Tel Aviv is a burger city. With all due respect to the other local and veteran contenders, there’s no ruler more clear-cut than the American patty between two buns, so Tel Aviv has so many good burgers it can be downright dizzying. But we’re here to help, with this constantly updated list that’s been telling you for years which are the best burgers in Tel Aviv. Yes, it costs more now – but this patty is still worth it. You no longer need to ask a chat, “What’s the best burger in Tel Aviv?” because we’ve got all the answers for you.
(Article updated on: 21.8.25).

>>אין יותר טוב מזה: 24 ההמבורגרים הכי טובים בכל תל אביב

1. GDB

What’s black on top and colorful in the middle? The burger from GDB, of course, whose black topping has already become iconic and drawn in many curious and ravenous diners. The black layer is a topping of black garlic that adds a sweet, smoky umami twist, which lifts the whole dish, but the main star is the burger itself and its loaded toppings. The burger is strictly a local visitor and is based on meat aged for 21 days, with almost no seasoning – which highlights and intensifies the flavor of the beef. And the bun, we won’t forget that either, is soft and airy, exactly by the book.
Ibn Gvirol 22, Tel Aviv

GDB (Photo: Anatoly Michaelo)

2. M25

We weren’t surprised to find one of the best burgers in the city at the restaurant belonging to the boutique butcher shop of the Carmel Market, the Meat Market. The patty here (240 g) is ground from cuts from the butcher shop (a mix of neck, brisket and sirloin), medium-ground so it stays firm and pleasantly chewy but not dense, grilled to perfection and served in total minimalism on a sweet challah bun from the nearby market bakery with nothing more than aioli, a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato. As simple as it gets, as excellent as it gets.
HaCarmel 30, Tel Aviv // Brodetsky 15, Tel Aviv

M25 (Photo: Anatoly Michaelo)

3. Osu

Osu in the Carmel Market is a burger with Japanese inspiration. What does that mean? First, it’s an elegant smash patty (the classic burger comes with two patties), then the mayonnaise on top of the patty is loaded with umami flavor thanks to black garlic, and finally – Japanese pickles piled on for the full-on party. The bun, which in texture and flavor recalls a milk bun, is soft and airy and creates a minimalist, gentle burger – just like in Tokyo.
Hillel HaZaken 18, Tel Aviv

One foot in the Carmel, one in Tokyo. OSU (Photo: Eyal Kiches)

4. Agadir

The place where it all began. Tel Aviv’s burger craze was born in a small, modest burger bar on Nahalat Binyamin that brought the gospel of the quality-diner-burger to the city sometime in the mid-90s, and from there grew into a burger take-away empire even before Wolt existed. Now that what feels like all of Tel Aviv is made of burgers, it’s almost easy to forget that they still serve excellent patties there in a variety of sizes, blends and toppings – and to our surprise they also hold one of the best crispy chicken sandwiches in the city and very good cocktails at very fair prices. So yes, it’s already a national chain, but we’re keeping our youthful love.
Nahalat Binyamin 2, Tel Aviv // HaTa’arucha 3, Tel Aviv

A classic that always works for everyone. Agadir’s burgers (Photo: PR)

5. America Burgers

Close your eyes and imagine a diner and you see a place packed with sizzling grills, neon lights and ravenous customers demolishing monstrous burgers. At America Burger the vision materializes right down to the aroma of charred meat plus toppings we’ll get to in a second. The meat, where it all begins, passes through the skilled hands of Tamir Levi from Mu Mu restaurant in Rehovot, one of the partners. The cuts are coarsely ground daily and go onto the flattop in four versions: classic, spicy, cheeseburger and America burger with caramelized onions and pickled red onions. The patty itself is medium-thick, with a juicy, springy texture that’s a fun contrast to the soft, fairly thin bun that soaks up the juices. So far so good, but what makes this place stand out among other burger joints is actually the sides – for example the fried pickles that are worth putting up with the smell that clings to your hair all by themselves.
Allenby 112, Tel Aviv

Cheeseburger at America Burger. Photo: Boaz Lavi

6. Benz Brothers

Benz is a neighborhood burger joint with a family vibe in Florentin (and a newer branch in the most competitive street-food zone in the city – Ibn Gvirol), but its burger is far from ordinary or innocent – it’s just wonderful. The classic burger is made from an aged beef patty properly seared on the grill, resting between soft buns generously spread with onion jam, barbecue aioli, arugula and lettuce, pickled onion, fresh tomato and a slice of cheddar whose cheesy richness is balanced by the sweetness of the jam, flattering the whole burger.
Yedidya Frenkel 4, Tel Aviv // Ibn Gvirol 37, Tel Aviv

The Benz Brothers burger (Photo: PR)

7. Greenberg

Ori Greenberg’s burger, second generation to restaurateurs who know what the crowd likes (hi, Tsviki), started out at the family Greenberg complex with a setup that produces a meticulously built burger without unnecessary gimmicks. With its recent arrival at a second branch on Sheinkin Street, central city residents also got to know the precise patty made from locally raised beef, packed into a burger that’s perfect and simple – and simply perfect.
Greenberg 25, Tel Aviv // Sheinkin 22, Tel Aviv

Greenberg burger (Photo: Dan Peretz)

8. The Little Burger Shop (TLBS)

At the small stand, which has since been duplicated into a bigger, upgraded version on the Park HaMesila, they serve only a few burgers – but every one is a champion. If it’s your first time, skip the classic and the vegetarian burger (unless you have no choice, ethically speaking) and go for the Blumenthal – a worthy homage to chef Heston Blumenthal. It’s a burger from short ribs and a mix of cuts that chef On Mashian (Urbano) keeps close to his chest. They’re processed together into a patty dripping with sex appeal. Original and intriguing toppings take it even higher: grilled pineapple, sweet-spicy chili jam, lamb bacon and Bûche goat cheese. We died, bye.
Dizengoff 125, Tel Aviv // Nahalat Binyamin 68, Tel Aviv

