Keren Brown

Awkward at first, but one of those things that actually becomes fun with practice, dining solo is one way to gather your thoughts and enjoy every bite of your food.  Whether it is on a business trip or just because you need to get away from the socially overloaded life we live in today, we found the 5 best places to dine solo in Tel Aviv.  We had requirements: the places have to have friendly bar staff (bartender included), the food needs to be restaurant-caliber food and, most of all, nobody will think that you’re weird for pulling up a barstool by yourself. Depending on the vibe you want, here are the choices:

Are you missing that classic Thanksgiving cheer from back home? That special time of year is upon us yet again–when you’re craving wintery drinks, stuffing your faces with...well...stuffing, and enjoying the company of your friends and family around the festive holiday table. Why not have your very own Thanksgiving here in Israel? Assemble the crew and head to these local Tel Aviv restaurants for your Thanksgiving favorites. Did somebody say corn bread?

While street food in Israel isn’t hard to come by, it’s hard to weed out the authentic eats from the tourist traps. Jerusalem’s food scene is one where like its classical musicians, Jewish authenticity takes center stage. Even the hottest spots thrive on Jerusalem’s genuine vibe, as hip night spots lead by chefs bring out the beauty of the market, delighting locals and visitors alike. In all this hustle and bustle, no matter how hip, there’s always a touch of vintage, history and Jerusalem-chic. From traditional sabich and falafel to new school pita pocket fillings like fried red mullet and "chraime" (a spicy North African fish dish), Jerusalem restaurants are serving up the goods. Join Keren Brown in her foodie adventures as she explores the Holy City to hone down on Jerusalem’s most authentic spots from little nooks serving piping-hot bourekas to cozy no-frills restaurants serving homemade dumplings.

Being in Israel almost always means schlepping to visit various friends or family members around the country - and most likely in little pockets of towns you wouldn't usually find yourself in - for better or worse. Which means it's the ideal time to check out those amazing restaurants you've always heard of and have been "meaning to try". Here are those places. You won't be disappointed.  

In Tel Aviv, there is absolutely no shortage of places to hang out and dine out. On the prowl for a place to take your girlfriends for drinks, celebrating, and having an all-around kick-ass time? Here are some of the top spots for a seriously fun night out–and there’s something for every mood–from hyper, to relaxed, to wild shenanigans. 

Summer in Israel means a lot of things; two of them being extremely conflicting. It’s hot AF and kids have no school. Luckily, literally every local institution springs to action with water-filled or AC-blasting events - you just have to know where to go. Hitting the beaches or museums are tried-and-true options for scratching out a screen-heavy afternoon, but we’ve put together the ultimate list to make it a summer of discovery

In the Israeli heat, it can sometimes be hard to leave the house and even harder to stay active and try new things when you do. That's why we have come up with a few options to help you stay active and having fun even in this almost impossible weather. Check out our list of the top three water sports and activities that you can do in Tel Aviv.

Although kosher food restaurants used to be scarce in Tel Aviv, it’s now enjoying something of a renaissance - new kosher hotspots seem to open up daily across the city. When you visit the particularly stroll-worthy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, you’ll find the Kosher party in full swing. Here are just some of the kosher spots to put on your must-try list.

With tomatoes that taste as sweet as candy and Israeli markets all over the city, eating vegetarian in Tel Aviv has never been so easy. Every menu in the city has vegan and vegetarian options, though unlike other hipster havens like Portland and Williamsburg, here in Tel Aviv, the lines are often blurred between the two. We've already explored the best vegan restaurants in superfood central, the juiciest vegan burgers in the city, and even the prime slice of cheese-less pizza; from a neighborhood café on Montefiore to a California dream off Dizengoff Street, we're giving a shout-out to the vegetarians out there with our list of the best Tel Aviv restaurants with delicious vegetarian selections.

Of all the things to do in Tel Aviv, the Carmel market must top the list. Located high on our best markets in Israel list, you haven't been to Tel Aviv, if you missed this Market.  Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there is always something exciting, new and different to find here. From trinkets and t-shirts to dizzying mounds of red tomatoes and strawberries piled up high, the Carmel market has something to please everyone. The secret is simply to wander through the stalls letting your eyes and noses guide you towards little spots to munch at.  We have rounded up 10 of the best spots for you to try. Bon Appetite!  

