Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s largest cities, is known for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere. This city has it all — beautiful Mediterranean beaches, highly-acclaimed cuisine, world-class nightlife, rich history and cultural landmarks, and technological innovation. Every time I come here, I fall in love with it all over again! If ever you have a chance, I highly recommend planning a trip to enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer. This guide includes all of the best hotels, restaurants, excursions and nightlife spots in Tel Aviv!
Where To Stay:
The Norman – The Norman is a very charming boutique hotel right in the middle of town. It has a gorgeous breakfast room — must try the burek, cherry tomatoes and Bulgarian cheese! There is also beautiful rooftop pool where you can enjoy the sunset.
The Hilton Tel Aviv – The Hilton is another good option to stay at in Tel Aviv. It is known for its great location on the beach. The hotel also has five restaurants, a saltwater pool, a spa and all rooms have private balconies.
The Setai – The Setai just opened last year and is located in Jaffa. We stayed here last summer and it was lovely. I loved exploring the area and the bartender can make a Nedi Martini just the way I like it!
The Jaffa – This high end hotel is a five minute walk from the famous Jaffa port and close to the local flea market. The hotel has a beautiful 13th century architecture on the exterior, which is contrasted by the contemporary interior. It also has several restaurants, a pool, and spa.
Hotel Montefiore – This boutique hotel is located just down the street from the Norman Hotel. It is right in the center of Tel Aviv and a short walk from Rothschild Boulevard. It’s a great option for those who prefer an intimate space with the luxuries of a bigger hotel.
What To Do:
Jerusalem Day Trip – A short trip to Jerusalem is an unforgettable and highly recommended experience! Definitely visit the Wailing Wall and Machne Yahuda market. You can find the best spices, tahini, dates, halva, dried fruit and so many other delicious Israeli foods.
A few great hotels in Jerusalem I recommend are King David, The David Citadel, Waldorf Astoria and The Mamilla. The Dead Sea is also a must! If you haven’t been yet, make sure to go so you can take in the medical properties of the water! I recommend staying in Jerusalem for 2-3 days so you can truly experience this magical place. The Dead Sea is an hour drive from Jerusalem, so if you want to stay there longer check out Ein Gedi.
Lunch Restaurants:
Machneyuda in Jerusalem – Definitely book this place in advance! It has a super fun vibe — the chefs and the staff dance to loud Israeli music and you can easily spot celebrities there! The food is very fresh and the Chefs, Uri Navon and Assaf Granit, also own Palomar in London and Balagan in Paris. Try the yellowtail salad and burrata with tomato!
Piccolino in Jerusalem – This gorgeous Italian spot has great ambience with live music! It’s located in a historic stone building and serves incredible Kosher dishes. I recommend the artichoke ravioli and the citrus salmon.
Miznon – Miznon is mainly known for its pitas but their other dishes were delicious as well. The lamb kebab was out of this world! They also have several vegetarian/vegan options. Try the aubergine pita or grilled cauliflower!
The Old Man and the Sea – This renown spot in Jaffa is popular amongst both locals and tourists. It’s located on a little hill that overlooks the Mediterranean sea. They serve an abundance of Israeli starters and fresh seafood. I recommend the tomato salad, the beets and the grilled fish.
Turkiz – Turkiz is located at Sea & Sun in north Tel Aviv and has a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean. It has so many Nedi Approved menu options! Try the burnt eggplant, tomato and labneh, chopped salad with tahini, salmon sashimi, avocado beetroot and pickled mushrooms, and the fisherman’s chrayme.
Hakosem – This casual spot is known for its authentic, delicious falafels! It is located very close to Dizengoff Center and although they are known for the falafel, they have other great Israeli dishes as well.
Dr. Shakshuka – Dr. Shakshuka is one of the oldest spots in Jaffa and all of the locals love it! I recommend the shakshuka with eggplant or the shakshuka with hummus. They even serve a new vegan shakshuka!
Gazebbo Beach Club – Gazebbo is a very fun beach club with a great atmosphere. Go with a member to enjoy the beach, otherwise you can have lunch there without being with a member. I recommend the Israeli chopped salad, the roasted artichoke with dried tomatoes, the eggplant carpaccio, and the roasted sweet potato.
Kitchen Market – This modern fusion restaurant is located on top of the farmer’s market at port Namal. The restaurant overlooks the harbor and has a gorgeous ocean view of the sunset. All of chef Yossi Shitrit’s dishes are incredible and so fresh. I especially recommend the cauliflower with truffle, the fresh tuna, the eggplant with zaatar and the sea bass with macadamia nuts and chard.
Bana – This cute plant based eatery by vegan chef Dan Arvatz has a casual vibe and serves delicious, innovative food. You can’t go wrong with any of the options here, but some must-tries are the zucchini cashew quiche, the baked cauliflower with coconut and the broiled broccoli with cashew cream.