The Little Burger Shop. Photo: Anatoly Michaelo

9. Dixie

It’s true that Dixie is better known for its wings and home fries, but their Beefburger is no pushover. Two hundred and fifty grams (remember when burgers were big?) with no unnecessary gimmicks, made from quality meat with an old-school flavor. The juicy meat drips fat that stains the plate, coarsely chopped in a blend that keeps the beef flavor front and center. No unnecessary toppings, no show-off tricks or buns with little caps. Here you eat like in a classic American diner, and everything radiates a straight-to-the-point attitude. Don’t be children, get the home fries on the side.
Yigal Alon 120, Tel Aviv

Dixie’s burger (Photo: Yaron Brener)

10. Hudson Brasserie / Hudson Lilienblum

In the meat temple in Ramat HaHayal they naturally give respect to every kind of meat. That’s why the burger they serve here is all about fresh meat – Israeli beef from prime heifers. A soft, airy bun with reduced sweetness, developed by chef Matan Abramovitz, envelops one of the finest burgers in Tel Aviv: a thick, bronzed, juicy 200 g patty seasoned only with salt and pepper so nothing dares to interfere with the main ingredient. Lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion are served on the side. Those who need their decadence at a higher level can add Dutch gouda, a fried egg, bacon and English cheddar. True, what you’ll pay here could buy you a steak elsewhere, but quality has its price. On the other hand, if you’re less into paying that much, you can always get it for a (slightly) lower price at the little sister, Hudson Lilienblum.
HaBarzel 27, Tel Aviv // Lilienblum 41, Tel Aviv

Hudson’s “Law & Cheddar” burger – owner of the best patty (Photo: Dan Peretz)

11. Holstein

The burger stand of veteran meat man Bashara Hinnawi has settled in well enough in the Butchers’ Alley in the Carmel Market to open another branch in the thick of things on Ibn Gvirol. From both branches come juicy, wonderful burgers that let the meat do the talking – after all, it’s Hinnawi. The veteran butcher makes the patty according to a recipe that has followed him for decades, puts it into a machine that grills the meat precisely and optimally, and serves it in a soft bun. You’ll find a classic version, one with different kinds of cheeses, and one particularly decadent with corned beef, chipotle aioli and quality cheddar that comes from Yom Tov delicatessen, owned by partner Yomi Levy.
Yom Tov 17, Tel Aviv // Ibn Gvirol 21, Tel Aviv

Open wide. Holstein (Photo: Asaf Karela)

12. HaMosad

There were days when the now-longstanding place by Rabin Square was called “The Institute for Special Sandwiches,” and it really did offer several pretty special sandwiches – but apparently in Tel Aviv it pays more to be like everyone else, give up on “special” and specialize in burgers. Even so, it’s hard to call HaMosad’s burgers generic – the uniqueness remains in the form of interesting chef-burgers that, despite the grand title, manage to be simple and excellent. “The Musad Burger,” the house flagship, pulls it off with 200 grams of juicy beef patty, full-flavored Dutch gouda and, above all, onion and tomato seared on the flattop, creating a juicy dish with great grill flavors. So yes, technically, it’s still a special sandwich.
Ibn Gvirol 67, Tel Aviv

The burger from “HaMosad LeSandwichim Meyuchadim” (The Institute for Special Sandwiches) (Photo: PR)

13. HaSimta

A burger that came to us from Metula because of the war, and has definitely already worked its way into the upper tier of city burgers – to the point that it’s already opened a second branch in Ramat Aviv. Dor Yaakov makes a juicy, wonderful burger from excellent meat, and also nails the sliders – mini burgers that are fun to munch on and hope for the best. The thick fries are cheeky and fun, the soft bun is an ideal base for the great patty, there are the sauces, and the pickles (which he makes and cures himself), and there’s no doubt this is one of the only good things that happened during the war. 53 NIS for a classic burger,
Yehuda HaLevi 109, Tel Aviv // Aba Ahimeir 17, Tel Aviv

HaSimta burger. Photo: Yaakov Blumenthal

14. Vitrina

The long line that used to constantly stretch in front of the Vitrina doors on Ibn Gvirol and Lilienblum has calmed down a bit, but the burger is as tasty as ever. Once upon a time “The Butler” was the holy grail – one of several sophisticated burgers served here. A perfectly grilled patty is the base, and now you can turn to examining the combinations. Among the options: Cheese Butler with onion jam, gouda and blue cheese, or Republic with plum jam, brie and hazelnuts. Not only that, the fries at Vitrina are insane and have become a city icon – half potato and half sweet potato (50:50), with lemon zest and parsley. Classic Butler 45 NIS.
Ibn Gvirol 36, Tel Aviv // Lilienblum 40, Tel Aviv

Vitrina. Photo: Ran Biran

15. Local Burger

Local Burger, located in the burger-saturated area between Nahalat Binyamin and Allenby, became an instant hit among the city’s burger lovers. Alon Peled and Aviv Cohen serve an American-style smashburger done strictly by the book, plus a crispy chicken that gained fame back in the corona days when Peled made dishes from his home. But we’re here to talk about burgers, and that’s what matters to us right now: a thin patty with loads of crust where all the flavor lives, a slice of cheddar and the basic toppings. You really don’t need more than that. 60 NIS for a double smash.
Echad Ha’Am 30, Tel Aviv

• Food and drinks
• אוכלים שותים

There were days when the Flea Market was the hottest entertainment hub in the city, and they weren’t that long ago (who would’ve believed we’d miss 2019). COVID‑19 and the October 7th war hit it hard, but in recent months a recovery is clearly visible – even a trend of new places opening. Not to mention the new and high‑quality farmers’ market taking over the central square every Wednesday. Looking for a good place to eat, drink or snack in the Flea Market? You’ve come to the right place – we found them all.