This Japanese bar and restaurant is located in an unexpected area for dining, right across from Dizengoff Center. But no worries – strolling down busy Dizengoff Street afterward is always a fantastic way to see how Tel Aviv’s non-stop bar scene is kicking. Internationally renowned sushi chef Yama-San from the well-loved TYO restaurant really knows how to craft a dish that is a cut-above-the-rest. Just grab a stool in the inner bar and lounge area and have the bartender guide you to your best choice of saki and some crazy-creative and detailed bites.  Don’t miss the yuzu meringue, made of the fragrant citrusy fruit with a yuzu sauce to pair with every bite.

Romantic winding streets Old Jaffa is located Northwest of Jaffa, on a hill along the Mediterranean Sea. Discover one of the most stroll-worthy areas: an antique charm, incredible walkaways, and picturesque buildings with Tel Aviv shorelines connecting from every angle into a bright blue tapestry of the sea. Jaffa’s old port is one of the oldest ports in the world, dating back to the Canaanite period; gorgeous for taking pictures, tasting the catch of the day from the fishermen, and uncovering one of Israel’s most romantic areas. Today, the ancient port is undergoing a process of renovation and rejuvenation and is being developed as a local hub of the Blue Economy – an innovative approach that wishes to utilize the sea and the shore as economic growth engines while preserving their unique ecosystem. The port is home to several innovative startup companies, and if you are lucky you might come across local entrepreneurs conducting experiments. Follow the warehouses into winding alleys and visit the Ilana Goor Museum, an architectural pearl with rotating collections. Adjacent is another small museum, opened and operated by the world-famous Tel Aviv native mentalist Uri Geller. A stroll through the museum traces the story of Geller's long career, his many celebrity friends, and his trademark act –bending spoons. Kedumim Square is the center, a picturesque location running wild with archeologic remains, galleries, and restaurants. Discover the Zodiac Fountain, made of 12 chalkston

One of Tel Aviv’s most innovative chef restaurants is also quite unique in the culinary landscape of The City that Never Sleeps. Once you walk in, you’ll be transported to a whole new world. And it isn’t just the harmony between the lighting fixtures, the fabric textures, the glasses sparkling on the tables, or other design elements. It’s the dramatic yet unpretentious tribute to the living art of nature. The restaurant is filled with elements of living earth - water, leaves, fruits, fire, and spicy fragrances; all combine to imbue a sense of the extraordinary - in anticipation with the multi-sensory culinary experience that awaits as you are seated. Creation and innovation Cuisine Oasis delivers a flavorsome and international menu that will delight even the most epicurean diner, with a seasonal menu prepared from the finest ingredients and paired with great wines. The quality of the food is matched only by the boundless energy of the charismatic Chef Rima Olvera. She might well be the one thing more colorful than the restaurant’s unique design and fabulous food. @Pr The Pioneer Chef Olvera’s 30 years of experience in the world’s leading kitchens and her cooking philosophy set her apart from many other chef restaurants in the city. As a native Californian who now resides in Tel Aviv, Olvera brings her international experience and particular philosophy to every dish she creates. An original soul and true pioneer, Rima consciously ignores culinary fads and industry standards,

The result of a joint initiative with the Rishon Municipality, this new museum has fascinated and inspired individuals from all walks of life. Agam might be 94, but his age represents only a number as his vibrant, ageless, and overflowing curiosity certainly knows no limits. Interactive Journey Designed by world-renowned architect David Nofar and surrounded by a Sculpture Garden, the museum’s 3,200-square-meter exhibition space and complex architecture invite the visitor on an interactive journey in which all senses, sounds, and visions intertwine. Explore art beyond the visible and uncover the reality as a constant being that changes as you explore. Agam explains this journey as the 4th dimension - the dimension of time and movement, change, and the unexpected. The museum explores six decades of Agam’s groundbreaking artistic research through a mix of temporary exhibitions and permanent displays that feature some of his most important artworks, theories and explanations, and kabbalistic influences. @RAN ARAD Sensory Experience Gracing the entrance of the building, the lobby, and the central hall are Agam’s “Pillars of Clila,” named after his late wife and courtesy of the Kadar Family and Naomi Foundation. Featuring 29 intricately designed columns, they combe the partition between inside and outside, releasing a visual symphony with each step a new motif. The museum includes a multi-stage media hall for exhibits and performances and private or group tours. In addition, the

