© Albert Lalamaiev
© Albert Lalamaiev

A dangerously detailed guide to Dizengoff

How the White City packed so much color onto one single street is beyond us. Don’t question it, just revel in it

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Tourists come from far and wide to delve into the depths of Dizengoff Center’s winding aisles, but this futuristic Tel Aviv mall is just the start...literally. Beyond its air conditioned confines lies an oasis of shopping boutiques, restaurants, central cafés, and cocktail bars keeping Dizengoff on its toes from sunrise to sunset to sunrise. Whether you’re after an afternoon stroll, an unbeatable happy hour, an all-night party, or just a classic diner shake, Time Out’s dangerously detailed guide to Dizengoff is here to save the day.

Drinking

  • Cocktail bars
  • Old North
Founded in 2008 by one of the world’s most popular bartenders, Ariel Leizgold, 223 has retained its title as a star of the Dizengoff bar scene. Why not try the cocktail that first won Leizgold an international bartending title, the Passion Fruit 2006, made from vodka, ginger, apricot brandy and passion fruit? Or sample one of their prohibition-style cocktails like the Vieux Carré, with rye, cognac, sweet vermouth and bitters. Or, if you’re feeling truly adventurous, tell one of the professionally trained mixologists your flavor preferences and let them work their mixmaster magic. No matter what you choose, you can’t lose. Transcend time and place at the bar that raised the bar in central Tel Aviv.
  • Cocktail bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center
With cocktail bars popping up left and right on Dizengoff, it can be easy to miss this slightly hidden spot. Jasper John’s is a cozy little bar with a fun attitude and creative cocktails with names like “Pink Agony” and “Black Magic.” On top of their deliciously drinkable concoctions, the bar also features a tasty menu of bar nibbles like pizza and focaccia. Not only are they Italian in food, they’re Italian in nature. In the spirit of Italy, Jasper John’s has adopted the glorified Italian happy hour called “Aperitivo”—order one drink between the hours of 18:00 and 21:00 and you’ll get a free food course too. With a hopping late night crowd that drinks until sunrise, you can start and finish your night here.
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  • Cocktail bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Standing smack dab in the middle of Dizengoff, its prime location is only one of the aspects that make Concierge a must-visit on your next ladies night. You’ll be captivated by their dazzlingly vibrant drinks like the electric “blue heaven” with vodka, blue Curacao, vanilla and citrus, or the “deep purple,” a gin-based cocktail that steals your attention with its beet infused vanilla syrup. Don’t miss their sophisticated food menu as well. Enjoy the intimate indoor scene or sip in style on their elegant patio, either way the modern twist on a vintage style will have you coming back for more…and more…and more.
  • Cocktail bars
  • Old North
We wouldn’t expect anything but delicious cocktails from the guys behind Spicehaus, therefore their latest creation Double Standard is guaranteed to provide a killer cocktail and a sophisticated snack menu. All the mixers are homemade in the Spicehaus laboratories – with a wide range of healthy tastes and flavors. During the day, the bar turns into a shop selling the numerous house-made mixes for the perfect gift or latest addition to your home bar. This impressive bar and shop is a fabulous extension of the ever popular and high quality Spicehaus cocktail bar. Located on Dizengoff Street, you will be sipping delicious cocktails in the heart of North Tel Aviv.
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  • Dive bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center
You don’t need google maps to find this popping bracelet bar; just walk down Dizengoff and look for the most crowded one, overflowing with all walks of Tel Avivian life. A key factor to Tel Aviv’s energetic city center, Rutina is the perfect place to start your night (and probably end it if you commit to the bracelet deal), no matter what night of the week. Plus, Rutina knows how to take care of its customers, offering up an array of food options like mouth-watering meat dishes and inventive vegan delicacies to line your stomachs and maximize drinking potential. For those eager to drink on a budget, the happy hour deals and bracelet steals pair with the down-to-earth staff and a consistently upbeat atmosphere to create the perfect sloppy night out combination.  
  • Dive bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Come early if you want to find a place to sit. Zina is one of the best-loved, bars on the bustling Dizengoff Street. A great place to hang out with old friends and meet new ones, Zina is a popular spot for young Tel Avivians. The casual atmosphere means you can show up as you please, no one will be judging your wardrobe at Zina. Located just next to Dizengoff Square, Zina is in close proximity to some of the hottest bars in Tel Aviv, making it an easy place to hit on any night out.  
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  • Beer bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center
You’ll find both big and small groups of friends hanging around, beer in hand and a fairly even male:female ratio. It’s a relatively small space, meaning that when it gets busy, you’ll have plenty of ways to “accidentally” bump into a person of interest. It’s also located on one of the busiest parts of Dizengoff Street - so it’s the ideal place to start off your night.  
  • Cocktail bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Known as the “cocktail bar pharmacy," the bartenders actually dress like pharmacists, and cocktails are served in three different sized beaker bottles. This is the largest cocktail bar in Tel Aviv, but don’t get confused when you see a sign for “The East Jaffa Perfume Company” – you’re at the right place! With a happy hour from 18:00 - 21:00 offering 1+1 on all cocktails, it is definitely worth it to pop in a bit early for a deal. This elegant spot features a weekly mojito Monday as well as a massive selection of cocktails every day.
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  • Gastropubs
  • Tel Aviv City Center