>>היאפא והחיה: 19 מסעדות, ברים ובתי קפה מומלצים בשוק הפשפשים

1. Ada Hanina

Even before we indulged in it in Levinsky, Ada Café belonged to the Flea Market. From its opening until today, the coffee served there is among the best in the city and follows the third‑wave coffee tradition: fair trade, meticulous production under strict standards, and uncompromising quality. Which means – a perfect, pleasant, warm, delicious cup. Alongside the coffee there are tempting, crisp pastries, and if you climb the stairs you’ll find the ideal work space – a small urban secret we just accidentally told you about.
Rabbi Hanina 9, Jaffa

2. Italkiya Ba’Pishpeshim

We have tons of respect for places that simply keep doing good work for years, and Italkiya Ba’Pishpeshim is exactly that. No fire‑spitting performers or dancers, just good pizza and pasta dishes with a small local twist, tables on the sidewalk and zero pretense. During aperitivo hours you also get a sweet 30% discount on the whole menu.
Olei Zion 16, Jaffa

3. Albi

Instead of getting stuck at Ben‑Gurion Airport dreaming of Greece, it’s easier to hop to the Flea Market – because Albi has the vibe of a taverna and all the Greek kitchen classics. With enough ouzo you can imagine the lights of Piraeus being Jaffa. The place survived the move from Olei Zion Street to its new, polished home and became one of the most beloved and cheerful institutions in the area.
Amiad 14, Jaffa

Between Jaffa and Athens. Albi (Photo: Gil Aviram)

4. Antillia

Antillia is a Jaffa pasta‑and‑wine bar housed in a beautiful arched building near the Flea Market. You’ll find excellent fresh pasta with rotating sauces – from classic Bolognese to butter‑lemon‑artichoke or a Mediterranean pasta with sardines and chili. There are also fresh salads, tiramisu and lemon tart. Wine‑wise, you’ll find biodynamic, natural and more, all at fair prices.
Rabbi Pinhas 4, Tel Aviv

No waiters, no fuss, with pasta and wine. Antillia (Photo: Morin Kaltash)

5. Akbar

It takes over the whole alley with a light, unpretentious charm – like street bars in Madrid or Naples. The average age at Akbar is early 20s, so it’s always lively. Just follow the music, clinking glasses and laughter, and you won’t be disappointed. A nice remnant of the days when the Flea Market was one of the city’s most popular nightlife zones.
Rabbi Nachman 2, Jaffa

6. Dama

The sweet café next to Shafa – no longer owned by Shafa, but still maintaining its level – has excellent coffee, high‑quality matcha, breakfasts suitable for basically any hour of the day, and wonderful pastries that warm both heart and stomach. Cookies, choux, brioche, scones, always with a fruity twist or intriguing seasoning. Yes, we’ll take one of everything please.
Nachman 1, Jaffa

7. Hagefen – Local Wine Courtyard

Hagefen has over 140 labels of local wines – yes, we also didn’t believe there were that many Israeli wineries, so thanks Hagefen – and it’s an ideal place for true wine lovers. The servers always explain the grape varieties but still keep things friendly and down‑to‑earth, never boring. The food is excellent, and for the dedicated, we recommend visiting “Sod” next door – the wine shop where you can buy Israeli bottles to continue the experience at home. And we haven’t even mentioned all the greenery around. Drinking wine among flowers, hoping for the best.
Noam 3, Jaffa

A place full of goodness. Hagefen (Photo: zeriker pro)

8. TFWC

As much as we love good, aromatic specialty coffee, this café loves specialty coffee even more than we do. You’ll find beans from all over the world, including ones you’ll probably only find here. It’s a special temple for true coffee fanatics, and they even hold cupping events — coffee tasting workshops. If you want to show off your coffee knowledge or learn more about this marvelous bitter drink — this tiny café in the Greek Market is absolutely for you.
Pinhas Ben Yair 8, Jaffa

9. Yaffa Knafeh

Yaffa Knafeh is the one that started the knafeh golden age in our city, and we remember like yesterday the first time we ate their fresh, rare knafeh topped with exciting Turkish goat‑milk ice cream. Behind the place stand two friends, Abu Nijem and Shachada Abu Shahada, thanks to whom we’ve stood in line for long hours in recent years. They also offer baklavas, malabi, sahlab on winter days, and mint tea and Turkish coffee. And mostly – a bit of sanity.
Olei Zion 24, Jaffa

Yaffa Knafeh (Photo: Natali Hassin)

10. Ma’afeh Leon

One of the last remnants of the Bulgarian immigration of the 1950s to Jaffa – a community with a glorious culinary heritage that still lives on in several local restaurants. The days when Grandma Julie stretched phyllo dough at home have passed, but the family business remains faithful to its flavors and traditions: no margarine, no shortcuts. Bite into the spinach‑and‑cheese phyllo bourekas with a bit of ayran to sip on the side, and you’ll understand why this is Jaffa royalty.
Olei Zion 17, Jaffa