Manara is headed by Chef Nimrod Hadas (TYO Restaurant Group), who has brought to life some of the most iconic restaurants in the city, including Toto, Turquoise, and Raphael. Stunning the locals with creativity, innovation, and a breathtaking panoramic multi-layered view of the shoreline, it offers a snapshot of Tel Aviv’s vitality in orange sunkissed hues. The menu showcases ocean-focused Levantine-Mediterranean cuisine, which draws inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean regions and the Middle East and impresses with the finest local ingredients, exotic spices, and juxtapositions of harmonizing elements.  The menu is creatively composed of three courses: Island, Land, and Sea. For the whole experience, create a tapestry of all three. The Island pulls off small, affordable chef plates that are perfect alongside a refreshing glass of wine.  @Pr Some favorites are the roasted lamb feta with olive oil and honey, smoked labneh, and the tabun (clay-baked oven) focaccia with smooth tomato salsa. The Land presents vegetables that take center stage. Opt for options like the sweet potato with burnt labneh, asparagus roasted in a Jasper oven and drizzled with parmesan, and the luscious Jerusalem artichoke tortellini.  Finally, you’ll find main courses from the Sea menu, such as the sea fish carpaccio, Pastis butter sea bar with tomato, spinach, and kalamata olives, or the grouper kebab, with matbucha, dill, and garlic tzatziki. The wine menu is extensive, and the cocktails are st

Maree Sky Lounge is one of Israel's most brilliant collaborations in the last few years.  Well-loved Chef Aviv Moshe and celebrated restauranteur Itzik Russo present a 900-meter rooftop with 15th-floor views at the elegant Hotel Vert in the beach city of Netanya.   Crafted by award-winning designer Nir Ran, the elements of the sea, sand, and land are the muse, flawlessly creating the base for the incredible farm-to-table ingredients and the freshest sashimi, tartare, and vegetables in the country. Kosher haute cuisine meets stunning panoramic beauty and sunset rays meet culinary brilliance, the epitome of destination dining for the stylish and in the know.  @Pr Mixologist Or Asulin pulls off cocktail artistry and ingenuity at the highest level, and he even hosted Mr. Joe Biden on his last visit, a level of prestige and artistry fit for the president. Chef Aviv Moshe showcases French Cuisine with Mediterranean touches making Maree one of the hottest spots in the country for seeing and being seen.  Laggon Vert Hotel , 16 Floor, Netanya, 09-7410909, www.maree.co.il, instagram.com/mareeskybar

Celebrity Chef Aviv Moshe is one of the most-loved chefs in the city, known for creating impeccable French dishes with Mediterranean touches and creating haute-cuisine of magical expertise. Here he takes Kosher cuisine to a whole new level. Poupée’s contemporary abstract design spreads over 470 meters; gold hues and circular bars create a theatrical atmosphere. Dreams come true as you dine in a land of fantasy, enveloped by exquisite vibes, an impressive menu, and incredible attention to detail. @amir menahaem Chef Aviv Moshe presents upscale kosher cuisine with Mediterranean touches. A cacophony of spices and concepts that mesh flawlessly into melodic dishes that surprise with every bite.  Imagine dishes like sweet potato candy with labane cream, Thassos olives, green beans, sabich tartar with a cured egg yolk grated on top, eggplant spirals, tomato amba, and sesame crackers. The way to order is to sample as many starters as possible and discover a fantastic and adventurous dining journey. The evening begins with a family-friendly crowd looking for a polished kosher experience, and as the night heats up, top-notch DJs pump out beats, and the vibe becomes one of the hottest in the city. Cocktails are taken seriously here; creativity is overflowing with one of the city’s top mixologists, Or Asulin, who creates sips of the highest craftsmanship.  23 De Fijotto St, Tel Aviv,  077-2302777, poupeetlv.co.il, instagram.com/poupee.tlv