La Bar is the cocktail counterpart of La Shuk, which serves up some of the best Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes in all of Tel Aviv. The atmosphere is retro and chill, yet the service is fast and friendly. Come relax and sip on one of their creative cocktails or try a glass of wine from their extensive collection. They also offer bites to eat (from La Shuk) that are made specifically to pair well with alcohol. L’chaim!

  • Wine bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Johnny Boy is an exciting cocktail bar, inspired by the 1940s and 50s mood. Dark, seductive, and always filled with people, Johnny Boy is an exciting place to drink with many affordable theme days. Every Sunday night is 1+1 on drinks. Wednesday’s “Wine and Dine” special offers bottomless wine along with the entree of your choice, all for NIS 85. Johnny Boy has a wonderful atmosphere and is true to the Tel Aviv spirit of being warm and welcoming.

Dining

  • Seafood
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 2 of 4
Goocha is a seafood restaurant with a reputation for fresh food at a reasonable price. The restaurant’s upbeat atmosphere is perfectly matched to its location on the busy Dizengoff Street. Goocha is popular among Tel Aviv locals, so you may have to indulge in some window shopping while you wait for a table! Along with various fish and shrimp entrees, the menu includes burgers and pasta, so everyone can find the meal they enjoy. For dessert, try the Belgium waffle with caramelized bananas, a treat you won’t regret! 
  • Japanese
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 2 of 4
Yan is a great option if you are looking for some fresh sushi that won’t destroy your bank account. Located on the corner of Dizengoff and Ben Gurion, the sushi house is conveniently close to Gordon Beach and the Tel Aviv Marina, so stop by on your way to or from the shore–during lunchtime there’s even a 20% discount! With a wide variety of specialty rolls, tasty appetizers, and delicious wok dishes, everyone is sure to find something satisfying.
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  • Street vendors
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Offset beside Dizengoff center in a small courtyard corner, Table Talk’s outdoor sign can easily be missed. However, if you do happen to wander into their outdoor patio, you’re in for a real treat. From the interesting array of fine wines right down to the desserts, Table Talk is taking some of Israel’s freshest produce to the centre of town. Much like its name suggests, this is more than the average restaurants, it’s a conversation starter. In fact, owners Dimitry Borisov and Alexander Turkot refuse to refer to their space as a ‘restaurant’. For them, the goal was to “bring together journalists and programmers, restaurateurs and architects, lawyers and chefs, designers and producers,” over a glass of wine or good food, literature, art and music. Attend a cultural event or plan your own, either way, with flowers, food by candlelight and more, Table Talk will put 110% into making your night unique.    
  • Thai
  • Old North
  • price 1 of 4
There are few options better for those looking for a great date on a budget than Nam. Though their delectable traditional Thai dishes come in at an affordable cost, Nam delivers high-powered tastes and high-energy atmosphere. Pair a papaya salad with a noodle dish jam-packed with flavor, and you’ll feel like you’ve flown all the way to Bangkok. Those not used to the heat of a perfect curry need not be afraid, as Nam can cater to the mildest taste buds, but thrill-seekers can get things cranked up on the spice scale. 
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  • Italian
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 2 of 4
When in Tel Aviv, do like the Italians do? Get angry, talk loudly, indulge in food and eat whatever you want. Or simply hop over to Piazza Café located on Tel Aviv’s most popular stretch, Dizengoff Street, and you’ll fit right in. It’s authentic in both taste and décor, Chef Shai Dublero ensures that it’s one of the best Italian cuisines in town. Fusing the vibrancy of Italy, Piazza Café offers up a menu of grilled artichokes, Pizetti truffle, Italian schnitzel and Pasta’s galore: Carbonara, Bolognese, Arrabbiata and more. You best ignore your diet for one night. Ciao bella!
  • Cafés
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 2 of 4
Cultures around the world have grown with bread as an essential part of life, a staple that equates to life itself. That’s one bread story, but another is the sandwich shop and bakery called "Bread Story." The bakers at this self-assessed “bread kitchen” treat the baked bliss with the respect that it deserves, building their delicious sandwiches with the qualities of the bread in mind rather than first thinking of what winds up between the slices of basil brioche, curry bread, marble rye, and more – though the cheddar goose and tandoori chicken will delight as well as the fresh-baked goodness.
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  • Hummus
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 1 of 4
Hummus Kiki is a local hummus joint that is loved by locals for its friendly, helpful service and delicious filling (Kosher) meals. The restaurant offers staples such as fluffy, warm pita, creamy hummus, fresh salads, comforting soups, veggie burgers, falafel, chips, and unique creations, like the shakshuka and hummus combination dish. Wash it down with a fresh squeezed lemonade, perfect for a sunny day. The quick service makes it a great lunch stop for those on the go. Before you weigh in on the great Israeli hummus debate, make sure to give Hummus Kiki a try.
  • Pizza
  • Old North
  • price 2 of 4