11. Milk Bakery

Behind Milk stands the highly respected pastry chef Adi Kihan, who trained in Paris and brought her impressive skills and precise aesthetics to our Levant. In other words – perfectly laminated croissants, elegant pastries with fresh fruit and delicate creams, canelé de Bordeaux, choux filled with dangerous amounts of pastry cream. And – just as important in the area – a true neighborhood‑café vibe.
Beit Eshel 5, Jaffa

Lemon and white‑chocolate pie, Milk Bakery (Photo: Vezani)

12. Mi Casa

The new bar of the Flea Market wants to bring back the old glory and make everyone feel at home. Vintage furniture purchased around the market (and for sale if you fall in love with it), a drink menu with fair prices (cocktails 48 NIS, wines and beers 30 NIS), and snacks like crispy chicken, Jaffa kebab and even a sfinge kebab that talks dirty to us.
Rabbi Hanina 3, Jaffa

Something vintage. Casa Bar (Photo: Orel Katz)

13-14. Selas // Kichukai

Chef Or Ginsberg focuses on two Flea Market restaurants serving raw‑fish dishes combining Mediterranean ingredients with Japanese influences. Selas has an intimate, upscale atmosphere with up to 32 diners each evening, and you watch the chef preparing dishes right in front of you. At Kichukai (“kitchen chaos” in Japanese) you’ll find fresh fish dishes and sushi rolls in a more relaxed atmosphere with relatively accessible prices.
Selas, Tanchum 6, Jaffa // Kichukai, Amiad 10, Jaffa

Selas. Give us sushi (Photo: Or Ginsberg)

15. Puaa

You cannot imagine the Flea Market without Puaa, which has been operating here for twenty‑five years – seriously impressive. Puaa is home to many: tired soldiers from Army Radio, laptop people trying to focus in their dedicated work corner, retirees on a Jaffa tour stopping for coffee and pastry. Everyone finds themselves in the menu of fresh, nourishing, tasty dishes. The friendly service and homey décor add to the vibe. Here’s to the next twenty‑five years.
Rabbi Yohanan 8, Jaffa

Always pleasant and tasty. Puaa (Photo: Facebook/@cafepuaa)

16. Pizza For The People

A pizza place that looks local and casual, but is anything but basic. The Neapolitan dough is wonderful – thin with crisp, stretchy edges – the size is generous, the toppings are fresh and interesting with rotating specials. There’s also the classic pepperoni pizza which is great and inviting, and for dessert a Nutella calzone – the eternal undefeated champion.
Olei Zion 26, Jaffa

17. Captain Hook

Proof that you don’t need to break a savings plan every time you crave seafood. Captain Hook serves straightforward shrimp and calamari dishes and various fish‑and‑chips options with a refreshing Arab twist, at reasonable prices – though they do have an octopus carpaccio if you want to get fancy – and they’ll treat you with a chaser and a smile. Which these days is worth a lot.
Amiad 13, Jaffa

18. Ramesses By The Box

Under the shadow of the war, two iconic Jaffa food institutions joined forces: the older one, Ramses (of group 15\85), and By The Box, led by chef On Mashan. The result is emotionally moving on a culinary level: Mashan cooks creative, unconventional food, using seasonal ingredients alongside traditional ones – schmaltz meets bottarga, Turkish döner skewer meets shepherd’s bread, pâté unites with moules marinière. And we haven’t even talked about the atmosphere of sitting there in the evening, surrounded by Jaffa’s buildings and lights in a romantic glow. A true experience.
HaGimnasia HaIvrit 7, Jaffa

Goose schmaltz, capers, pickles, heat and beer bread. Ramesses By The Box (Photo: On Mashan)

19. Shafa

You can’t end such a list without Shafa – a veteran Jaffa institution that actually started as a barbershop and expanded into one of the city’s best bar‑café‑restaurants. The food is excellent, creative, fresh, considerate of all dietary preferences, the alcohol is fun and fairly priced, and when you sit at Shafa you just feel like you’re in the right place. In the evenings the music gets louder, sometimes there’s a DJ, and there are almost always good vibes and cheers. How we love it.
Nachman 2, Tel Aviv

There’s nothing like Jaffa at night – and the days aren’t bad either. Shafa (Photo: Shira Petel)

• Food and drinks
• אוכלים שותים

Last update: 29.11.25
Everyone knows that although our city sits on the sea, and despite the glorious history of Jaffa’s fishermen, Tel Aviv has never really been a fish city. The great leap in our local culinary scene came at a time when fresh fish from the sea and its other fruits had already become very expensive raw materials, and the common folk were left with pond fish and frozen seafood. But the dramatic jump in the price of quality meat in recent years has smoked the cost of fish right out of the picture, and now that even a plate of charred kohlrabi costs 60 shekels, fish is no longer the priciest indulgence in town. With the addition of no fewer than four successful restaurants whose menus are based on fish,Time Out’s writers went out to refresh the list of the very best fish restaurants in Tel Aviv, and here it is.

>> מדגדג לנו בפה: 18 מסעדות הדגים הכי מומלצות בתל אביב

Manara

Facing the view of Frishman Beach and against a backdrop of works by Israeli artists hanging on the walls, Manara offers a kosher menu (pricey, but not unusual by fine‑dining standards) based on fish and fresh vegetables prepared in a variety of ways. Grouper cigars and sea bass in pastis butter will delight the palates of fish lovers and sea‑view fans. The place also offers a business lunch and a particularly tempting happy hour.
115 HaYarkon (Sheraton Hotel), Tel Aviv, reservations

Fish with a sea view. Manara (photo: Assaf Karela)