This spot on the Tel Aviv beachside just happens to be incredibly magical, close to the hip and happening Baywatch vibes, surfers strutting by, Tel Aviv leisure at its best. In addition, Stolero is right next to the Gordon pool, an iconic pillar of Israel’s beach culture, which makes it the perfect location for parties, events, and a full day of fun and sun.  Solero is a hub for beach dining with light brown oak tables and chairs, a sleek and classy design, aqua blue highlights from the sea, and boats as the backdrop. Chef Shaouli Ezra heads the kitchen, showcasing modern Israeli and Levantine cuisine using the best local ingredients as inspiration. Ezra graduated with honors from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. On the menu, you’ll find options like Thai salmon sashimi, noodle crunch, wasabi cream, local greens, and pineapple or fish carpaccio with mint, crème fraiche, and roasted pistachio.  @ASAF KARELA Fresh pasta and pizzas also star on the menu, as well as grilled meats.  Vegans will find a strong selection of options, and fresh local produce shines in an assortment of appetizers.  Chef Shauly Ezra's desserts are some of the best in the city; he studied pastry in France. The menu includes a banana knafe with mascarpone cream and banana toffee,  a salted caramel pretzel crème brulée, or matcha semifreddo with white chocolate. Breakfast is an endless feast; opt for the platter for two, with a selection of fresh bread, cheeses, fresh seasonal fruit, and over-the-

Located in a secluded spot on Hertzl St, not far from Rothschild Boulevard— it is on one of the city's busiest streets. White tablecloths greet you, and the vibe is friendly, approachable, and incredibly creative and polished. For more than 30 years, Pronto has become a favorite for creative dishes, the most delicate meat, fish, seafood, and local brilliance. Worldwide Awards Chef David Frankel, the restaurant’s acclaimed chef, has won a lot of attention worldwide, including the “San Pellegrino Cup” award for “audience’s favorite course” at the prestigious award ceremony. He has worked at some of the best places in the world, including Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York, Mugaritz in Saint Sebastian, and the prestigious Noma in Denmark.  @Pr Italian Food at its best Start your dinner with fresh sourdough, white lima bean cream, romesco, and a crisp salad with a white wine vinaigrette & a medley of roasted seeds, or fish tartar with a tapioca puff, and kimchi kohlrabi. Handmade plates of pasta with innovative sauces are a winning choice, with options such as corn ravioli with yellow tomatoes and brioche crumbs or lamb tortellini, chicken consommé, and organic corn. Meat lovers will rejoice with options like prime ribs, New York, and Porterhouse.  Water your palate The wine list is a symphony, bringing together Israel’s finest alongside the best of Italy and France. Local wine connoisseurs frequent Pronto because they get to taste their way around the Mediterranean and sample

Glitz & Glamour Behind the concept are some of the city’s most creative entrepreneurs, Tzachi and Eido Hagag, both from Israel’s leading real estate company, Hagag Group, and Chef Shachaf Shabtay. The spacious, intricately designed 2,200-square-meter restaurant was designed and supervised by Georgio Armani, the only building and restaurant in Israel to receive this prestigious honor. The process was under strict supervision and design standards, from the intricately decorated ceilings to the hand-crafted gold and Armani-hued tables. You can see the Armani stamp of approval at all three corners of the restaurant.  “Breaking the rules”  Pop & Pope has given new meaning to the connection between dining, upscale design, and art reminiscent of the days of salons, where gatherings to discuss art and culture brought the passionate together. It’s an art gallery and hub for artists, performers, and art enthusiasts, basically all the paintings and sculptures are for sale. Shahaf Shabtay heads Pop & Pope and has extensive global experience, a culinary genius, known for “breaking the rules” in the kitchen and his deep expertise in numerous schools of Asian cuisine. He combines excellent local ingredients with his signature Asian details and renowned brilliance, working his magic on fresh raw fish, seafood, and other exotic, hard-to-find ingredients. The menu is divided by utensils instead of courses, a metaphor for how to indulge in each bite: chopsticks, spoon, teaspoon, fork, and knife

