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The Israeli community in London has seen a significant change over the last five or so years. While many of the older generation are moving back to Israel, they’re outnumbered by a new crowd of young Israeli professionals, tech specialists and couples keen to experience all that London has to offer.
While Israelis here has always been tight-knit, bodies such as the Israeli Business Club and Israeli House have helped creativity and cooperation to thrive. Delicious Israeli restaurants have popped up in the capital, serving traditional Middle Eastern cuisine with a creative twist. And this week’s ‘TLV in LDN’ events, for which I’m artistic producer, highlight some of the similarities between London and Tel Aviv: also a metropolis with incredible food, arts, nightlife and culture. It’s the next best thing to being there. Tali Tzemach
Did you know? You’re most likely to find an Israeli expat in Barnet: of all the Israelis resident in England and Wales in 2011, one in five lived in this north London borough.
Tali’s favourite Israeli places in London
Head to Hummus Bar in Golders Green for a casual feast of great food plus Goldstar and Maccabi beers.
Founded by Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi and his Palestinian business partner Sami Tamimi, Ottolenghi is famed for adventurous takes on Middle Eastern cuisine.
Israeli chef Assaf Granit’s restaurant The Palomar serves innovative dishes with authentic Mediterranean flavours. Grab a bar seat and watch the chefs at work.
London-based DJ Ari Homous brings classic Israeli swagger to his events around town.
Daniel Barenboim founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra to bring Israeli and Arab musicians together. They play the Southbank Centre in October – book now.
Sunny Hill Café in Hendon was one of the first places in the UK to serve Israeli shakshuka, and it’s still one of the best.
The best of Israeli London, according to you
‘The Good Egg in Stokey! Their za’atar chicken thighs are the stuff of crispy fried dreams.’ Ana M via timeout.com
‘Bala Baya – love it! Also Hummus Bar in Golders Green.’ Sophie C via timeout.com
‘Camden Market has Cafe Loren (great shakshuka) and Magic Falafel: arguably the best in London!’ Yasmin A via Facebook