Where to take a break, score a cup of coffee, while away an afternoon people-watching - or all of the above
Amongst its many attributes, there is one quintessential, citycentric element of Tel Aviv - its kiosks - that just may top even some of its European counterparts, given that ours are open and active year-round.
When we say kiosks, we're referring to the small wooden structures that passerby will undoubtedly notice going to and from – the pit stops are conveniently peppered across the grassy swaths of the city's wide boulevards, wafting intoxicating whiffs of freshly-brewed coffee and artisanal pastries. Some of these kiosks have progressively become landmarks in the city and are not-to-be-missed when strolling on a lazy weekday morning or afternoon, where you can grab a quick bite and take a breather all in one blissful swoop.
This petit light blue kiosk in Neve Tzedek has grand tricks up its sleeve. They offer some sandwiches along with proper meals, including salad and even shakshuka, some sweets and coffee. The wonderful thing is that you can hit this place up after work for some drinks that prides its ingredients on changing with the seasons.
Kiosk Est. 1920, 3 Lilienblum St
Walking on Rothschild Boulevard, a bit before the onslaught of restaurants, there is a simple but precise kiosk. It’s got its regulars amongst the residents of Little Tel Aviv (you’ll even recognize the dogs at some point), and in accordance - high quality coffee, vegan sweets, puffy pastries, freshly-squeezed juices and yummy, yummy food. The line over there exists for a justified reason, folks.
Oh, Toto, I don’t think we’re on Dizengoff anymore. At this quintessentially south Tel Aviv establishment, you’ll be welcomed with smiles and a cold glass of water. They have home-made sweets and keeping with Sabra tradition, gazoz from concentrates they make in-house, showcased as endless jars of fruit in the process of fermentation.
An oasis in the hustle and bustle of Ibn Gabirol Street's mayhem, Café Castel offers freshly-chopped salads, cold pasta variations and sandwiches, along with coffee, pastries, and of course, quick-fix snacks for those crazy busy days. It’s worth it to have a seat here - if not just for the fun location, then for the plastic Oscar statue with a celebrity name they give you to mark your table.
Look no further for your Friday morning hotspot. In this kiosk, the sandwiches are extremely creative and always fresh, the staff is always cheerful, and the coffee is crafted with great care. They specialize in all things carbohydrates, including some vegan options, and you can sit at one of the adjacent wooden tables or benches, or take a picnic blanket and sit on the grass.
We Like You, Too, 34 Ben Tziyon Blvd
In Nordau you can find all the great coffee with none of the city noise. This small wood and stone box is just so chic. It offers sandwiches and sweets and some warm beverages. It’s a go-to spot for cool new parents and their fashionable baby strollers, those who are Old-North born and bred, and young couples with their parents' sheks to spend. So yummy, so very chic.
Nordau Kiosk, Nordau St and Sokolov St
This nameless kiosk, right across the street from Tamara, is really God’s gift to Tel Avivians. It has a similar menu to We Like You, Too pastries-wise, along with some other special sandwiches. Grab a paper, some coffee and a delicious treat, and enjoy watching the city go about its day around you.
Dizegoff St and Ben Gurion Blvd
The first-ever kiosk in Tel Aviv, right on Rothschild Boulevard, has recently debuted new and deliciously Instagrammable ice cream options that have inevitably spawned long lines stretching across the street. But the kiosk is most famous for its gazoz, a fizzy soft drink made from sparkling water and a fruit concentrate – making it a staple of the city in the good ol' days. Even local ingénue and 2018 Eurovision winner Netta Barzilay took Prince William there when he visited last summer.
Espresso Bar Kiosk, Rothchild Blvd & Herzl St
This one is a must on the city’s culinary map. The famous juice stand originally made a name for itself serving tourists, beachgoers, and locals on both chilly winter mornings and sweaty summer days. Tamara offers a variety of freshly-squeezed juices and smoothies, as well as artisanal popsicles made by the brand.
Tamara, 171 Dizengoff St
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