Welcome to the inaugural edition of our Culinary City Guides, where we take you on a journey through the vibrant culinary scene of our hometown, Tel Aviv. From bustling markets to superfine dining and everything in between, Tel Aviv has something for every food lover. Here is a small selection of some of our personal recommendations for the city's most delicious destinations.  A culinary Adventure in one of the Levant's most unique cities.

01  Amita 

The tandem of female pastry chefs Michal Bouton and Anna Shapiro opened this second location of Amita in 2024, a cozy neighbourhood café and bakery, on the ground floor of Beit Ha'ir Museum in one of Tel Aviv's most magical squares. Perfect for starting your day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a pastry. 

Creative sweet and savoury pastries, breads and cakes - classic European with a middle eastern twist and vice versa, like my go-to pastries here - the rosemary and sea salt croissant and the anchovy burekas.

27 Bialik Street  

02  Mifgash Rambam

Mifgash Rambam is a family-run gem, owned by the chefs and owners of Habasta restaurant, one of the most well known hedonistic places in the city for classic European food and wine. Their dedication to quality and flavour shines through in every bite and in this location they have teamed up with Tel-aviv's most celebrated pita architect, Efi Raz, who will construct the perfect bite for you every time.

Their Shawarma is one of the best bites on the planet - probably my favourite pita right now. Mouthwatering roasted beef and lamb fat, served in a fluffy pita with hot sauce, tahini salad and pickles. Don't hold the Amba or better yet, have Efi make you what he wants.

Rambam 3

03  Jasmino

Jasmino has been a local favourite since its opening in 2016 by veteran restaurateur Shaul Tevet and business partner and grill man, Poppi Sing, who is always on the pass grilling everything to order. The place is usually packed - expect long queues and wait times, but its always great. 

Yes, I know, it's another pita, but if you are in Israel for a short time and don't eat a pita a day, you'll regret it. My go-to's are the spicy lamb heart or sweat breads. Perfect pita, perfect grilling on the spot and with the usual well made condiments.

Allenby Street 99

04  Carmel Market (Hacarmel)

The Carmel Market is an open air market which has been a culinary hub since the 1920s, bustling with vendors offering the best of Israeli produce as well as a lot of other products such as clothing items and toys. 

You'll find fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables, Mediterranean fishmongers and butcheries, some nice delicatessens and a whole lot of excellent street food vendors and small restaurants. Don't miss out on the best Balik Ekmek outside of Istanbul at Hacarmel 40, a tiny bar that serves simple and perfect fish and seafood dishes, fresh from the adjacent fish monger. 

05  Levinsky market

Lewinsky Market is located in the Florentin neighbourhood and houses an authentic combination of cultures and many generations, cherished by locals for its eclectic mix of vendors and vibe. Artisanal delicacies, exotic spices, and homemade treats - this whole area, which was once home to a big textile industry and a large Persian community, is still home to many Persian restaurants and is most known for its many spice shops, excellent Balkan and Levant bakeries and many delicatessens. Don't miss out on a bite of a real Turkish Burekas with a touch of spice, hard boiled egg and a pickle.

A visit to the Habshush condiment store is a must. This establishment has been run by the Habshush family since it opened its doors in 1931, and is considered by Israel's top chefs to be the best source of condiments in the country. Get ready to be amazed by the smell.

Halutzim Street 18. Open til 13:00 on weekdays.

06   Hanan Margilan

This is both a restaurant and a phenomenon. I’ve often have lunch here with some of the best chefs, food writers and foodies in Tel-Aviv - It’s everyone’s first idea when lunch time comes round. It’s the simplest setting, but the most heartwarming food there is. Hanan Marginlan was established in the early 2000s by the Hanimov family who came to Israel from Azerbaijan and specialise in food from Bukhara. It's located in the Shapira neighbourhood, one of Tel Aviv’s least glamorous areas, but is still a place of pilgrimage for diners from all over the city. 

The menu consists of an assortment of skewers and sides, but for me any of the meat stuffed, fluffy dough dumplings are the real treasures here - especially their world famous Dushpera soup with dumplings.

Mesilat Yesharim 15