HaShahaf

A cute antithesis to the chic fish restaurants scattered around the city has recently set up shop on the fringes of Levinsky Market, on the way to Park HaMesila. At HaShahaf you won’t find ceviche and tartare with yuzu and micro‑leaves, but fried and grilled fish, seafood and salads – absolutely. The vibe is easygoing and unpretentious, with food served on industrial stainless‑steel tables under the open sky, like in European seaside towns or the no‑frills fish joints of the ’90s. It’s recommended to order fried red mullet and ouzo, eat with your hands and give thanks for what you’ve got.
22 Herzl, corner of Simtat HaBad, Tel Aviv (Park HaMesila)

“HaShahaf”. Photo: Shahar Segal

Chakuli

If the area of the former Dolphinarium is now the crown of Tel Aviv’s beachfront, Chakuli is the diamond that shines from afar. The new restaurant from Guy Gamzo’s group (Helena and Chez Vivie, which will appear shortly) is housed in the clean, modest building of the new water‑sports center and opens a window onto the Mediterranean and all the good things it brings to the table. In the aging fridge and display counter, beautiful fish and seafood doze, which chef Yarden Shai translates into raw, fried and grilled dishes that go perfectly with the light wine the restaurant is named after. If you’re thinking of going, you’d better book now, because with that view and that sea breeze, Chakuli is shaping up to be the it‑girl of the summer.
3 Herbert Samuel, Tel Aviv (Dolphinarium Beach)

The it‑girl of the summer. Chakuli (photo: Chaim Yosef)

Bar Barbunya

For several years now, the legendary owner Ezra Marmelstein z”l has no longer been with us, but Barbunya is alive and kicking. When you get the urge to demolish fried fish and seafood and wash it all down with a cold beer, this iconic bar has no competition. A Tel Aviv institution that has survived wars and crises and deserves all the respect.
192 Ben Yehuda, Tel Aviv

Bar Barbunya (photo: Anatoly Michaelo)

Chez Vivie

We were first exposed to chef Assaf Gabay’s skill with fish and seafood at the wonderful restaurant Sheine, and were seriously bummed when it closed. Luckily, he teamed up with chef Guy Gamzo (Helena, Chakuli) as the acting chef of Chez Vivie and upgraded the likable brasserie to the level of an excellent fish restaurant. Anything you put your finger on in the menu is perfectly executed – especially the sashimi, tartare, ceviche and other raw dishes, but the bisque and mussels are also among the best of their kind. The sea creatures star alongside boutique cheeses and fresh vegetables at the new and very fun brunch, which cements Chez Vivie’s status as a truly local restaurant, far from Dizengoff’s tourist traps (when there are tourists, that is).
166 Dizengoff, Tel Aviv

It’s hard to describe how good this is. Fish tartare and brown butter, Chez Vivie (photo from Instagram vivietlv)

Shila

Aside from the name, the reputation and the aquarium of live lobsters, Shila Montefiore is a completely new creation – more sophisticated and far more impressive than the version that operated for 19 years on Ben Yehuda. Try it and see for yourselves and tell us how it was, because for us it’s still on the wish list, but it’s safe to assume the high standard has been maintained.
9 Montefiore, Tel Aviv

Prettier and more sophisticated. Shila Montefiore (photo: Assaf Karela)

Abie

Chef Avishag Levi already dazzled back in season four of “Game of Chefs”, but the partnership with chef Assaf Doktor at Abie amplifies her connection to locality, seasonality and creativity. Fish and seafood gleaming with freshness, vegetables and herbs (preferably foraged or sourced nearby) are served as they are, or thrown onto an open flame and plated with minimal fuss. A pose‑free place with wonderful food that, in season two of “The Chef”, stole the show even from Gal Toren.
16 Lincoln, Tel Aviv

No pose. Abie (photo from Instagram @abie.restaurant)

Batshon

In terms of price versus value, it’s hard to find a more justified deal in the city than Batshon. This food bar, the reincarnation of an old Jaffa fish shop, cuts out the middlemen and offers fresh fish and seafood in dishes that flatter them – no unnecessary frills, but with tons of respect and attention, including to the pricing. It’s worth consulting the waiters, and with the change you’ve got left, order a bottle of wine at store prices.
29 Carlebach, Tel Aviv

Calamari, pkaila and chorizo. Batshon (photo: Sharon Ben‑David)

Joseph & Sons

Half‑stall, half‑joint, continuing the strong street‑food tradition on Ibn Gabirol with dishes that are a joy to wolf down on the go – like fish and chips and a juicy cod burger in a bun brushed with aioli. Light, tasty and simple, because not everything has to be made into a big deal (even on Passover – thank you for choosing to keep working as usual).
10 Malchei Yisrael, Tel Aviv

Derby Fish Bar

Another veteran institution that proves that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: the meal starts with a table‑filling spread of salads and dips, followed by fish baked in the oven or done on the grill. You can pick out a few pasta or meat dishes from the menu for those less into the concept, but fish is the main thing and it’s best to focus on that. The location tucked behind Ramat Aviv Mall is a bit of a bummer, but the simplicity and nostalgia – priceless.
43 Brodetsky, Tel Aviv (Ramat Aviv)

Winning nostalgia. Derby Fish Bar (photo from Facebook)

HaCarmel 40

Don’t let appearances fool you, because this tiny fish spot puts Carmel Market in the same league as La Boqueria, Borough Market and other renowned food markets around the world. Chef Elad Amitai gets a fresh supply of fish from the adjacent shop of Rustum the Fisherman and serves them raw or, at most, lightly seared on the plancha. With a few vegetables from nearby stalls he creates dishes that have already entered the local pantheon – first and foremost the fisherman’s sandwich, but honestly, every dish here is a party in your mouth.
40 HaCarmel, Tel Aviv (Carmel Market)

HaCarmel 40 (photo: Yaakov Blumenthal)

