10 Tel Aviv Hot Spots That Are Worth The Wait

These popular spots in Tel Aviv attract a lot of local attention. While waiting, grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere. Live like a local and check them out: these venues are worth your while.

Port Said

Bar, Middle Eastern

Port Said is always packed with hipster locals who wait patiently in line looking to have a good time, as well as a delicious finger-food meal. The outdoor seating area and live DJ create a laid back and fun amosphere, which makes Port Said feel more like a bar than a restaurant. The menu features the freshest ingredients from the Carmel market nearby, prepared simply yet with a unique touch. A stand out among the many amazing choices are the green beans, which taste just like french fries.

Miznon, Ibn Gabirol Street

Restaurant, Israeli, Street Food

Variety of fresh stuffed pita breads, high angle view, in a row

Miznon has a menu largely comprised of pita with various fillings, ranging from minute steak to ratatouille. At any time of day you can expect a line here, so snack on some pita, tehina and pickles while you wait. Don’t leave without trying their famous, fresh-baked cauliflower. The loud music and lively employees transform this from an ordinary street food joint into an energetic, electric venue.

Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar

Cocktail Bar, Fusion

Ranked the best cocktail bar in the Middle East and Africa, the cozy Imperial Cocktail Bar always draws a large crowd. The entrance to the bar is located through the lobby of the Imperial Hotel, but the door is truly a portal to an old world. The cocktail menu is full and descriptive, and the mixologists can help you navigate on and off the menu, if you wish. They have an intimate knowledge of the drinks they serve and can find you a unique drink with impressive presentation to match.

Abu Hassan/Ali Karavan

Restaurant, Middle Eastern

Abu Hassan Hummus is the most famous and popular Hummus restaurant in Jaffa

Known throughout Tel Aviv as the best hummus in the city, Abu Hassan is always brimming with locals looking for their falafel fix. This is a family-owned establishment with the perfect hummus recipe. The restaurant only serves pita, hummus and falafel but when it comes to these Israeli staples, no one does it better. Find out how to eat hummus like an Israeli.

The Block

Pub, Nightclub, Israeli

No nightlife tour of Tel Aviv is complete without a visit to The Block. There are always lines around the corner here, since the locals, particularly those with a love of electronic music, love to dance into the early morning hours there. The venue is known for drawing DJs of local and international fame, which has only increased its popularity.

Concierge

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Middle Eastern

On any given day, Tel Avivians can be found huddling around Concierge. This is a craft cocktail bar that specializes in unique concoctions with fresh fruits and vegetables. The sophisticated and chic ambiance sets it apart from the other bars on Dizengoff. If you are looking for a fun place to wine and dine, this venue is worth the wait.

Oved Sabich

Deli, Restaurant, Fast Food, Israeli

This Israeli delicacy is not to be missed. Sabich is pita filled with fried eggplant, a hard boiled egg, vegetable salads, tehina and hummus. Do it right and get yours from famous Oved Daniel in Ramat Gan. Daniel speaks in his own language, using sports analogies to help each customer customize their sabich. The quality here is unparalleled.

Taqueria

Restaurant, Mexican

Taqueria is a great place to go for drinks. The margaritas are tantalizingly tasty and inexpensive. If you are hungry, their Mexican fare will satisfy any craving. Between their delicious chips and tacos, everything is a winner.

Cafe Nimrod

Cafe, Restaurant, Bistro, Israeli

When it comes to Israeli breakfasts and brunches, no one does it better than Cafe Nimrod. The restaurant is located on the Port, and those waiting for a table are constantly congesting the area outside the cafe. This extremely generous Galilee-inspired breakfast includes eggs, coffee, various breads and pastries, muesli and an abundance of dips and salads. The food is unbelievable, inexpensive and the service is great too.

About the author

Brooke Yalof

Brooke Yalof is currently a junior at Northwestern University, studying journalism and design. She grew up in New York City and loves to spend weekends reading in Central Park and at local caf?s. Her interests include photography, travel and yoga.