Israel’s many and varied immigrant groups have left their mark on the cuisine of Israel. The exotic tastes and aromas of ethnic restaurants spice up any visit to Tel Aviv! Below you will find our recommendations for ethnic dining in Tel Aviv. There are many more than these and we welcome you to explore the magic of Tel Aviv’s eateries.
Istanbul-Turkish restaurant (Kosher)
10 Carlebach St. Tel Aviv
Turkish cuisine is especially rich and varied. Guests can choose to sit inside or outside on a veranda and become immersed in the exotic aromas and tastes of the surroundings imaging themselves in Istanbul. From the exotic salads and appetizers including lekarda from the Black Sea and sojuk-special Turkish sausage to a main dish such as lachmalon, stuffed grape leaves, meatballs of bulghur and meat there is something for every taste at Istanbul. Try the lamb kababs, or a unique dish of rice and very fine noodles served with lots chopped meat and lots of tehina and parsley. Enjoy the same wonderful food at an especially attractive price during their business lunch hours.
Indira-Indian restaurant (not Kosher)
4 Shaul Hamelekh St. Tel Aviv
Find here the best of the cuisine of the Indian kitchen with all its wonderful spices and exotic flavors. Unlike others Indira offers dishes from northern India as well as the rest of the country including tandura- and for vegetarians with the special Indian cheese-panir. Choose to sit inside or outside on the veranda. Soon there will also be a Shanti room serving typical Indian street food and alcoholic beverages from the subcontinent. We recommend stuffed potatoes with panir cheese with a delicious sauce of ground vegetables and nuts. Enjoy a several course business lunch at an excellent price too.
Habash-Ethiopian restaurant (Kosher)
2 Allenby St. Tel Aviv
Anyone looking for a real culinary adventure should find their way to the beginning of Allenby St. near the sea and the fountain to Habash. The décor recreates a large authentic Ethiopian hut with traditional decorations, music and the tastes and smells of a country Ethiopian kitchen. To cater to Western needs the blankets and pillows have been replaced by tables and chairs. But there is no flatware. The centerpiece of the meal is the traditional Ethiopian bread known as injara made from African “teff” grain which looks like a thin type of laffa with a slightly sour taste. Surrounding the injara are spicy offerings of meat and vegetables. Finish the meal with traditional organic Ethiopian coffee called buna or with taj-an Ethiopian honey liqueur. Desserts aren’t a big part of Ethiopian cuisine.
To get the best of everything order injara with a combination of meat and vegetarian side dishes. For a special treat on Thursday and Saturday nights the restaurant offers entertainment including traditional music, dancers, and musical instruments. No extra charge for the performance!
Nanocheka-Georgian restaurant (not Kosher)
28 Lilienblum St. Tel Aviv
When Nana Shreir, an immigrant from Georgia, formerly a part of the Soviet Union longed for the native, hard to prepare Georgian holiday cuisine she was hard pressed to find any. So she opened her own restaurant where everyone can enjoy the festive delicacies all year round. The food is very traditional although somewhat modified for a more Western palate. The recipes have been handed down from generation to generation. Besides the great food the restaurant has the reputation of being the happiest in town. Every night finds a DJ and the celebrations begin! Our recommendation-tinkali- stuffed with mixture of goose and beef. But for the best taste of a Georgian kitchen try the fachali-Georgian antipasti including samples of all the best salads available. The restaurant also offers a business lunch.
Beit Thailandi-Thai restaurant (not Kosher)
8 Bergshov corner of Ben Yehuda Tel Aviv
No food lover should miss Beit Thailandi. This isn’t a typical westernized Thai restaurant but the real thing. The restaurant serves strictly authentic Thai food made from the freshest ingredients. Coconut milk is extracted on the premises. The Thai vegetables grown here come right from the fields and even Thai alcohol is available. The huge menu offers over 100 choices. The atmosphere is pleasant and the wait staff is professional patiently explaining the offerings to the guests. Our recommendation-Tum Yahm soup in all its variations with chicken, seafood, or tofu. Try a clear soup with herbs, and a cornucopia of vegetables. The restaurant offers a complete business lunch.