Tel Aviv’s fine dining scene is a vibrant reflection of the city itself—bold, dynamic, and endlessly creative. In recent years, it has evolved beyond its Mediterranean roots, blending global influences with hyper-local ingredients to create something truly unique. From boundary-pushing tasting menus to intimate chef-led experiences, Tel Aviv’s top restaurants celebrate seasonality, innovation, and the city’s unmistakable energy. I believe that exploring this scene through these establishments offers a deep dive into the flavours and stories that define modern Israeli cuisine, but of course, there were many left out. One important tip before you make a reservation in Tel Aviv, some of the best dining experiences happen at the bar. Whether in a high-end restaurant or a laid-back bistro, eating at the bar is a way of life—an invitation to be at the heart of the action and the place where you are most looked after. Enjoy. 

01  Pereh

Pereh’s kitchen is led by chefs Aviad Peled and Uri Steinberg, and in the front of house, Aliza Shraga and Tom Gov. Uri and Aviad strive to make Pereh a creative and inquisitive culinary workshop and they explore artisanal bread making, fish aging, butchery and pastry making on an equal level, striving to be better cooks and learn each day, which is an approach I can relate to very much. 

Pereh serves contemporary Israeli cuisine with a creative twist and a respected wine menu but most of all, it does it with a smile. Pereh is a place where you are made to feel at home and the staff always has time and attention to give. The chicken stuffed chicken wings have been widely declared as the best dish in town.

27 Nahalat Binyamin Street

02  Bar 51

The bar at the aptly named Bar 51 is the heart of the experience. Dominating almost the entire space, it creates an intimate and energetic atmosphere. The narrow passage between you and the back wall, combined with the restaurant's usual crowd, fosters a sense of familiarity—some might even call it sexy.  In front of you, chefs and bartenders work side by side, preparing dishes in full view, allowing for interactions with both the staff and fellow diners. But Bar 51 isn’t just about ambiance—it also boasts an exceptional menu crafted by Chef Moshiko Gamlieli. His dishes draw inspiration from classic Mediterranean flavours, each reimagined with his unique touch.

The fish and seafood dishes are exceptional. The raw Hamachi with avocado, sheep's yogurt and horseradish is beautiful and the spicy seafood linguine a fantastic main. 

Hayarkon 59

03  Milgo & Milbar

Chef Moti Titman and his team are able to produce magic from this small, open kitchen overlooking Tel-Aviv’s most central and iconic square. They offer a nonchalant, yet incredibly intelligent, dining experience, showcasing the best of Israeli ingredients and culinary talent.

The definition of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine using classic European techniques and one of my all time favourite pasta dishes—the burnt onion agnolotti with fried veal brain and a touch of Zhuok. 

04  Santi

Santi is a client of ours, but I have dined there before and after and always enjoyed it. Led by chef Guy Arish, Santi defies classification—it’s not a restaurant, wine bar, or gastropub, but a creative culinary experience. Raised in Paris by food-loving parents, Arish developed a bold, unique style that blends European and regional flavors. Despite being new to the scene, Santi is already a Tel Aviv favourite, known for its beautifully and playfully plated, flavour-packed dishes. 

Highlights include sashimi of Yellowtail fish with beurre noisette and chicken wing garum, Calamari head skewers with Porcini aioli and Wagyu sirloin on brioche with kimchi. My personal favourite is the Kama-Tama Pici noodle dish with egg yolk, caviar, garum and chives. 

Gordon Street 17

05  Hiba

Hiba, led by star chef Yossi Shitrit, is known for it’s beautiful and innovative dishes bringing familiar home cooking flavours and aromas into elegant fine dining ambiance. It is a Michelin star level restaurant when it comes to food & beverage, service and hospitality and one of the most special and enjoyable fine dining experiences I’ve had. 

North African and Middle Eastern cuisine with a focus on bold flavours and cutting edge techniques and presentations. I personally enjoy it when fine dining restaurants take flavours to the extreme and this is present throughout the menu at Hiba, but the star of the show is the most comforting potato dish you will ever have. 

144 Menachem Begin 

06  Treysar

Treysar, led by chef Aner Ben Refael, is located in the Harbor Market and serves modern Israeli cuisine with a creative twists on classic dishes, using fresh and local ingredients almost exclusively, offering diners a culinary journey through the flavours and seasons of Israel with a frequently changing menu.

Hanamal Market, hangar 12, second floor

07  Tirtza

Tirza is a wine bar with pedigree—it's the second son to the group behind the acclaimed OCD restaurant (which is a celebrated high end fine dining establishment), headed by chef Raz Rahav. It provides a cozy atmosphere for wine enthusiasts to savour the best of Israeli wine culture together with lovely and intelligent bites.

The beef fat and date Bruschetta has already become a legendary dish, however, Tirza is first and foremost a wine bar, with over 200 labels and an extended 'by the glass' list. The majority of the food menu at Tirza is based on products from their other businesses, the bake house 'AFUI' and from 'TENNE' which makes pantry products from the OCD kitchen leftovers.

Ha-halutzim Street 3

08  The Library Bar

Co-Chefs Omer Shadmi-Muller and Daniel Zur head the kitchen at Alena and The Library Bar, and they have created a menu which is both classic and refined and very much Israeli. This is not your ordinary Israeli bar—an escape within an escape if you are not accustomed to Tel-Aviv.

The Library Bar is a sophisticated bar known for its elegant ambiance and impeccable service, offering guests a refined dining experience. This is a place to be treated like royals and where no one will bother you or raise their voice (still, everything is relative). The food here comes from the menu of the excellent adjacent restaurant Alena, which deserves to be on our list as well. The Caccio y Pepe is a classic as well as the “spicy plate” with a side of sourdough bread.