Evening Restaurants:
HaSalon – This is my absolute favorite restaurant in TLV and it recently opened in NYC! Make sure to book a month in advance because it’s always packed! Celebrity chef, Eyal Shani, is known for changing the menu daily — serving farm to table ingredients, organic chicken, grass-fed meat and wild seafood from the Mediterranean. Everyone dances to Israeli music and at the end of dinner, the chefs light the bar on fire! It is truly an experience! If you are a couple, I recommend booking seats at the bar.
Dinings – Dinings is one of the restaurants at the Norman Hotel. It serves a fusion of Izakaya Japanese food and European cuisine. During the summer, the restaurant has an open terrace with a view looking over all of Tel Aviv. The dishes are unique and delicious and the barman even made us Nedi Martinis. Try the tuna tartare, the seasonal whitefish and the assorted mushrooms.
Cafe Popular – This is a very fun dinner spot that turns into a party! It has a stylish atmosphere and vibe — great for a girls night out! Make sure to book a table downstairs. I recommend the lentil salad, the eggplant falafel and the sea bass fillet. Their hot sauce was also incredible!
Don Camilo – This sophisticated Italian restaurant by famous Israeli chef, Roi Antebi, serves simple and classic, yet delicious dishes. Try the tonno Calabrese, the eggplant scapece, and the mezzelune pasta!
Dallal – Dallal is located in the historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood. It serves a fusion of traditional European cuisine with a Mediterranean focus. I recommend the roasted artichokes, lentils and aubergine, forest mushroom & truffle tortellini, and the sea bass with linguine.
Messa – Messa is a sophisticated spot that focuses on serving locally-sourced, top-notch ingredients. The intimate, chic atmosphere and design is great for a date night or business dinner. I highly recommend the roasted tomatoes, the vegan green curry risotto and the sea bass fillet with smoked eggplant.
Montefiore – This restaurant at the boutique Montefiore Hotel is a popular spot for French cuisine. Although it is known for its unique take on brunch foods, dinner here was also great. Try the sea bass tartare, the mixed green salad and the pan seared sea bass!
The Social Club – If you have a chance, definitely get a table outside here! It is located in the heart of town and ran by highly acclaimed chef, Michael Gartosfky. For a starter I recommend the grilled artichokes with salsa verde and local feta and charred aubergine with tzatziki. For a main, try the seafood tagliatelle or the mixed seafood pan.
Cantina – Cantina, located inside the Rothschild 71, is a high-end Italian restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace. I recommend the fresh mussels, grilled zucchini, tomato salad and the carpaccio.
Claro – Although this is a great dinner spot, it is also a must-try for breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays! Its lively atmosphere is perfect for dinner with friends or family. Esteemed Israeli chef, Ran Shmueli, serves the most delicious and fresh Mediterranean dishes. I recommend the oven roasted Arabian cabbage, the grilled octopus and the asparagus gnocchi.
Herbert Samuel – This upscale restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya is known as one of the best spots for upscale Kosher food in Tel Aviv. The combination of the open kitchen, ocean view and seasonal menu creates an incredible dining experience. Try the char grilled cauliflower, the Mediterranean sea bass with whipped eggplant and the artichoke with bresaola.
North Abraxas – North Abraxas is celebrity chef Eyal Shani’s more casual spot. Sit by the bar around the open kitchen to enjoy the laidback atmosphere. I highly recommend the baked cauliflower, the shrimp and the flaming fish!
Shila – This place is a great choice for fresh, top-quality seafood and for drinks at the bar. Renowned chef, Sharon Cohen, emphasizes the freshness and quality of the ingredients he uses to craft unique dishes at Shila. I recommend the shrimp with vegetables and the fish fillet with risotto.
Gigi – Gigi, conveniently located on Rothschild Avenue, is amazing for drinks! Try one of their signature cocktails or ask them to make you a Nedi Martini. Either way, this is a delightful spot for a night out!
Haiku Skybar – This stunning rooftop bar at the Lighthouse Hotel is very fun for drinks and has a gorgeous panoramic view of Tel Aviv and the sea.
Outside of Tel Aviv:
Tishbi Winery – Tishbi winery is located just 30 minutes outside of TLV – perfect for a day trip. Come here to try some of the best wines from one of Israel’s largest wineries.
Beresheet Hotel – Just an hour and half from Tel Aviv, Bresheet Hotel is one of the best in Israel. Along with superb amenities and service, it has an infinity pool with an unbelievable view of the desert. If you’re interested in exploring more of the desert, this hotel is a great option and it is not too far from Tel Aviv.
The Setai Sea of Galilee – The Setai is another great option to stay at outside of Tel Aviv. This top-notch hotel is super close to Golan Beach and has amazing amenities like an infinity pool, Turkish baths and a chic bar.