The ultimate guide to Neve Tzedek

The gorgeous building housing Numéro 13 is more than 100 years old, housed in two apartments connected by a shared patio, showering the space with light. Elise, the shop’s owner and a respected figure in the local retail world, also owns Boutique Elise, located just down the street. The huge space gives way to a curated mix (there’s even a hairdresser in one of the open spaces).The wares are dripping with European chic and artful taste, but expect to spend a pretty shekel.

The Suzanne Dellal Center, located at the heart of the picturesque Neve Tzedek neighborhood, has been the spot for Israeli and international dance performances (as well as the home of one of Israel’s most famous troupes, the Batsheva Dance Company) since 1989. A performance at the center and dinner in the restaurants nearby make a great night out.

Anita’s world-famous boutique serves up 100% hand-made ice cream, made from natural ingredients. With over 150 flavours of frozen yogurts, sorbets and organic sugar-free, fat-free, soy-based and real-cream options, Anita has something for everyone. With mouth-watering toppings, such as fresh fruit, syrups, premium chocolates and homemade jams, Anita’s is a treat that can’t be beat! Anita’s locally sourced ingredients ensure the freshest, highest quality desserts. Flavours include brownie, chocolate almonds with caramel, mascarpone ricotta strawberries and tiramisu hazelnut mousse, along with more classic tastes. Try it in a cone or on top of a waffle!

The Neve Tzedek area is well known for its small boutiques that attract European tourists and locals to them like a magnet. Once there, why not duck into Roy Daniel for the full European experience. Nestled inside the ever-fashionable Numero 13, Roy Daniels is a homey salon with a lot of personality. On their website (one of the few English hairdresser websites in town), you can scan their variety of services, which also include hair styling for brides. Prices are not cheap but hey, whoever gets a cut in Neve Tzedek shouldn't complain.

Epicerie means grocery in French, and it’s true that the main section of this magical place is a deli offering cheeses, small pastries and fresh breads, pastas, spreads, wines, preserves, olive oil, and even flowers. Some of the products are imports from France, Spain, Italy and other European countries; others are blue-and-white boutique items. For owner Sigal Taitou, the shop is a direct continuation of her private home. “I bring into this place only what I would bring into my own home, in the fields of food or design,” she says. After purchasing a fresh baguette with fine French cheese, climb the stairs to the airy patio to sit, eat and breathe in the moment. Next to the patio, there’s another space vending beautiful table and bed linens, a mélange of antiques from Europe (think wooden cupboards from France and England), and newer accoutrements from Israeli designers and brands.

For the uninitiated, Fine Lab is the local label from neighbors, friends, and partners-in-crime and design Rinat Gabi Abromovich and Li-Mor Moraver. You won’t find any color here that’s outside the holy trinity of black-white-gray, but you’ll get fun graphics and decorative accents. The shop is situated in an enchanting private house far from the street and the brand has recently added a clothing line made from 100% organic cotton, including blouses, dresses and knitted hooded scarves, plus furniture – sofas, easy chairs, and dining chairs with removable and washable covers. The bed linens are especially covetable.

Located in the beautiful Neve Tzedek is Lorentz and Mintz. This Kosher cafe serves up mouthwatering fresh baked goods, including lemon meringue cheesecake, tartlets filled with pastry cream and homemade strawberry jam, among other delicacies. The menu has unique dishes such as the Fisherman’s Croissant, a fresh, handmade croissant filled with smoked tuna fish, picked lemons, sour cream, fried potatoes, kalamata olives and a soft boiled egg. Of course, no visit would be complete without an aromatic cup of coffee. A must try for anyone who finds themselves in Tel Aviv, this place is not your typical Kosher dairy restaurant.