Delving Into the Tel Aviv Vegan Scene

Alegria may be small and unassuming, but it’s always bustling. Inside the homey café/restaurant you’ll find vegan sweet and savory bites to-go, while outside is where you’ll find most of the seating. There’s a fittingly local vibe given the family-oriented location (way North on Ibn Gavriol) with lots of folks who come on the regular to enjoy one of Alegria’s salads, sandwiches, lasagna or small bites (think black bean/rice sliders or tofu skewers).

Alegria, Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St 165, Tel Aviv, 03-613-6964

Thanks to soy mozzarella and cashew cheese even cheesy pizza no longer needs to be an unthinkable indulgence for vegans, which is why we’re seeing pizzerias – like The Green Cat – blossoming. In fact, you might not notice that this destination spot’s crispy thin pies are vegan. Note that while you can top off your pizza with anything from mushrooms to broccoli at this casual spot, don’t fool yourself into thinking they’re much healthier than your run-of-the-mill cheesy pies… totally worth all the calories though.

The Green Cat, Levontin St 7, Tel Aviv, 073-732-7361

Tahini balls with melted chocolate and caramelized banana…need we say more? You’ll find this finger-licking dish and more at Café Michelangelo, which recently moved to a new location. Perfect any time of day (including weekend brunch), it’s best to come in a group and share all of the rustic options. Dishes include musabaha topped with their homemade almond cheese, onions, and hot chili, plenty of salad/vegetable dishes, vegan burger, hummus and other chickpea-based dishes, and even bean paté.

Michelangelo, Ben Teradion St 2, Tel Aviv, 03-600-5477

Best known for their – you guessed it – kombucha – the adorably quaint Golden Sun Kombucha also stocks raw vegan desserts made in-house and by local purveyors like Piece of Nature.  Standouts include chocolate balls, berry chocolate cake, and their raw vegan chocolate chip cookies. Golden Sun’s chocolate balls are made in-house and change regularly (think Love Potion, an infusion of herbs like sage, damiana, rose, vanilla, and lavender with tahini, dates, cacao, and coconut) for truly next level sweetness.

Golden Sun Kombucha, Allenby St 87, Tel Aviv, 054-724-5005

Located slightly off the main stretch of Rothschild, Jars & Bowls is a self-service spot perfect for lunch. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and unlike many vegan options their dishes – served in jars or bowls – are filling because they’re almost all high in protein and fiber. They’re also regularly adding new items like the Farmer’s Bowl (made with organic red quinoa, grilled veggies, baked carrots with Arisa, tofu, bell peppers, mung bean sprouts, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and raw tahini) and recently added a dessert option: chia pudding with red berry coulis.

Jars & Bowls, Rothschild Blvd 1, Tel Aviv, 03-734-2780;