The best “early bird” Tel Aviv cafés to start your day

This French bakery and Israeli delicatessen perched on the corner of Ben Gurion and Ben Yehuda is every bread-lovers fantasy. With a stylish and trendy interior that matches the patrons and staff, you might find yourself sitting here for longer than your stomach requires. From pizza to Shakshuka, challah bread bowls and quiches, Lehem vShut is a one-stop shop for home-style fresh food. If you’re after breakfast for lunch and past the Benedict craze, then you’re in luck, because they serve theirs until 17:00. Just try not taking all the baked pastries home, will ya?

With incredible coffee and one of the best breakfasts in Tel Aviv, Café Castel is a great way to start your morning. Located in the middle of Ibn Gvirol Street, Café Castel is a pleasant neighborhood espresso bar with great coffee and affordable menu items. Try a delicious sandwich, homemade pastry or a glass of fresh squeezed juice. It’s the perfect spot to sit in the sun and people watch, or chat with the friendly staff about what's going on in Tel Aviv.  

The menu consists of traditional Israeli food featuring a wide range of meat, fish, salads and drinks. Most who enter Tachtit will agree that the multiple rooms, great music, and well-dressed staff are a reason to continue coming back. With a large menu featuring a diverse selection of items, even the most discerning customers are guaranteed to find something to enjoy. If you’re feeling especially hungry, be sure to order the hamburger with fries, often called the best burger in Tel Aviv. Tachtit is also open on Shabbat (Saturday), making it the perfect weekend lunch spot.

For an incredible, filling meal with a tasty coffee, Lulu Café is the place to go. The menu is varied, so there is something to fit the desire of any member of your group. For breakfast, try the shakshuka or eggs benedict. For a later meal, the Asian-style quinoa and vegetables or Chicken schnitzel. Located in the quiet and trendy Basel neighborhood of Tel Aviv, Lulu is a cozy place to sit with friends. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it is a great place to enjoy Tel Aviv’s sunny summers or take refuge from the rainy winters.  

Named after General Edmund Allenby, who led the British Empire’s conquest of Jerusalem from the hands of the Ottoman Empire in the early twentieth century, the nook of a café is steeped in its own rich history. All four co-owners have been in the restaurant and nightlife business for several years, so they know the scene inside and out. Alongside baked goods from the super successful NOLA bakery and delicious gourmet sandwiches, it's the coffee through-and-through that really gives Edmund its edge. If you think you've already come across the best cup of coffee in Tel Aviv, sample a bottle of Edmund's 7-hour Guatemalan cold brew and then we'll talk.

Tucked away in the beautiful and sunny Kikar Milano is Zorik Café. The super chill and cool café is beloved by young local Tel Avivians, and is especially popular on weekends. Café Zorik welcomes locals and travelers alike to stop in for a cup of coffee and some tasty comfort food, while the homey atmosphere aims to have every guest feeling like part of the family. Their menu contains a selection of yammy stews, omelettes, fresh bread, salads, fresh juices, Israeli breakfasts and more. Café Zorik serves generous portions, so come hungry and enjoy all they have to offer.