Manta Ray

Since Ofra and Avi Ganor decided to open a restaurant on a neglected patch of land between Tel Aviv and Jaffa, the view has changed beyond recognition. What hasn’t changed at all is the legendary seafood pot and the terrace with the most beautiful panorama in the city. Anywhere else in the world they’d declare it a heritage site and a landmark of the local culinary scene. Right now it’s undergoing major renovations and is expected to return to us better than ever this coming winter.
4 Nahum Goldman, Tel Aviv (Alma Beach)

The pot of all pots. Seafood casserole at Manta Ray (photo: Avi Ganor)

Milgo & Milbar

This is not, strictly speaking, a fish restaurant, but on Milgo & Milbar’s menu you can fish out some of the best fish dishes in town. For example, a croquette of raw fish with preserved‑lemon aioli, plump oysters and delicately cured fish with cherry tomatoes and peperoncino. And with a glass of wine or a cocktail alongside, you might say that an evening here has real therapeutic value.
142 Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv

Shrimp does wonders for your health. Milgo & Milbar (photo: Bar Cohen)

Merloza

In the reality the restaurant industry operates in, building a restaurant based solely on fish is an act that borders on insanity. None of this scares chef Dor Even and his partner, manager Mor Hazan, because together they’ve weathered it all: the whole Carmel Market mess, corona, operations and wars. In its new home of about a year and a half, Merloza continues to keep the cheerful market vibe, but everything else – from the kitchen to the service – is more serious and professional. New dishes have been added to the menu, strengthening its grip on the sea, and yes, the fried sea bass wing with green‑garlic aioli still stars at the top of the city’s fish‑wing dishes.
24 Lilienblum, Tel Aviv

A fish is not a bird. Fish wing, Merloza (photo: People Photography)

Fishop

No flash, no showboating – just a blazing plancha where shrimp, mussels, calamari and other beloved critters, plus fish of course, get a quick toss: this fish bar from Harel Belo (Sitara, Metzitzim, Baranza) and Ziko the Fisherman recalls stalls in overseas food markets – you come, eat well and go, or sit down with a glass of wine. Easy and uncomplicated, no tricks and gimmicks.
3 Kalman Magen, Tel Aviv (Sarona Market)

Selas

A fisherman really loves fish: chef Or Ginzberg and the sea have a love story that began long before his win on “MasterChef”. The annual filleting show he puts on has become a tradition, but throughout the rest of the year too, fish take center stage at Salas. Ahead of tuna season it’s worth following Ginzberg on Instagram and coming in for a tasting menu – an awesome parade of bites that do the royal fish proud. In our eyes this is one of the most justified investments in terms of both time and money.
6 Rabbi Tanhum, Jaffa (Flea Market)

Captain Hook

Still in the Flea Market, but in a completely different style – a street joint that just begs for a cold beer and fish and chips or fried calamari. During happy hour (Monday-Thursday, 17:00-19:00) prices are slashed by 20 percent and the deal becomes even sweeter. Clip and save for August.
13 Ami’ad, Jaffa (Flea Market)

Fish and chips. Captain Hook (photo: from Instagram)

Shtsupak

Last but not least on our list is Shtsupak, the veteran fish restaurant that’s been rooted in north Ben Yehuda for three decades now. With the same table‑opening spread and the same décor, the restaurant delivers the goods with the charm and modesty that have stuck with it since the ’90s. The menu has barely changed over the years and is centered on fried and grilled fish and seafood. It’s worth keeping an eye on the Asian dishes – a “novelty” introduced by the head chef and his wife, both of Filipino origin, who have been running the kitchen for more than 20 years. There are things that don’t change, and it’s a good thing.
256 Ben Yehuda, Tel Aviv, reservations

Scallops in butter, garlic and cream. Shtsupak (photo: Shay Naiburg)

• Food and drinks
• אוכלים שותים

The Israeli public’s love affair with Japanese cuisine has long since passed the stage of a fleeting romance – it’s now a full-on committed relationship, one that doesn’t go a week without a meeting. What began as an exotic corner of the menu has become one of the city’s most popular dishes, ranging from authentic Japanese to full-on Tel Aviv glam. Whether you’re into refined sashimi or blingy rolls, Tel Aviv delivers any Japanese whim with precise craftsmanship, premium ingredients and irresistible aesthetics.Time Out gathered for you the best sushi restaurants in Tel Aviv– places that excel in culinary level, sushi chef skill, value for money and overall experience that might save you a trip to Japan (or just make you want it even more, sorry).

>> יפן סיפור אהבה: 19 מקומות מומלצים לאכול בהם סושי בתל אביב

New and noteworthy

1. ASA

The new izakaya ASA, by restaurateurs Guy Gamzu, Mosh Budnik and Itzik Changol (behind Helena and Chakuli), is the most authentically Japanese we’ve seen yet. The spotlight goes mainly to the stunning design and the Japanese charcoal grill filling the air with intoxicating aromas — but just say“Sashimi Omakase”and you’ll get an impressive display of top-tier sushi. It won’t be easy to skip the grilled dishes, but try.
54 Ahad Ha’am St, Tel Aviv

2. Gaijin

Some say this is the best Japanese restaurant in the city – and they might be right. Gaijin defines itself as an izakaya, but every bite says fine dining (except for the stools – best avoided). The sushi section focuses on sashimi, nigiri, and hand rolls (temaki), made from carefully chosen rice blends and top-quality ingredients – from bluefin tuna to foie gras. If not for the construction outside, you could swear you’re in Ginza.
29 Lilienblum St, Tel Aviv

More Japanese than Japan itself. Gaijin (Photo: Instagram/gaijin.tlv)