For those missing a slice of oversized pizzas — 50 cm to be precise — the Brooklyn-style pizza that doesn’t fall apart also seems to have a never-ending selection of toppings like artichokes, ham and cornichons, all with some serious New York nostalgia. For a decadent ending to your meal, get the calzone filled with nutella alongside some luscious soft serve ice cream.  

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  • Hamburgers
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 2 of 4
The newest eatery on the hamburger block just expanded! Following the success of Susu & Son's flagship kiosk on Rothschild, the hamburger joint known for its creative take on street food has opened a restaurant on Dizengoff. The new branch promises the same high quality burgers with memorable toppings such as guacamole, blue cheese, and even pieces of lobster. If you can't bear the wait on Rothschild, try out this newest location - but no promises, we hear the lines are still out the door!
  • Israeli
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 1 of 4
One of the best Sabich spots in Tel Aviv, no journey down Frishman Street is complete without a stop over at the crowded Frishman Sabich. Wondering what Sabich is? The Iraqi inspired vegetarian street snack (less internationally known than its falafel counterpart) consists of a warm pita filled with roasted eggplant, a little bit of potato, some hard boiled egg, creamy tahini, and unique herbs and spices. Those looking for something a little less exciting, check out Frishman Falafel next door, but we suggest you give Sabich a try, especially at this legendary establishment.

Coffee, Tea, Dessert

  • Cafés
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 1 of 4

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.

  • Cafés
  • Old North
  • price 1 of 4
Nola is an adorable American bakery and cafe on Dizengoff Street known for its nostalgic treats, including chewy chocolate chip cookies, homemade peppermint patties and Nola’s signature Mud Pie—made of Graham cracker crust and filled with chocolate fudge, cream, pecans and chocolate. They have a nice selection of breakfasts, sandwiches and American comfort food classics too.
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  • Shopping
  • Tailors
  • Tel Aviv City Center
The first branch of tea boutique Palais des Thes to open in Tel Aviv is on Dizengoff St. Now with a sister branch in Sarona Market, it is the top place to fill your tea needs. Palais Des Thes searches across the globe to find the best herbs for their tea blends, and has shops in several countries. The shop also sells tea accessories, including teapots, infusers, and others. Palais Des Thes is a great place to pick out the perfect gift for any occasion, with sampler boxes available for purchase.  
  • Juice bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center

When we say that juice stands are starting to get sidelined there is one glaring exception – Tamara. Except for Shabbat, when it’s closed, this juice stand is always dotted with patrons looking to get a just-picked-from-the-tree tasting juice or smoothie blend. Ask them to add ice to your blend for a sorbet-like effect. Acai bowl and fruit-based popsicles are also offered (try the coconut!). Given the stand’s popularity they recently expanded with a brick-and-mortar location called Jusa where you’ll find bottled versions of many of their bestselling options. Juice cleanses are also offered for those looking to take their juicing habit to the next level. As far as wellness trends go Israel may not have progressed to the point where you’ll find Sex and Beauty Dust-infused juices (and maybe that’s a good thing?) but it’s near impossible to compete with their fresh produce. All of the shop’s bottled juices are cold pressed to maintain their high nutritional value (compared to the commonly found pasteurized juices with preservatives and sugar additives) and they offer a variety of healthy snacks including chia pudding, healthy desserts including fresh fruit and Paletas. And we’ve saved the best for last: unlike Tamara where you’re almost always faced with a snaking line, there’s rarely much of a wait at Jusa. 

