Shuk HaCarmel/Carmel Market

One of the most famous food markets in the country, Shuk HaCarmel offers some of the best restaraunts and local bites in Tel Aviv. Between the knock-off clothes stands and the guys screaming gezer gezer gezer and "come get your grenade juice," chefs ranging from Yemenite grandmas and young Tel Avivians sell their homemade food. At night, the stalls convert into small bars where people of all ages meet to drink with friends.

Even if you are not in the mood to eat or buy anything, walking through Shuk HaCarmel is an experience in its own. For the adventerous types, coming here on a Friday afternoon is a sport. Before Shabbat sets in and the city closes down, expect everyone to be pushing for their lives to get the food they need. You have been warned.

Kerem HaTeimanim/The Yemenite's Vineyard

Inside of the Shuk lies a small neighborhood with a lot of history. Originally, the neighborhood was founded by the Yemenite Jewish community that settled in Tel Aviv int he early 1900s. It is still home to a lot of traditional Yemenite restaurants. Take a stroll in the tree-lined streets and pick a place to enjoy some malawach and jachnun. I promise any place will be good.

Kikar Dizengoff/Dizengoff Square

Despite its name, it is not a square. It is in fact, a circle. At its center sits a large fountain which has become a makeshit memorial honoring the victims of October 7th and soliders who fell in the war. Despite the heavy symbolism, life carries on all around, a quiet reflection of Israeli resilience. Cafes, bars, and shops rings the circle, keeping the area full of movement, conversation and everyday noise.

Cafe Algier

A tiny cafe located inside of a public library, Cafe Algier offers some of the best coffee in the city as well as delicious bites. It also on Bialik Square, so feel free to take a cup to go and roam in one of the most beautiful plazas and streets in the city.

Cafe Shneor

A quiet cafe with vintage pieces inside, the coffee and breakfast/brunch options will not disappoint. Locals take advantage of the rare quiet, and it will not be surprising to see people on their labtops working away.

Cafe Yom Tov

Yom Tov translates into good day, which is something you are certain to have after trying the coffee here. Nestled inside of Kerem HaTeimanim, this tiny little shop offers bold coffee and delicious food. At night, cocktails are added to the mix.

Caffe Tamati

A tiny coffee shop inside of the Shuk. Every bean, drink, and treat is made with love. If you are lucky enough, you will run into chef and award-winning cookbook author, Adeena Sussman, who is one of the kindest people in the culinary scene. If it is good enough for her, it will be good enough for you.

HOC Coffee

Tel Aviv's little European love child. This cafe offers a more upscale take on pastries and sells some of the most premium, quality coffee in the city.

Nourish Cafe

One of the recent additions to the Tel Aviv coffee scene. Nourish is more than just a cafe, it also functions as a community hub where local artists showcase and sell their work and musicians come in to get people off their feet. During the war with Iran, only after a few months of opening, the cafe was struck by a rocket. After working tirelessly to rebuild, they opened their doors with scores of people waiting. Check them out.

Shuk HaCarmel/Carmel Market

As mentioned above, this is one of the biggest food markets in the country. Nitzan and Alice recommend walking through and seeing what fits your vibe. Wherever you decide to sit down, we can almost guarantee that you will be fed well (but a few are highlighted below).

HaTaco

One of the downsides of the Tel Aviv food scene is the complete lack of Mexican food. This is where HaTaco fills in the gap. A tiny little stand in the Shuk, HaTaco is the place to munch on authentic SoCal-styled tacos. It is run by no more than 4 or 5 people at a time, but there will always be a crowd of people sneaking in to get tacos. And shots, there will be many shots.

Mifgash Rambam

You'll hear that phrase "zis is ze best shawarma" thrown out liberally by many a restaraunts. Mifgash Rambam is not one of them because they don't have to say it themselves. This is truly one of the best shawarmas in the city. But, it's not your old school hole in the wall. It is a more refined eatery located a few steps away from Shuk HaCarmel. Listen to us carefully: pita with beef and lamb. You are welcome.

Concierge

One of the most creative cocktail bars in Tel Aviv, Concierge serves up delicious and interesting looking drinks in some of the most absurd ways.

The Imperial

Recognized as one of the top 50 bars in the world, the Imperial is a bar that truly reflects its name. Royally good drinks and delicious food. Make sure to book in advance if you want to visit.