Israel
Jerusalem
During a recent trip to Israel, on the afternoon and evening of our first day in the country, I heard something for the first time â explosions from missiles! After speaking to a few locals, I learned that it was coming from the Gaza Strip area, about 90 kms from Tel Aviv. They assured me Tel Aviv was safe as Israel had an âiron domeâ anti missile defense system that was apparently â99% effectiveâ. It was quite the experience. I grew up hearing about conflict in this area of the world, and places like the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Palestine, and Israel, were constantly in the news. However, being far away from it all, I never really looked into the issues and what was causing the conflict. Having now been to this region of the world, and taking the time to speak to locals on all sides of the issues, I now have a better understanding of the complex issues going on.
Tel Aviv – Things to do
Beaches
There are many cool characteristics about Tel Aviv. For one, its a very walkable city, another is its beaches. I would say that they are one of the defining characteristics of the city. Its one of the first things I saw from my hotel room when arriving in the city.
On the cityâs Western side is a long stretch of beaches on the Mediterranean and you can walk the entire strip in about 40 minutes starting from Jaffa beach and ending at Gordon beach near the Sheraton (where we stayed).
Tel Aviv – Restaurant
George & John
George and John is a Tel Aviv restaurant that was named the best in Israel in 2023âs â50 Bestâ list. Upon arrival, our table was not ready so we were seated in a waiting lounge.
We let our server choose what food to have and she started us with the red tuna tartare.Most things were delicious though I would skip the dish with the bao buns as they werenât prepared correctly. Overall, service was a bit slow. The atmosphere is nice and the food is good for the most part. Its not the best restaurant we went to in Israel though.
Tel Aviv – Restaurant
Animar
Animar is a restaurant in Tel Aviv that is #17 on the Worldâs 50 Best â North Africa and the Middle East list. The restaurant is situated across the street from the beach strip. I would request a window seat for a nice view. Here is a video and you can see the seats by the window where we sat (at the end of the video).
Overall, flavors were good, setting was nice, and the service was good. I would return and recommend this place.
Tel Aviv – Restaurant
Night Kitchen
Thinking back on my trip to Israel there was really only one disappointing meal â Night Kitchen. Here was the menu that night. We went for the dinner with friends option which basically allows you to choose a few items from the menu, drinks, dessert and discounts on wine. The meal started with some bread.
Overall this was a disappointing meal. Poor use of acidity, unremarkable ingredients, and not so great service. I would skip this place.
Tel Aviv – Restaurant
Claro
Claro in Tel Aviv describes itself as a Mediterranean âfarm to tableâ restaurant. The day we arrived for dinner, it was extremely packed and they said they could not find our reservation. After some back and forth with my assistant, it was discovered that she had book at table at 9, which the restaurant (which serves breakfast) interpreted as 9AM. She should of specified 9PM or 21:00. So if you dine here, make sure you clarify the time. Anyway, after everything was cleared up, they were able to accommodate us and we were shown to our table. First, the exterior of the place was nice.
Tel Aviv – Restaurant
M25
M25 is a butcher shop/chophouse restaurant located near the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. Its on the 50 Best Discovery List too. The place is incredible! The vibe is indoor/outdoor lwith house music bumping in the background which adds to the exciting atmosphere.
Perfectly cooked, perfectly tender, and perfectly seasoned. We ended the meal with the crack pie (not as good as momofuku) and some cocktails. They also gave us a shot of arak!
Tel Aviv – Restaurant
Abu Hassan
Another place in Tel Aviv that is well known for its hummus and falafel is Abu Hassan. Its located in Jaffa which is the old part of Tel Aviv. The place has a small menu which I like â focus on one thing, and do it perfect!
We ordered the hummus and falafel. While it was good, it was not as good as the previous dayâs meal at Hakosem.
Overall, service was quick as its a fast in and out kind of place. I would go if you are in the neighborhood, but would not make a special trip out just to have the hummus here.
Tel Aviv – Restaurant
Timna
My first dinner in Tel Aviv was at Timna. The chef brings elements of food that he experienced from around the world to Israeli food. Its extremely well executed. I went for the 10 course tasting menu and was seated at the chefâs counter. It was an extremely enjoyable evening. The first thing I learned was that Israel produced wine AND ITS VERY GOOD! I had Israeli wine a few times on this trip and it never disappointed. Here was the drink menu and a few bottles.
Now for the food which was beautifully presented and tasted amazing. To give you an example of the international influence, for one of the courses, the chef served a shrimp toast from dim sum.
Tel Aviv – Restaurant
Hakosem
There are two things most people will tell you to eat on a trip to Israel: 1. falafel and 2. hummus. One of the best and highest rated places to get these items is Hakosem in Tel Aviv. This was our first meal on a recent trip there, and the positive reviews are well deserved.
The restaurant is open air and there is seating available. I ordered falafel and hummus.
The pita was some of the best we had in the Middle East â moist and fluffy. The hummus was smooth and very delicious. As with many places in the Middle east, you will get some raw onions to go with your hummus.
Akko, Haifa, Caesarea
Uri Buri / Ghanam Shawarmaâ
On a day trip from Tel Aviv we rented a car and headed out to Caesarea National Park as our first stop. Highlights here include an ancient Roman theater, beautiful seaside views, a hippodrome, and various other ruins.
From here we proceeded to Haifa where the main attraction is the Bahai Garden. Its a gorgeous view and very unique.
By this time, we were getting hungry and the cab drivers in Tel Aviv told us Haifa was known for Shawarma. So we searched for the best shawarma in the city and think we found it at Shawarma Ghanam! We shared one to start, but it was so good, I had to order a second. This may very well of been the best shawarma of the trip!