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  • American
  • Florentine
  • price 1 of 4
Shake Out lets you choose your candy bar, your ice cream and your toppings—just let your mind go wild as you concoct the perfect shake. This tiny milkshake joint also serves up healthy fruit smoothies, but if you’re going to go for a sip, go all out at the Shake Out.  
  • Shopping
  • Specialist food and drink
  • Old North

ilovecupcakes is a Kosher Halavi bakery that specializes in cupcakes and birthday cakes; perfect as a gift, catering for a party or wedding or simply just to spoil yourself. ilovecupcakes offers cupcake decorating workshops, ideal for those wanting to learn more about cake decoration or for a kids birthday party, providing the perfect opportunity for a fun, creative, and tasty activity. The cupcakes are made with the finest ingredients and expert care, this is what makes customers come back again and again begging for more. Order cupcakes online, by telephone or in the store.  

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  • Ice cream parlors
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 1 of 4

A favorite for late-night ice cream cravings, Cookeez stays open late to satisfy your post-partying sweet tooth drunchies. Just passing by Cookeez is an invitation to enter; the mouth-watering aroma of fresh-baked cookies is unavoidable. With tons of flavours of cookies to mix and match with your ice cream and galore, Cookeez is a delectable treat. Cookeez offers dairy-free and gluten-free options, allowing everyone to enjoy its magic! For those just looking for a small snack, order a plain cookie or a cup of ice cream, but we recommend the ice-cream sandwich combination. Take-away boxes of cookies are also available, perfect for your next party or Shabbat dinner.

  • Ice cream parlors
  • Tel Aviv City Center
When it comes to gelato, Tel Aviv has already secured its key players. Locals love consistency, but once in awhile, a dark horse steps onto the tracks. Otello Gelato, the shiny new Dizengoff ice cream parlor, is that dark horse. Don’t just peer through the huge glass-panelled windows, step inside and choose from a panoply of flavors ranging from salted peanut to all the chocolatey combinations your heart desires. But that’s not all, what really sets Otello apart is their two glorious chocolate fountains–one milk and one white–running at all times. Toss in a hidden surprise at the bottom of each cone and an impressive selection of sorbets and you’ll never want to leave this frozen dessert haven.
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  • Ice cream parlors
  • Old North

Some things go together perfectly like peanut butter and jelly, or bread and butter. However, in Tel Aviv the rule for everything is even simpler: break the rules. The mastermind team behind Israel’s biggest and most successful restaurant group, R2M, have now decided that you can have your cake and eat it — with ice cream too. Cre’me, situated next to the Bakery branch on Dizengoff, serves up Tinder-perfect matches of cake and ice cream, all decked out with a confetti of toppings. Simplicity is the key here, with everything homemade, using natural sweeteners and all-natural ingredients and 4 flavors at a time. Think high quality Valrhona chocolate, pistachio, mouthwateringly fresh sorbet that changes daily, and of course vanilla ice cream. If all this is not enough, you can also pimp up your ice cream with all-natural meringue cookies, candied nuts, caramel sauce or whatever rocks your sundae—for the list really does go on!

