keep regulars coming back daily.
11 Sheinkin Street, Tel Aviv
Rahmo
A simple hummus joint in Jaffa that locals consider among the best. The hummus is silky smooth, the pita fresh, and the atmosphere authentic. Only open until the hummus runs out, usually early afternoon.
11 Beit Eshel Street, Jaffa
Mediterranean
Claro
Chef Ran Shmueli's beautiful restaurant in a restored Templar building in Jaffa serves Mediterranean cuisine with North African influences. The wood-fired oven, homemade pastas, and elegant setting create memorable dining. Extensive wine list.
19 HaShuk Street, Jaffa
Popina
This charming bistro in Tel Aviv's Jaffa neighborhood offers refined Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed setting. The seasonal menu, excellent wine selection, and warm atmosphere make it a local favorite for special occasions.
4 Rabbi Pinchas Street, Jaffa
Manta Ray
A beachfront institution serving fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes with sand between your toes. The location on Tel Aviv's beach, relaxed atmosphere, and consistently good food make it perfect for sunset dinners.
Alma Beach, Tel Aviv
Shila
Chef Sharon Cohen's seafood-focused restaurant overlooks the Tel Aviv marina. The daily-changing menu features the freshest catch prepared with Mediterranean flair. The rooftop location and sunset views enhance the experience.
182 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv
Fusion
Aria
Chef Aviv Moshe creates stunning fusion cuisine blending Israeli, Japanese, and European techniques. The artistic presentation and innovative flavor combinations make this one of Tel Aviv's most exciting restaurants. Intimate atmosphere with counter seating available.
7 Ahad Ha'am Street, Tel Aviv
Port Said
A trendy neighborhood bar-restaurant on a sketchy-looking corner that serves excellent food and drinks. The eclectic menu ranges from hummus to burgers, the vibe is casual-cool, and it's popular with Tel Aviv's creative crowd.
5 Har Sinai Street, Tel Aviv
Japanika
An Israeli chain serving Asian fusion including sushi, noodles, and creative combinations. While not authentic, the food is tasty, portions are generous, and prices reasonable. Multiple locations throughout Israel make it convenient.
Multiple locations
Middle Eastern
Zakaim
A bustling restaurant in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda Market serving generous portions of traditional Middle Eastern food. The mixed grill, fresh salads, and warm pita make it popular with locals and tourists alike.
35 Shuk Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem
Café Mizrahi
A cozy Jerusalem cafe serving Middle Eastern-inspired coffee drinks and pastries. The cardamom coffee and date cookies are specialties. The intimate atmosphere encourages lingering.
15 Emek Refaim Street, Jerusalem
Magdalena
This beautiful restaurant in a historic building in the German Colony serves elevated Middle Eastern cuisine. The stylish interior, garden seating, and creative dishes make it popular for everything from breakfast to dinner.
29 Emek Refaim Street, Jerusalem
Israeli Street Food
Miznon
Chef Eyal Shani's casual empire started here with pita stuffed with roasted cauliflower, slow-cooked lamb, and other creative fillings. The energy is high, the food is excellent, and the experience is quintessentially Tel Aviv. Now with multiple locations.
30 King George Street, Tel Aviv
Etzel Tzarfati
A popular stand in Tel Aviv's Carmel Market serving fresh-made sabich, falafel, and sandwiches. The quality ingredients and generous portions make it a market favorite.
Carmel Market, Tel Aviv
Seafood
Uri Buri
Acre's most celebrated restaurant serves exceptional fresh seafood in the atmospheric Old City. Chef Uri Yirmias creates innovative dishes showcasing Mediterranean fish. The historic setting and outstanding food make it worth the trip from Tel Aviv.
HaHagana Street, Old City Acre
The Old Man and the Sea
A Jaffa seafood institution overlooking the Mediterranean. The relaxed atmosphere, fresh fish, and sea views create the perfect setting for leisurely meals. The seafood is simply prepared and always fresh.
64 Kedem Street, Jaffa Port
All
Benedict
A Tel Aviv institution serving breakfast 24/7 with locations throughout the city. The extensive menu includes everything from shakshuka to pancakes. Perfect for night owls and brunch enthusiasts.
Multiple locations
Arabic Sweets
Jaffar Sweets
An Old City Acre institution selling traditional Arabic pastries and sweets. The knafeh, baklava, and halva are all freshly made. Perfect for a sweet treat while exploring.
