Coffee talk: the best Tel Aviv cafés

One of the best bakery chains in the city, Bakery has mastered the art of French pastries. Whether you come to pick up a crunchy, fresh-from-the-oven baguette or any of the delectable pastries like the caramel-glazed cream puffs and the creamy-rich mille-feuille, everything you pick here is memorable and worth the hype. Bakery also serves sandwiches and salads, making it the ideal place for your next lunch date. Check out their other locations at 13 Yad Haruzim St and 67 Weizmann St.

Lachmanina’s charm saw it grow from a single neighborhood cafe into multiple locations, and it’s easy to see why. A favorite with locals where the variety is incredible—especially the selection of loaves. Nut breads, caraway breads and sourdoughs are just the tip of the iceberg here. For those with a sweet tooth, try a fruit tart, a chocolate-filled pita or even a mini caramelized cream puff filled with delicious crème patisserie. Locals opt for the signature Nelson bread, a South African treat made from whole and dark wheat, sesame and sunflower seeds, bran and a touch of honey. Firm and tight, it could almost pass for cake.

At the adorable Café Xoho you can find hot BBQ tofu sammies, delectable veggie burgers with homemade pickles, vegan Benedict with brioche, sautéed spinach, spiced tofu with a creamy vegan hollandaise sauce and the much sought-after bagels, cookies, muffins and baked treats! With its funky Brooklyn style and the young, trendy vibe, it is impossible not to love this spot.

Whether it is three in the morning or three in the afternoon, step into this bustling spot for some tasty cafe food. Beyond the design and size, The Streets King George draws its character from the eclectic crowd. On the one hand, the local central Tel Aviv audience, and on the other hand, a large amount of passersby wandering through the neighborhood make this place their temporary culinary escape.

Just steps from the famous Rothschild Blvd, Nehama Vahetzi is a popular pick amongst the locals. With many vegan and vegetarian options, the cafe is always packed with Tel Aviv’s cutest and most stylish. While the dishes are not the cheapest, the beer is affordable and the experience is authentic.

The perfect accompaniment to a brisk summer stroll down Tel Aviv’s Bialik Street is one of the most charming cafés in Israel. It attracts for its Israeli breakfast – salads finely chopped, jams, cheeses, eggs, but the neighborhood-coziness keeps you coming back for more. 

The Little Prince is the perfect literature haven for bookworms. Great for olim, it offers a wide selection of books in Hebrew, Russian, French, and Spanish, as well as an entire room of English literature. With many eclectic, peculiar books, The Little Prince is great for those looking to stray from the typical bookstore selection. The prices are affordable, which has earned this shop a loyal customer base. Get comfortable with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold beer while you browse, or curl up in its dreamy atmosphere to read your latest selection.

Classy and chic, this restaurant in the Montefiore Boutique Hotel is a must for lovers of meticulous food and impeccable style. The restaurant offers brunch and evening menus that are as much an oasis of style as the boutique hotel itself. The tasteful jazz paired with elegant antique silverware makes the Montefiore the place to fall in love with French cuisine cast under a Vietnamese spell any time of day.   

Café Mersand has been a Tel Aviv fixture since they opened their doors in 1955, with the decor and recipes remaining constant since then. The place was designed by a Hungarian architect, aiming to recreate a classic European café. Along with aromatic coffee, Café Mersand serves up treats including raisin or brownie cheesecake, poppyseed cake and a Turkish breakfast that includes couscous, cheese, eggs and halvah. Part of the charm lies in the eclectic guests of Café Mersand: a mix of the old and the young, businessmen, musicians, hipsters, locals and tourists.  

Bookworm is the perfect place for lovers of literature and coffee alike. The café, located near Rabin Square, doubles as a bookstore, and serves a selection of tasty breakfast items and pastries. A daily business menu is also available.

Cafelix is a beautifully designed cafe with expertly created coffees. From frothy cappuccinos to the steamy double-shot espresso, this spot is a hipster sipster’s favorite spot from morning to afternoon. Though the place is swarming with cuddly dogs, there’s still space to enjoy the superfast wifi and quality beans. The leader in the ever changing and evolving Tel Aviv coffee scene, Cafelix will fulfill your dire need for that first morning cup and cure your post-work sleepiness with an evening pick-me-up.  

Located in the enchanting Neve Tsedek neighborhood, this cozy bakery is known as one of the very best in town. Incredible French pastries with Israeli twists line the vitrine, boasting a selection of perfectly shaped eclairs, mini-size cakes and colorful sandwiches. Opt for savory quiches or the fluffy croissants—this place is the ultimate destination for quality hand-made pastries and classic cakes made to perfection.

On the corner of Allenby and Levontin in one of the coolest parts of Tel Aviv is the coffee shop Beta and Grega. The cafe sits in a hip part of town, covered in graffiti and surrounded by trendy coffee shops and restaurants. This laid back spot is the perfect place to sit with friends, read a good book or get some sketching done. In addition to divine coffee, try the raspberry juice for a sweet and sour surprise. The menu is simple, but delicious, with options like cheese toasts, salads and more.  

Located in the middle of the beautiful Neve Tzedek neighborhood, this organic vegetarian and vegan bistro feels like a secret vegan hideaway. The bright, welcoming restaurant overflows with garden-fresh ingredients which celebrate Israel’s bounty: overflowing salads, homemade cashew cheeses, impressive breakfasts, and a diverse, cultured menu.

Shopping in the Levinski Market and suddenly feel the need for the perfect Saturday brunch? Then look no further. Renowned for their mouth-watering egg breakfasts and lentils salads, Tony and Esther will help you instantly relax after the hustle and bustle of the market. Whether you’re drinking coffee, beer, or fancy a full meal, this cute cafe will soon become your favorite spot to chill out and take a break from the energetic Tel Aviv lifestyle. Arriving later in the day? Fear not. Tony and Esther’s devoted staff will ensure that your afternoon snack or dinner is prepared with as much passion as their brunches. 

The word “kaymak” is Turkish slang for what the French call the ‘crème de la crème’—and at Café Kaymak, located in the bustling Levinksy Market, you will find only the best vegetarian and vegan cuisine of all varieties, from Mediterranean to Indian. 

Cafe Yom Tov is located in the bustling Carmel Market, a neighborhood favorite for organic coffee, fresh sandwiches and boutique pastries. This charming cafe is a great place to start your morning with a cappuccino, or to finish your night off with a beer. 

From coffee in the morning to beers in the evening, Florentin 10 is great for laptop lounging. Bring your schoolwork and sip a coffee or bring a date and trade in that coffee for a glass of wine, however you choose to spend your time at Florentin 10, you cannot go wrong.