You’ve probably already learned that the way to the heart goes through the stomach, but who said that’s enough? You also need good lighting, pleasant music, and a romantic atmosphere that turns all that deliciousness into full-on heart magic. And whether your version of romance is a Michelin-style luxury meal or a dreamy pita on the street – here at *Time Out* we know exactly where to find romantic restaurants in Tel Aviv
Even without excuses like Valentine’s Day, the need for romantic restaurants is always there. And despite the difficult times – or perhaps because of them – Tel Aviv continues to be romantic for lovers. The variety is truly wide: Tel Aviv has a romantic restaurant on almost every corner, of every kind – Italian spots that let you live out your “Lady and the Tramp” fantasy, sexy bars that warm things up for later in the evening, cozy classics with sophisticated style, and even one pita that we truly can’t think of anything more romantic than. We at *Time Out* gathered the most romantic restaurants in Tel Aviv, because otherwise – how will you fall in love?
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1. Asif
This isn’t a classic romantic restaurant with candles and flowers, but precisely because of that it works perfectly for a date, especially if you’re both foodies. The food sparks interest and conversation, the design is bright and pleasing to the eye, and you can always sneak away for an intimate moment in the library.
Asif, Lilienblum 28, Tel Aviv
2. Bar 51
The sexiest place in Tel Aviv, without a doubt. Ultimate romance starts with sitting inside at the bar, of course, continues with the softest and most blessed agnolotti you’ll ever eat, and ends with olive oil panna cotta. You’ll decide where to go from here.
59 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv
3. Jasmino
Some will say, rightly, that this isn’t a restaurant, but for us Jasmino is on par with any chef’s restaurant. Love for Jasmino is true love: the line is so long and eclectic it could be turned into a matchmaking arena for singles, and if you finish a date together over spicy heart pita and sweetbread pita, you are absolutely ready to move to the next stage and start settling down. As romantic as it gets.
Jasmino, Allenby 97, Tel Aviv
4. Dok
The garden of Dok restaurant is a winning slice of urban romance, even in the sweltering August heat. The bar, on the other hand, is an unbelievably sexy spot for those who are into sweaty cooks and chefs (us, for example). Now choose.
Dok, Ibn Gabirol 27, Tel Aviv
5. HaBasta
Because of the crab burekas – but not only. Because of the French wines – but not only. Because of the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere, and because an evening at HaBasta always, always, always wins: always delicious and always unmatched. It’s also expensive, which slightly dampens the romance, but let’s not be petty – there’s crab burekas, and that buys us over.
HaBasta, HaShomer 4, Tel Aviv
6. Hotel Montefiore
Just thinking about continuing the date in one of the elegant rooms already gives Hotel Montefiore bonus points. Even for more casual guests (let’s admit it – most of us). Add to that the most sought-after terrace in the city, sexy music, and waiters who won’t let your wine glass stay empty for a second, and you’ve got a true Tel Aviv romantic classic.
Hotel Montefiore, Montefiore 36, Tel Aviv
7. Helena
Guy Gamzu’s tapas bar, led by chef Dor Barzilai, is everything you want for a romantic date. First of all, you can share a whole oyster platter for under 80 shekels (12 NIS per piece), and what’s more romantic than sharing and slurping? Add to that the sexy design, the wood-clad bar, and the glass display offering a tempting selection of bruschettas and wild bites – all of this definitely fits our definition of romance.
Helena, 6 Tarsat Boulevard, Tel Aviv
8. Winona Forever
The love story of Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder comes back to life in a light retro-style gastro-bar on the corner of King Solomon and King George. A date at a sidewalk table facing the street is the essence of urban romance, with a sexy wine menu elegantly closing the alcohol corner. Alternatively, sit at the bar, watch chef Evyatar Malka juggle pans and knives, and press knees together as the opening act of an evening full of promise.
2 King Solomon St., Tel Aviv
9. Vermuteria
Vermuteria is a decidedly sexy restaurant: the lively Spanish atmosphere, the nonchalant standing tables, and the wonderful, intoxicating drinks menu blend perfectly with excellent food and a pleasant evening for the palate. Sharing colorful pintxos, slurping warm-scented oysters, and choosing tostadas together – this is contemporary Tel Aviv–Spanish romance, and we’d be very happy to mark a day of love there.
