The Top 3 Restaurants I've Tried in Tel Aviv (So Far)
It's official - I've been living in Tel Aviv for 2 months today! I've just been trying to take it day-by-day settling into my new apartment, getting used to my new job, and trying to make new friends.
Something I'm quickly discovering is that one of the best ways to get to know this city is through the food. There seem to be endless amounts of must-try restaurants, killer happy hours, and a whole lot of night life to experience. Between limited funds and only 24 hours in the day, I've obviously only scratched the surface of the Tel Aviv culinary scene, but here are the top 3 places I've eaten at so far:
Bucke Cafe
My favorite meal of the day in Israel has got to be breakfast (which in Tel Aviv almost always actually means brunch the day after a night out). I love the huge spreads of eggs, cheeses, salads, breads and juices. I've made it my job (doesn't pay well) to try all the recommended breakfasts in Tel Aviv. A good Israeli breakfast has to be fresh AF and have a good variety. Bad bread is a deal breaker.
Enter my new favorite brunch spot, Bucke (pronounced boo-keh) Cafe. Known for their iconic trays, Bucke is a fun neighborhood spot with chill vibes and friendly staff (often rare in Israel). My personal favorite is the classic Bucke Tray - a plentiful spread of salad, tehina, roasted veggies, eggs, labaneh (spreadable sour cream cheese), and tuna salad, all served with delicious whole-grain bread. I also recommend the Omri Tray, essentially a deconstructed bagel and lox, and the shakshuka. There are also vegan options, certified tasty by my vegan friends. Great coffee, baked goods, and a decent selection of fresh juices make for the perfect brunch spot.
There are two locations: Ahad Ha'Am St 91 and Yehuda HaMaccabi St 40. On Friday morning you'll probably have to wait around 15-30 minutes, but it's 100% worth it!
Ca Phe Hanoi
Some people tell me that Israel is in Asia, technically. I'm don't know if they are right, but I do know that Israel is lacking when it comes to authentic Asian food (compared to Sacramento, of course). One of my catch phrases is "I miss Chinese food made by Chinese people, for Chinese people", and Vietnamese food made by Vietnamese people (for Vietnamese people) was definitely something my family ate often.
Ca Phe Hanoi is not Chinese food, but it is very delicious (and kosher!) Vietnamese food. Lime, chili, fish sauce, sweet, spicy, and savory, their menu features traditional Vietnamese dishes cooked with all the right flavors. I went with a fellow foodie friend (Eliana - check her out). We started with the papaya salad, which was a refreshing mix of sweet, tangy, and spiciness. I had the Chicken Bo-Bun, a very delicious rendition of the classic Vietnamese cold, rice noodle salad filled with flavorful meat, veggies, and crushed peanuts. I added a perfectly crispy egg roll to mine for another 10 shekels. Wash it all down with one of their yummy cocktails for the perfect treatyoself dinner.
Ca phe Hanoi is located at Malkhei Yisra'el St 3. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
La Shuk
If there is one thing Tel Aviv knows how to do (that I need to learn how to do) it's a good happy hour. There was recently a viral post going around listing every single happy hour in Tel Aviv, and I was like gotta catch'em all. (But my bank account is like you're not ready to be a happy hour master.)
My friend Michelle was visiting so I took the opportunity to go check out the happy hour deals at La Shuk. Sunday-Thursday from 6-8pm they have 30% off drinks and food. Located right on Dizengoff Square, I'd describe La Shuk as an upscale translation of Israeli cuisine, mixed with European flavors. Michelle and I had perfectly cooked roasted cauliflower with tehina, and an incredibly delicious smoked cheese and spinach risotto. I'll have to go back soon (after pay day) to try more food and every one of the fresh and tasty cocktails.
La Shuk is located at Dizengoff 92, right off of Dizengoff square. I recommend making a reservation if you're going later in the evening, especially on a Thursday or Friday.
Have an amazing recommendation in Tel Aviv for me?connect with me on Instagram @mybestbroamy
