10 Tel Aviv Restaurants for Splurging and Celebrating

Chef Avivit Priel Avichai and Ofir Limor Lami dreamed up Ouzeria with upbeat music, creative drinks, and an all-encompassing Tel Aviv ambience. Ouzeria is a Middle Eastern bar and restaurant that is always oozing with energy, serving up plates of excellent food, showcasing Chef Avivit’s creative interpretation of Mediterranean food. Everything is made in- house and fresh using seasonal ingredients with special touches. Fish and seafood take center stage here; black pasta with sardines, cherry tomato confit, garlic, and chili or a selection of seafood in ouzo and tomatoes. There are also plenty of meat dishes to choose from, such as tender lamb kebabs, moussaka with Jerusalem artichokes and carpaccios. Alcohol is always a-flowing here, with ouzo at the forefront. There is a plethora of anise-flavored beverages here from ouzo to Arak and so many brands and versions of them.

Inspired by the 2008 film, the name Vicky Cristina is only missing Barcelona – though that’s exactly what you’ll get when you make your way to the sensuous tapas and wine bar located on a beautiful patio under a lush, ancient ficus tree – the oldest in the city, in fact. Grab some paella de marisco, ceviche, or beef fillet at Vicky, the tapas bar, or a jug of sangria at Cristina, the wine bar – or better yet, go for both and get a true taste of Spain, especially if the Flamenco dancers are out for a show. You’ll be coming back here weekend after weekend.

If you like surprises and multiple flavor contrasts in every dish, then head to Popina, a beautiful gem in the romantic Neve Tzedek neighborhood. Popina brings creative food to a higher level with artful masterpieces, outstanding seafood and an awe-inspiring attention to detail. The open kitchen lets you peek behind the scenes at the craftsmanship of chef Orel Kimchi and his team. You’ll find options like the sea bream fillet and forbidden rice risotto, with king oyster mushrooms stuffed with parsley, tomato and parmesan with a leek fondue, or the seafood pizza with goat cheese cream, chopped shrimp, scallops, thyme & chili oil. They have plenty of non-seafood and vegetarian items too—the chef is always ready to tailor a menu to your needs. For a multi-course experience ask about the nightly tasting menu.

From the kitchen of young and acclaimed Chef David Frankel, Pronto’s dedication to seasonal ingredients, homemade pasta and inspirational elements in every dish make this place stand out. Nestled behind Rothschild Blvd, the pleasant aromas of marinara and fresh Parmigiano will tantalize your senses. Step out of Israel for the evening and into an Italian home kitchen where Frankel’s attention to detail is apparent in his regular menu and creative seasonal and dinner menus.

This intimate spot on Ibn Gvirol is the epitome of local cuisine. Showcasing olive oil, fresh fish, meat and a fabulous selection of wine, the only rule here is that it must be from Israel. Each dish is executed with a sophisticated simplicity where vegetables take center stage alongside fresh cheeses, charcuterie and more.

This just-opened spot on Tchernichovski Street mixes high-end drinks with fanciful food to match. Have a seat at one of the bistro tables lining the outdoor seating or pop a squat straight on the bar to take in the stunning design of the place. Good vibes abound, and in the generally celebratory atmosphere, everyone is out to have a fun time and drink, eat and be merry.

In the corner between well known restaurants Port Said and Santa Katarina, this authentic Thai restaurant is ideal for a fun night out that won’t break the bank. The atmosphere really makes this place unique. Surprisingly, it has a very Copacabana feel, with a funk/soul DJ playing one great tune after another. The drinks are excellent, with a large range of creative cocktails and the menu of small dishes are perfect for sharing.

Housed in Herzl 16‪, the promising successor to R2M Group‪'s Rothschild 12, at Disco Tokyo‪, the dishes fly out of the complex's central‪, open kitchen; well-stocked with all of the necessary gizmos and gadget: a Yakitori grill, Gyoza pans, a special Japanese tempura fryer, wok, noodle vaporizer, plus soy sauce, sake, and rice vinegar, cooking dishes for rice, and beautiful Japanese serving dishes - handmade by Hanna Pollak, and Guy Pollak – the head chef of the R2M group's mom. Everything is still all in the family - and the atmosphere here, as well as the food, are top-notch.

Adjacent to the must-visit Tel Aviv Art Museum, you'll find this modern brasserie showcasing French and Italian classics while using fresh local fare with mounds of creativity. Whether you dine inside or revel on the outside terrace, you’ll love the eclectic flavors in the food, the artistic plates, the attentive service—and most of all, how all these aspects mix in perfect harmony. 

Shisko is the “Cheers” of Tel Aviv, where everybody knows your name and what you want to drink. Its eclectic dishes like rich Greek tzatziki, Bulgarian kebabs and Turkish leek patties are all made from fresh local ingredients and are perfectly paired to compliment your booze of choice. Don’t be surprised if a set of chasers show up on your table, as drinks are always flowing and the welcoming vibe is all-encompassing. All of a sudden, you feel like you are part of a huge Israeli family.