The stellar location means you’ll find the Cameri Theater of Tel Aviv, the country's most prominent and prolific theater, and the Israeli Opera, all within a reasonable distance. Pastel is a modern Israeli-Levantine brasserie that presents contemporary cuisine combined with vibrant local ingredients, all with a classy, haute-couture style. Pastel’s decor coincides with the most recent wing of the Tel Aviv Art Museum. The building’s exterior layer is inspired sculpturally, creating the seating and bar area that has won world-class attention, including the Best Designed Restaurant Space Design Award in Idea-Tops of 2014.  Open for lunch or dinner, or even just cocktails and bites, three separate seating areas separate this elegant and roomy space; the main room, a chic and modern restaurant with cherry furniture and lots of natural light, the outside patio peaking over the sculpture garden, or finally the “cocoon,” a charming hidden bar for drinks with friends or a romantic meal. The restaurant is headed by creative genius Chef Gal Ben Moshe who owns the award-winning Prism in Berlin (with his partner) and is the second Israeli-born chef to receive a Michelin star. @Pr The menu showcases the overflowing creativity of the region and unique local ingredients that complement each other. Start with fresh fruit with charcoaled cheese, Mizuna leaves, black tahini, or red tuna with watermelon, sesame, and Ponzu coffee. For mains, handmade plates of pasta, fresh gnocchi, lamb, prime

Breakfast is a huge part of Israeli culture, and Benedict remains a quintessential Israeli experience. The reason is simple; Benedict showcases comfort food and abundance like nowhere else. People come to munch on breakfast at any time of the day Benedict's winning concept was a dream of four friends who wanted to open a stylish restaurant that make the day's first meal a full-day vibe, a hub for socializing, a dreamy spot for breakfast adventurers and classic food lovers alike.  @Pr Jam-packed with every comfort food imaginable, Benedict showcases light meals and over-the-top breakfasts, with a vast spread of condiments and details from the freshest local ingredients. The global selection makes their menu one-of-a-kind with Steak & Eggs, Croque Monsieur, towering pancakes, potatoes, sausages, French toast, and more.  Everything here is on point, from the bottomless basket of bread to freshly squeezed O.J. to crispy bacon, and fries. Shakshuka lovers will meet their match with three different versions, the green shakshuka with spinach and greens, a spicy bacon version, and the classic, with extras of your choice. Since 2006, Benedict has been winning the hearts of locals by redefining Israeli breakfasts and winning many accolades, including Time Out’s “Eating And Drinking Awards,” year after year. With various locations around the country, there are three main branches in Tel Aviv, all in trendy, vibrant areas: Ben Yehuda, the Corner of Rothchild/Allenby, and well-loved Sar

Modern Creativity Unlike Anywhere Else Though Tel Aviv’s restaurant scene is incredibly diverse, a fine dining institution of this level is hard to come by. However, George & John restaurant is one of the city’s most -loved restaurants showcasing local contemporary haute-cuisine. Named one of the 50 best restaurants in the  Middle East & North Africa, George & John showcases the regional and seasonal best in all its glory. Housed in the historic 160-year-old Drisco Hotel and led by Chef Tomer Tal, named one of the most promising chefs in the country by the prestigious Gault & Millau guide. Tal uses modern techniques combined with incredible ingredients to create a dining experience that is creative, innovative, and artistically beautiful. This stunningly-designed restaurant has staked its reputation on incredibly creative dishes that are a work of art, with incredible fish, meat, vegetables, and seafood as the muse. @Pr Local produce is celebrated with dishes like the charcoal-grilled asparagus in a caper-vinaigrette with thistle cheese alongside za’atar foam, or a cucumber and melon carpaccio, curry vinaigrette, lemongrass, celery salsa, and Tulum cheese. The handmade pasta, Josper-oven meat, and fish dishes are in a league of their own. Finally, George & John showcases a selection of the best breakfasts in the city. Book George & John’s elegant private dining floor, One Table, for special events. There is a spacious knight’s table and a sleek lounge, established in 1925,