Old City Market, Acre
Bakery
Abulafia Bakery
This 24-hour Arab bakery in Jaffa is famous for fresh pita, cheese pastries, and za'atar bread straight from the oven. The chaotic atmosphere, amazing smells, and rock-bottom prices attract crowds at all hours.
7 Yefet Street, Jaffa
Cafe Chain
Aroma Espresso Bar
Israel's ubiquitous coffee chain offers reliable sandwiches, salads, and excellent coffee. While not gourmet, the consistent quality, WiFi, and many locations make it convenient for quick meals.
Multiple locations nationwide
Cat Cafe
Café Bastet
Israel's first cat cafe combines coffee, snacks, and feline companionship. Play with rescue cats while enjoying drinks and light meals. Popular with families and animal lovers.
6 Bialik Street, Tel Aviv
Contemporary Israeli
OCD Restaurant
Chef Raz Rahav's intimate 26-seat restaurant in Tel Aviv delivers exceptional tasting menus with artistic presentation. The seasonal menu highlights local ingredients with Mediterranean and Asian influences. One of Tel Aviv's finest dining experiences.
4 Berdichevsky Street, Tel Aviv
Falafel
Falafel Gabay
A no-frills falafel stand in Tel Aviv that has perfected the art of falafel. The balls are crispy outside and fluffy inside, and the unlimited toppings bar lets you customize. Great value and quality.
54 Ibn Gabirol Street, Tel Aviv
Falafel & Shawarma
Moshiko
Operating since 1966, this Tel Aviv institution serves excellent falafel and shawarma to everyone from students to celebrities. The generous portions, crispy falafel, and late hours make it a go-to spot.
3 HaCarmel Street, Tel Aviv
Farm
Meshek Barzilay
This Tel Aviv restaurant sources ingredients from the Barzilay family farm for fresh, seasonal Israeli cuisine. The changing menu, excellent brunch, and farm-fresh quality attract food-conscious diners. Great vegetarian options.
6 Ahad Ha'am Street, Tel Aviv
Gelato Cafe
Anita Gelato
Tel Aviv's favorite gelato shop makes fresh Italian-style gelato daily in creative flavors. The quality rivals anything in Italy, and the location near the beach is perfect for a cooling treat.
11 Nahalat Binyamin Street, Tel Aviv
Greek
Kalamata
A small Greek food stand in Tel Aviv serving authentic gyros, souvlaki, and Greek salads. The meat is well-seasoned, portions are generous, and it's open late for post-clubbing meals.
30 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv
Ice Cream
Golda Ice Cream
An Israeli ice cream chain serving quality ice cream in classic and creative flavors. Multiple locations make it easy to find, and the prices are reasonable. The halva flavor is a must-try.
Multiple locations
Iraqi
Ima
This homestyle restaurant in Jerusalem serves traditional Iraqi-Israeli cuisine like your grandmother would make. The sabich, kubbeh, and homemade pickles are outstanding. Warm atmosphere and reasonable prices.
189 Agrippas Street, Jerusalem
Iraqi Grill
Shipudei Hatikva
A beloved neighborhood grill in Tel Aviv serving massive portions of perfectly seasoned grilled meats. The casual atmosphere, great value, and consistently good food keep locals coming back. Try the mixed grill platter.
5 David Elazar Street, Tel Aviv
Israeli Cafe Chain
Café Landwer
A popular cafe chain throughout Israel serving breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and excellent coffee. The shakshuka and breakfast platters are particularly good. Reliable quality at multiple locations.
Multiple locations
Libyan
Dr. Shakshuka
This colorful Jaffa restaurant specializes in shakshuka and other Libyan-Israeli dishes. The various shakshuka styles, grilled meats, and lively atmosphere make it a fun casual dining option.
3 Beit Eshel Street, Jaffa
Meat Restaurant
M25
A high-quality meat restaurant in Jerusalem specializing in perfectly cooked steaks, burgers, and grilled meats. The industrial-chic design, professional service, and excellent meat selection make it a carnivore's paradise.
4 Yoel Moshe Salomon Street, Jerusalem
Mexican
Topolopompo
Jerusalem's best Mexican restaurant offers creative tacos, ceviches, and cocktails in a fun atmosphere. The fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors works surprisingly well, and the mezcal selection is excellent.