Shopping

  • Shopping
  • Shopping centers
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Dizengoff Center opened as Tel Aviv’s first mall in 1983. It's a winding network of Israeli familiarities and imported influences. It’s easy to get lost in the tangled web of stores, but with the help of the “Easy Dizi” app, you’ll have no problem navigating through its easy-to-follow store directory and floor plan. The bottom floor hosts a weekly food bazaar and designers market every Friday.
  • Shopping
  • Jewelry
  • Old North
When you pick up a piece of Inbar Shapira jewelry, you can feel its special character in each etching and groove. In her combination of enchanting Egyptian culture and urban undertones, Inbar steals the show with her brass collars, chokers, and brooches, all coated in 24k gold, sterling silver and black metal. “We believe that fashion is our historic-social mirror. Our mission is to combine it all together and to share it with you” –Inbar Shapira.
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  • Shopping
  • Jewelry
  • Old North
Shorty after falling madly in love, Ginat and Yisgav gave birth to their creative baby, ‘HotCrown.’ The jewelry brand—an extension of their eternal happiness—produces fun and vibrant top-line creations. Each individual piece is impeccably designed and completed in-house by HotCrown’s jewelry experts who devote careful thought and attention to detail. Their limited-edition accessories are made with sterling silver, 14-18k gold and diamonds.
  • Shopping
  • Old North
Offering a good mix of both Israeli and European designers, Banker has clothes for many occasions. Featuring two full floors of designer items in a chic ambiance, fashionable ladies have no problem getting lost in here for an entire afternoon. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, so don’t be shy to reach out for some friendly assistance. With premium denim brands such as Religion and American Vintage, premium brands from Los Angeles to Paris and an expertly selected collection of vintage accessories makes, it’s no wonder Banker is the leading Tel Aviv boutique.
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  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Sarona

“How many people have you met today? What do they know about you? Most of them don’t know a thing. But everyone saw what you were wearing.” This is the inspiration behind Story fashion boutiques. Each of the seven shops scattered across Tel Aviv has an individual personality to it, yet there is one constant: carefully chosen brands that showcase cutting edge fashion from around the world. At Story, they travel the world to find clothes, shoes and accessories that create people who stretch and refine the language of fashion, invent new dialects and use it to convey their own unique message. With new brands like Nudie Jeans, Melissa, Fornarina and Bloch, unravel the story behind every scarf, pair of jeans, piece of leather and accessory.

  • Shopping
  • Eyewear
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Eye Society takes cues from the hottest fashions emerging from Italy, Paris and New York, updating their selection of quality eyewear constantly to maintain a maximum cool factor. With an incredible selection of sunglasses, visitors are guaranteed to find something that looks good on them, that goes well with any fashion taste. Located on the shopping-heavy Dizengoff Street, don’t forget this useful accessory while updating your summer wardrobe. With a helpful staff committed to advising you on the look you’ve been seeking, visitors will be satisfied that they picked Eye Society for their ocular fashion needs.
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  • Shopping
  • Tel Aviv - Jaffa
Razili is one of Israel’s most unique stores because it has been instrumental in pushing independent fashion design from Tel Aviv to the rest of the country. Alongside young and new Israeli designers, Razili also manages to feature a variety of well-known worldwide designers, sure to impress. The Razili customer is guaranteed an exceptional shopping experience as clothes, bags, shoes and jewelry can all be found in this special boutique. Come discover the newest Israeli designers and appreciate the well-known international ones in this charming boutique. Rumor has it that when the Rolling Stones last performed in Israel, they were sporting Razili suits. Stay tuned...
  • Shopping
  • Lifestyle
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Conveniently located on the Dizengoff Center outskirts, Flashback is the largest secondhand vintage store in Israel. Here you will find one of a kind, unique items such as vintage dresses, jeans, bags, skirts and plenty more. The order in the store is impeccable, and not typical for this field: the items are arranged on hangers in separate divisions and clearly divided by category, so there's no chance to get lost when looking for a specific item in a wide range of sizes and colors. The quality is surprisingly high and the prices are reasonable. All the clothes and accessories are imported from around the world and cover every period between the 50s and 90s.
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  • Shopping
  • Shoes
  • Tel Aviv City Center
Werubel
Werubel
Werubel boasts an on-site optometry clinic as well as a stylish collection of glasses for women, men and children. With colorful, distinct designs available, Werubel stocks brands from around the world, leading to a collection that is varied, unique and constantly updated. In business for over 30 years, this shop values customer service as well as a welcoming atmosphere, which is what keeps customers returning over and over again. Located inside Dizengoff Center in the heart of Tel Aviv, stop in on your way to the beach to ensure your eyes are protected from the harsh Israeli rays.
  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Old North

Each year, the designers of CoupleOf offer varied collections that coincide with the seasons of the year. Their winter collection makes fine leather the star: selling boots, ankle boots, boat shoes, and moccasins all made of the finest leather. Their summer collection highlights sandals, slippers, and loafers. With four stores in the country, including a studio in Tel Aviv, every item is handmade by skilled professionals and only uses the best of materials, while ensuring maximum comfort. Don't miss a season of classic comfort and style at this boutique establishment where all production is done within Israeli borders.

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