3. Saka Ba

This Levinsky izakaya doesn’t try to impress – it just offers a quiet moment with sake and perfectly paired bites. Owner Asaf Menachem (of Men-Ten-Ten, listed later) spent 15 years in Osaka and fell for its laid-back charm. “Saka Ba” is all about unpretentious bites, steady drinking, and a menu faithful to the Japanese original. Rolls are restrained yet excellently executed, and the glass smoking booth in the middle of the restaurant makes for both conversation and intimacy. Try to leave room for the summer specials—like tuna tartare over rice and nori “deconstructed sushi,” or juicy Japanese beef schnitzel.
8 Zvulun St, Tel Aviv

Captivating Japanese simplicity. Saka Ba (Photo: Instagram/saka_ba_tlv)

4. Sachi Sushi

The area around Dizengoff Square keeps evolving, and Sachi Sushi adds what was missing — a proper Japanese-Thai (not “Asian”) restaurant. Chef Idan Malisi (formerly Oven Koven), who studied under sushi master Medad Siboni, created a menu where rolls, salads, sashimi and gyoza coexist peacefully. Purists may frown, but in Tel Aviv 2025, cross-cultural fusion works.
98 Dizengoff St, Tel Aviv

Sachi Sushi (Photo: Lishi Zatlawi)

5. JMT

Okinawa’s Korean sister is all about gimbap – Korea’s plump cousin of sushi rolls wrapped in nori, filled with vegetables and your choice of extras, with a touch of sesame oil on top. Choose between beef bulgogi, crazy salmon, katsu, crispy tofu, and more, or go for the Naked Gimbap – a giant sushi rice roll wrapped in fish and packed with tofu and veggies. After K-pop and Squid Game, we’re happy to welcome another export from Korea.
3 Ahuzat Bayit St, Tel Aviv

Korean twist done right. JMT (Photo: Amir Menachem)

6. ZO

Restaurateur Yaki Kabir (TYO, Yauza, Serafina) brings his experience to ZO – equal parts restaurant and party. Think golden dragon in midair, vibrant design and beats that move. The kitchen draws inspiration from Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, and if you look closely you’ll find inside the rolls: fillet and foie gras, tuna tartare, crème fraîche, and other fancy ingredients. Prices match – bring your rich uncle.
11 Rothschild Blvd, Tel Aviv

Fillet & foie gras roll, ZO (Photo: Asaf Karela)

Classic and Excellent

7. TYO

The long-running Shabazi restaurant hasn’t aged a day. Quite the opposite – Chef Yama San’s menu still channels the spirit of Japan to your table, with several particularly creative and luxurious rolls. Staying in tonight? Their delivery packaging is among the most elegant in town.
58 Shabazi St, Tel Aviv

TYO (Photo: Instagram/tyo_tlv)

8. Onami

While the veteran branch on Ha’Arbaa St has seen mixed reviews, the kosher Onami in the Hilton Hotel is a success story. A refined location, top-notch ingredients, and experienced chef Roy Sofer show in every precise roll and cone – and of course, in the price.
205 Hayarkon St, Tel Aviv

Here comes another big wave. Onami Hilton (Photo: Instagram/onami.hilton.tlv)

9. Wat Sang Sushi & More

Founded by MOON alumni (don’t worry, they’re coming up), this neighborhood favorite keeps gaining fans. The menu hides gems like shrimp ramen and cucumber salad, but sushi takes center stage – rightfully so. Ask the team to help you navigate maki, temaki, inside-out rolls, sashimi, nigiri, chirashi, special rolls andbattera(pressed sushi from Osaka). Praiseworthy too: the design and the pleasant stretch of Harakevet Street.
12 Harakevet St, Tel Aviv

Wat Sang Sushi & More (Photo: Zohar Shtrauch)

10. Okinawa

We have a soft spot for these cozy Japanese bars in Gan Hahashmal and Neve Tzedek – great spots for sushi and a drink without taking out a loan. The rolls are unfussy, the food reliable, and the happy hour even better. No need to overcomplicate things.
11 Levontin St, 46 Shabazi St, Tel Aviv

Okinawa (Photo: Amir Menachem)

11. Ze Sushi / Food Terminal

When couple Inbar and Yves returned to Israel after a year in Japan and started making sushi at home, they didn’t imagine it would grow into Ze Sushi and Food Terminal (the latter serving burgers and Vietnamese/Korean dishes too). Their success lies in offering sushi without the pretense – for those who love the flavor but not the ceremony.
14 Eshtori Ha-Parchi St, 150 Begin Rd, Tel Aviv

Ze Sushi (Photo: Instagram/ze.sushi)

12. Lai Fu

Heavy users of Asian fare name Lai Fu as a casual go-to – as a proper street-style eatery should be. Maki, nigiri, sashimi, and creative rolls are served with zero fuss and fair pricing, so you can add bao and gyoza for a full-on Asian feast.
31 Bograshov St, Tel Aviv

Lai Fu (Photo: Instagram/laifutlv)

13. Moon

Sushi shouldn’t require a mortgage – and Moon is here for you. This long-standing chain is a beloved go-to for casual roll cravings, drinks and comfort. During happy hour (Sun-Thu, 12:00-18:00) prices drop 15%, making life – and pain – a bit easier to swallow.
58 Bograshov St, Tel Aviv

Moon (Photo: Instagram/moon.sushi.bar)

14. Men-Ten-Ten

No need to elaborate on the ramen – but there are more reasons to come: serious sushi that would pass inspection in Tokyo, and sashimi from fish that were swimming hours ago. Want to feel even more downtown Tokyo? Have your drink at the adjoining izakaya, and don’t miss the luxurious Japanese toilet.
57 Nachalat Binyamin St, Tel Aviv