25 Nahalat Binyamin, Tel Aviv
10. Mulam
Thai food that sets the body on fire and excellent cocktails that only increase the joy are the foundations of the new bar from the Thai crew on Har Sinai. There’s a sexy atmosphere here and a crowded bar that encourages knee-touching, punchy dishes meant to be eaten by hand, and an opportunity to wipe away tears like in a romantic Shlomo Artzi song.
Mulam, Har Sinai 1, Tel Aviv
11. Milgo & Milbar
Grab a seat at the bar, watch the cooks juggle pans, let chef Moti Titman work his magic, and feed each other while locking eyes. From here, the path to a stormy finale is wide open, because Milgo & Milbar is without a doubt one of the sexiest restaurants in the city.
Milgo & Milbar, Rothschild 142, Tel Aviv
12. Mirage Jazz Kissa
A light and fun bar like only Eyal Shani and his crew know how to create, with the right music and heart-melting crab spaghetti. Grab a table in the more intimate back courtyard, and when the wine goes to your head – the playground equipment in the nearby garden is perfect foreplay.
Derech Jaffa 9, HaMesila Park, Tel Aviv
13. Mashya
In its new incarnation, under the leadership of chef Gil Dahan, romance is an inseparable part of Mashya’s DNA. Beyond that, the menu is so original and exciting that sharing a dish and guessing what exactly the ingredients are and how they feel on the tongue is romance in its purest form. Plus, there are always the rooms of the Mendeli Hotel, in case things heat up. Just saying.
Mashya, 5 Mendele Mocher Sfarim St., Tel Aviv
14. Pastel
The restaurant in the garden of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art is perfect for a romantic high-end date. It has a green, shaded, pleasant garden, elegant dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Gal Ben Moshe, and a solid atmosphere that actually allows you to talk and get to know each other. When it’s time for physical closeness, the sculptures scattered around the garden will hide you from the public eye. Worst case, you’ll claim it’s performance art.
Pastel, Shaul HaMelech 27, Tel Aviv
15. Popina
Brave souls willing to take a risk and turn the meal into the center of the experience will find plenty of interest at Popina. You can fill the entire evening with conversation about what’s happening in the open kitchen, the changing menu, cooking techniques, and cocktail pairings. A great location for foodies who love celebrating their love of food at every opportunity.
Popina, 4 Ahad Ha’am St., Tel Aviv
16. Pereh
The building painted in shades of antique pink already hints at the hidden romance inside the wild restaurant on Nahalat Binyamin, aptly named Pereh (“Wild”). The romance continues at the bar with the music, and truly shines in the lower, inner room of the restaurant, where you can sit privately on a cozy sofa, enjoy great food, and drink lots and lots of wine.
Nahalat Binyamin 27, Tel Aviv
17. Chacoli
We’ve already agreed that facing the sea is exciting and romantic, and the space of the new Chacoli restaurant matches and elevates that feeling. Sitting there feels a bit like Spain, and the fish aging fridge surprisingly adds to the romantic vibe. Chef Yarden Shai and the team know how to create bites that are fun – and recommended – to share, and the alcohol menu also delivers. Don’t let a gust of wind stop you; it’s worth the visit.
3 Herbert Samuel St., Tel Aviv
18. Cicchetti
Italians know a thing or two about love. Cicchetti embraces the idea and translates it into a light bar – the kind of place you’d love to sit in at a secret piazza in Rome or Naples, sip a cocktail or chilled wine, and snack on cheeses and cured meats, seafood, and tasty specials. When the table is piled with small, colorful plates, romance has a chance to bloom. And if it doesn’t – at least there are lots of small plates with good things on them, right?
Cicchetti, Yehuda Halevi 58, Tel Aviv
19. Cab Cam
A horny design, boldly flavored food that requires a few drinks to handle the spice, romantic lighting, and even music volume that forces you to lean a few more centimeters closer to talk – all of this turns the Thai House crew’s spot into a perfect backdrop for dates. The trick is to grab a seat at the bar, ask the bartender to bring whatever they feel like, and once again realize there’s nothing more romantic than eating with your hands.
Cab Cam, Lincoln 11, Tel Aviv
20. Café Europa
At Café Europa you’ll find a dark, romantic vibe at the cocktail bar upstairs, and a fragrant, bright romance in the back courtyard. The menu features a wide variety of seafood and raw fish served on ice, and a delightful churros dessert we recommend sharing together – each of you eating from the opposite side, until you meet in the middle for a kiss. Yes, like in that movie. Oh, and there’s pasta too.
Rothschild 9, Tel Aviv