Tel Aviv is all set to welcome Eurovision next week. Predictions are that 10,000 tourists will be enjoying the city between 14th and 18th May when the campest competition in the (European) community rolls into town.
Even those there for purely for the spectacle should make time to enjoy some of Tel Aviv’s fabulous food. If you’re flying in and out you’ll want to know where to find the best places to grab a bite or enjoy a cocktail and soak up some of the city’s famed hospitality so we’ve asked some of the experts for their picks:
Avi Zak, Managing Partner, The Drisco Hotel, Tel Aviv
George & John
Our hotel restaurant, named after the original two founders of the original hotel on this site opened in 1866. Chef Tomer Tal and his team serve up modern Israeli food in the very grand dining room.
Yaffo-Tel Aviv
Renowned chef Haim Cohen uses innovative techniques to serve up food that is a combination of everything Tel Aviv and Jaffa with some Jerusalem and a lot of European influence. Fine dining.
Taizu
A stylish restaurant in which to eat possibly the best Far Eastern food in Tel Aviv. One of Tel Aviv’s best restaurants but definitely worth a splurge.
Shila
Sharon Cohen’s fine food in a stylish atmosphere. A family-run Tel Aviv restaurant that’s been around for many years. Another special occasion place, but worth pushing the boat out for.
Barak Aharoni - Executive Chef of Alena Restaurant
HaBasta
I love the casual vibrant atmosphere of this restaurant based in Carmel Market. The excellent menu changes daily depending on the produce available in the market and a superb wine list.
Bar 51
This great wine bar has a superb bar menu of small tasting plates from Chef Moshiko Gamieli of Mona in Jerusalem.
Salimi
As authentic as it gets Persian food in Lewinsky market area .
Hayley Levy and Linda Mady - Co-founders EasyBEE, Hospitality Consultants, Tel Aviv
Hakosem -
This is Israeli street food at its absolute best - lots of vegetarian options like humous and his signature fried aubergine. Hakosem means Magician and Arik, the owner is exactly this when it comes to food and hospitality. don't be put off by the queues. Shlomo Hamelech St 1, Tel Aviv
The Social Club -
A funky bistro is always buzzing and offers a menu that works for everyone. Food is a Middle Eastern/ European mash up and cocktails are cool. You’ll find it bang in the middle of Rothschild Boulevard. Rothschild Boulevard 45, Tel Aviv.
Ezra bar at barbunia.
It’s a North Tel Aviv foodie institution, opposite the main Barbunia restaurant. Intimate vibrant bar with loud music, very fresh fish and an endless supply of refillable side dishes. All fish come either baked or fried. 163 Ben yehuda st.
Gil Hovav, culinary journalist, author and television personality
Santa Katerina –
A perennial foodie favourite that serves up great local Mediterranean food. Tables flow onto an outdoor courtyard next to the Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv and the vibe is fun. 2 Har Sinai St, Tel Aviv. 058-7820292
Bar Imperial –
This has to be the best secret bar in TLV, hidden away in the Imperial Hotel. They stay open until 2.30am and also serve great food. 66 HaYarkon Street, Tel Aviv IL. 972.73.264.9464 http://imperialtlv.com
HaKubiyya
(at the HaTikva market) - funky market restaurant, open for lunch and dinner.
Hannan Margilan –
You will find amazing Uzbek food at this family-owned Bukharian restaurant in the Shapira neighbourhood. Be prepared for lots of meat — from meat skewers to dumplings and meat-filled pastries. 15 Mesilat Yesharim St
Bana –
A cool vegan place serving up a daily changing menu for lunch and dinner. 36 Nachmani St. Tel Aviv www.banatlv.com