5 Yoel Moshe Salomon Street, Jerusalem
Modern Israeli
Helena
Chef Ariel Rosenthal's restaurant in Caesarea National Park combines fine dining with ancient Roman ruins. The seasonal tasting menus showcase local ingredients, and dining among archaeological treasures creates an unforgettable experience.
Caesarea National Park, Caesarea
Palestinian
Abu Shukri
Located in Jerusalem's Old City, this family-run restaurant has served exceptional hummus, falafel, and Arabic salads for generations. The no-frills atmosphere and authentic flavors make it a must-visit. Always crowded with locals.
63 Al-Wad Road, Old City, Jerusalem
Pastries
Burekas Penso
A tiny bakery near Carmel Market famous for fresh, flaky burekas in multiple flavors. The cheese, potato, and mushroom varieties are all excellent. Get there early for the best selection.
1 Tchernichovsky Street, Tel Aviv
Food tours & tastings in Israel
Eat your way through Israel with a guide.
Browse food experiences in IsraelWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Falafel Pita
The ultimate Israeli street food - crispy chickpea balls in warm pita with unlimited toppings including Israeli salad, pickles, tahini, and hot sauce. A complete meal for under $8.
Find it at: Street stands throughout all cities; HaKosem on King George Street Tel Aviv for best quality
Sabich
Fried eggplant, egg, hummus, and amba mango sauce in pita - an Iraqi-Jewish street food found mainly at dedicated sabich stands and markets.
Find it at: Sabich Frishman Tel Aviv, street stands near Carmel Market
Ka'ak Jerusalem Sesame Bread
Large oval sesame-covered bread rings sold from street carts throughout the Old City, eaten plain or with za'atar and olive oil. A Jerusalem street snack for centuries.
Find it at: Street vendors throughout Jerusalem Old City, Jaffa
Shawarma
Slow-roasted lamb, chicken, or turkey carved from a spit into pita or laffa flatbread with hummus, Israeli salad, and hot sauce. The Israeli version uses quality meat with Middle Eastern spices.
Find it at: Shawarma stands throughout cities; Moshiko on Ben Yehuda Street Jerusalem is legendary
Malabi
A milk pudding dessert topped with rose water syrup, coconut, and pistachios sold from street carts in Tel Aviv. Light, sweet, and refreshing, particularly popular in summer.
Find it at: Mobile street carts in Carmel Market area, Levinsky Market area Tel Aviv
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Jerusalem's legendary 250-stall covered market is the heart of the city's food culture. Fresh produce, cheeses, halva in fifty flavors, spices, pickled vegetables, fresh-baked breads, and excellent street food vendors coexist in glorious chaos. The market transforms into a bar scene after hours.
Hours: Sun-Thu 8AM-8PM, Fri 8AM-3PM, Closed Sat
Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel)
Tel Aviv's largest outdoor market stretches several blocks through the city center with vendors selling fresh produce, olives, cheeses, spices, cheap clothing, and prepared foods. The Yemenite Quarter at the southern end has excellent cheap eats.
Hours: Sun-Fri 8AM-7PM, Closed Sat
Levinsky Market
A largely Iranian Jewish spice and specialty food market in south Tel Aviv, less touristy than Carmel Market. The narrow street is lined with spice merchants, dried fruit vendors, pickle shops, and specialty importers - perfect for buying za'atar, sumac, and unique Israeli spice blends.
Hours: Sun-Fri 8AM-6PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Most Jewish restaurants are either kosher (following dietary laws) or non-kosher - both offer excellent food, but kosher places won't serve pork or shellfish, and meat and dairy restaurants are completely separate
Lunch is when many restaurants offer their best value with prix-fixe lunch menus at 30-50% off dinner prices
Portions are enormous by international standards - sharing mezze starters is the norm; you rarely need both starters and a main
Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday night) closes most Jewish restaurants - Arab restaurants, non-kosher places, and hotels remain open
Reserve top restaurants weeks in advance for weekends - Tel Aviv's best places like Machneyuda, The Norman, and Herbert Samuel fill up far ahead
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-15/meal | Falafel, sabich, hummus plates, and burekas from street stands and market vendors - exceptional quality at minimal cost |
| Mid-range | $25-50/meal | Sit-down restaurants including mezze starters, main course, and drinks at mid-tier Tel Aviv and Jerusalem restaurants |
| Upscale | $80-150+/meal | Tasting menus at acclaimed restaurants like Machneyuda, Herbert Samuel, Claro, and The Norman dining room |