The best Tel Aviv street food

As all the restaurants and eateries in the city are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, polished, and sealed with a neat bow, an authentic initiative feels like a breath of fresh air. Such is Jasmino, the cool snack bar helmed by restaurateur Shaul Tevet. Perched on Allenby - the busy nightlife hub, Tevet offers locals a quality street food establishment that draws the drunk munch crowd. The unexpected gem serves simple, yet sensational, charcoal grilled options in grab-and-go pitas. The four options include: kebabs, chicken, housemade sausage, and spicy veal heart. All of these come with salad and pita, hot peppers, grilled onions and tahini. Be the first in your group to swing by this hot spot magnet, then tell all your friends. The more the merrier.

When you hear the word “pita,” you may automatically think of falafel, shawarma, and sabich. At Miznon, celebrity Chef Eyal Shani is redefining the pita as a serving vessel for a plethora of mouthwatering meat and vegetarian options. Just about anything you can fit in a pita is on offer here, including a rich and meaty minute steak, shakshuka, chicken liver, and kebabs. Vegans and vegetarians alike can find tasty fare here too, with a slow-cooked ratatouille that melts in your mouth and the juicy head of a whole cauliflower that oozes flavor. Paired with the loud and lively atmosphere and the free pita and tahini nibbles, Miznon is the Mecca of Israeli street food. Don’t forget to visit their other locations at 1 HaNechoshet St and 30 King George.

For those missing a slice of oversized pizzas — 50 cm to be precise — the Brooklyn-style pizza that doesn’t fall apart also seems to have a never-ending selection of toppings like artichokes, ham and cornichons, all with some serious New York nostalgia. For a decadent ending to your meal, get the calzone filled with nutella alongside some luscious soft serve ice cream.  

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best. Mifgash Haosher features two dishes, salad and falafel. The crispy on the outside, soft on the inside falafel is served with an insanely fresh salad and topped with tahini. The awesome energy inside the restaurant is contagious and you cannot help but feel the sense of pride beaming from its chefs and owners. If you are looking for an authentic, fantastic, classic Israeli meal, Mifgash Haosher is the real deal.

Deep in the heart of the Carmel Market, amongst the hustle and bustle of shoppers, tourists and exotic characters, you’ll find a little hub of Venezuelan cuisine, which stands out through its appetising smells and welcoming staff. From griddle breads stuffed with chicken and cheese to corn maize ‘pockets’ of shredded beef, black beans, avocado and cheese (which adds that melt-in-your-mouth crispy finish to keep you coming back time and again), the menu options are so diverse that anyone can combine the right flavors to suit their liking. But wait, there’s more! The dedication to producing the freshest-possible food can be witnessed with your very own eyes as it is cooked right in front of you. Grab a Savanna or soft drink and witness the magic in the capital of Tel Aviv street food.

While this restaurant may seem like a simple dining experience, it is clear that an extreme focus and attention to detail is paid to each dish. Fresh eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potato and tahini come together to create the perfect combination of flavors. This masterpiece in a pita is well worth the wait. Rich and affordable at the same time, this quick eat will fill you up and fuel you up for the rest of the day. At only NIS 18 per pita, you can't go wrong!

From the classic rice or salad and tahini side dish to the iconic pita or baguette, the serving vessel doesn’t matter, what matters is the meat. Featuring lamb kebabs grilled to perfection, Shmuel Kebabs is a carnivore’s dream. If the meat skewers weren’t enough to steal your heart, the cute and charming staff offering a chaser of Arak to wash everything down will be. Not only is the food beautiful, but the stylish decor provides a great escape from the chaotic Carmel market just outside its doors.

One of the best Sabich spots in Tel Aviv, no journey down Frishman Street is complete without a stop over at the crowded Frishman Sabich. Wondering what Sabich is? The Iraqi inspired vegetarian street snack (less internationally known than its falafel counterpart) consists of a warm pita filled with roasted eggplant, a little bit of potato, some hard boiled egg, creamy tahini, and unique herbs and spices. Those looking for something a little less exciting, check out Frishman Falafel next door, but we suggest you give Sabich a try, especially at this legendary establishment.

With three branches in Tel Aviv alone, Tony Vespa Pizza is the best spot to grab a slice or two in Tel Aviv. With original flavors and topping choices, Tony Vespa offers vegan options as well as a ton of great meat options. Slices are ordered by weight, so you can choose a custom size that suits your appetite perfectly! If you are looking for a quick and filling bite to eat in the center of Tel Aviv, look no further.

Thanks to their creamy hummus dishes, sensational shawarma, and salads chopped to perfection, it's no surprise Hakosem’s always bustling with customers. You can literally taste the passion in every blissful bite, a passion shared by the chefs and the friendly wait staff. At the end of your meal, you’ll be busting at the seams with satisfaction just as the restaurant is busting at the seams with happy customers.