Men-Ten-Ten (Photo: Instagram/men_tententlv)

15. Nini Hachi

This long-standing kosher Japanese spot on Ben Yehuda does not compromise on color or joy. For pregnant women avoiding raw fish, there’s a separate prep bar for veggie and cooked rolls. Heading south? Look for sister restaurant Nini Kai in Eilat – a little flower in the desert.
228 Ben Yehuda St, Tel Aviv

Nini Hachi (Photo: Instagram/ninihachi)

16. Selas

Chef Or Ginsberg’s place isn’t fully Japanese, but it earns its spot here for one reason: the fish. A former fisherman and Game of Chefs star, Ginsberg constantly sources the best fresh catch. Expect sushi that’s creative, colorful, beautiful – and as fresh as it gets.
6 Rabbi Tanchum St, Jaffa

Selas (Photo: Instagram/selas.rest)

17. Fu Sushi

The Kisu Group’s Asian fusion style shines in Fu Sushi – a bar-restaurant for those who want their sushi colorful and wild. And yes, there’s room for that too in a free country, even if it’s a bit over the top.
302 Dizengoff St, Tel Aviv

Fu Sushi (Photo: Instagram/fusushitlv)

18. San Yang

No, not the scooter brand – but another playful fusion spot from the Fu Sushi team, located inside the INK boutique hotel. Designed space, sexy vibe, and vibrant sushi combinations that excite both eyes and appetite.
14 Brenner St, Tel Aviv

Morning at San Yang (Photo: Apic Gabay)

19. Green Roll Sushi

Every vegan we know keeps Green Roll in their favorites for sudden munchies. Combinations, sushi sandwiches, nigiri and more – all plant-based and pregnancy-friendly too, for unlimited roll indulging without worry.
40 Montefiore St, Tel Aviv

Green Roll (Photo: Yoav Ben Dov)

• Food and drinks
• אוכלים שותים

Happily, the Israeli public has matured a bit from the days when Ethiopian cooking scared most of them off. And yet, at least culinarily, the immigration of Ethiopian Jews still hasn’t broken through the foodie consciousness wall. Humble eateries get mentioned mostly among hardcore fans, and the wider crowd tends to miss the quality, healthfulness, and powerful flavors of Ethiopian dishes. In honor of the Sigad holiday, we gathered 5 Ethiopian restaurants you must taste, just because, to wake up your palate.

>> לא על האינג'רה לבדה: 5 מסעדות אתיופיות שאתם צריכים לאכול בהן

Studio Gursha

The big, surprising star of the Ethiopian-Tel Aviv kitchen is without a doubt chef Elazar Tamano, who after a brief, standout stint on the reality show “The Next Restaurant” created one of the most impressive places we’ve encountered this year – and probably the one we’ll recommend to anyone looking for brilliant, convention-busting casual fine dining. The blend of traditional and modern, the adventurous spirit and the courage to challenge himself and diners, and the ability to turn all that innovation into a meal that’s simply insanely tasty make Studio Gursha a must-visit, with or without the Ethiopian tradition. Don’t skip the pleasure.
Salame 13, Tel Aviv

Ketfo, Studio Gursha (Photo: Sharon Ben David)

Ga’az

The newest restaurant on the list was born just this past September, bringing homestyle Ethiopian cooking true to its roots, wrapped in an aesthetic, pleasant package – different from the hammaroat you may have known near the Central Bus Station. On the opening menu you’ll find familiar names like doro wat (chicken stew in Ethiopian pepper spice called berbere) and alicha wat (beef stew with traditional spices, garlic and ginger), alongside kikil (lamb stew in a turmeric-seasoned broth) and tibs firfir (dried meat cooked in a spiced sauce), and of course fresh injera made in-house for all your scooping needs.
HaRakevet 2, Tel Aviv

Holiday feast. Ga’az (photo courtesy of the restaurant)

Meserkawi

The Ethiopian aliyah was among the later waves to arrive in Israel, and so it took the Israeli palate some time to adjust to its flavors. But Meserkawi, led by Asmarat Megabat, managed to present Ethiopian food to the Israeli palate without compromising tradition – simply by cooking authentic, tasty, special food. For example, with dignified injera, enkulal firfir (egg-and-injera scramble) as well as quanta (fried and dried beef), nech tibs – grilled beef with onion and spices, dulet – an offal stew, doro wat – chicken stew, and other delights.
Rival 4, Tel Aviv

Meserkawi Restaurant. Photo: from the restaurant’s Wolt page

Almaz Mendel

Almaz Mendel is a counter-service spot with authentic Ethiopian food, focusing mainly on injera in various forms and formats. You’ll find an injera roll here which, if you ask us, is the ultimate street-food dish – light, not heavy on the palate, and easy to take on the go. We recommend the injera roll filled with spiced, lightly hot pargit (boneless chicken thigh), served with a side of vegetables.
HaRav Frenkel 9, Tel Aviv

Tenat

A vegan Ethiopian restaurant that raises high the Ethiopian kitchen, which indeed suits vegetarians and vegans beautifully. The undisputed star here is the injera, ceremoniously set in the center of the table with a variety of intriguing salads and dips, such as alicha (gently seasoned root vegetables), shiro (spiced chickpea flour stew), gomen (braised greens) and misir (spiced red lentils), plus excellent Ethiopian tahini. It’s fun and pleasant to sit at Tenat, the prices are fair, and the food is healthy and nourishing.
Chlenov 27, Tel Aviv

Tenat. Photo: Boris Shusterman

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