Israel has the best food in the world; and I say that having lived there for five years. The fresh produce, incredible dips like hummus and tahini, and the Middle Eastern take on Mediterranean food is genuinely hard to beat. And if you want to experience the best of it in one neighbourhood, go to Jaffa.
Jaffa, known as Yafo in Hebrew, is a small ancient port city that forms part of greater Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-largest city sitting right on the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, and today it’s home to a thriving mix of Jewish and Arab communities, which makes it one of the most culturally rich and culinarily exciting must-see places in Israel.
While nightlife in Tel Aviv is a major draw for both tourists and locals, head just a little south and you’ll find a thriving culinary scene. The mix of Jewish and Arab communities makes it incredibly rich and diverse in both food and culture. Keep reading for a look at all the must-see areas and restaurants in Jaffa, Israel.
1. The Namal (Jaffa Port) Area
When visiting Jaffa, the Namal (Old Jaffa) is a great place to start – both for the views and the food. As you can probably derive from the name, the Namal is an active port where you will often see boats docking or setting out.
If you are a beach lover, there are also several beaches you can visit within walking distance of the port. The water in the Mediterranean is warmer than many oceans, and you can find swimmers, surfers, and paddle boarders enjoying the water year-round.
For food, there are number of excellent restaurants in the Jaffa port where you can enjoy local favorites like falafel, pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, mixed Israeli salad and many more. You also have several selections for the main course, including fish, meat and chicken. If you’d prefer to explore Old Jaffa with a local guide, GoWithGuide connects you with private guides for food walks and neighbourhood tours – worth considering if it’s your first visit.
2. Abu Hassan
Easily the most famous hummus restaurant in Jaffa, if not all of Israel, Abu Hassan is a hole-in-the-wall hummus joint near the Jaffa Port with options to take out or eat in.
Either way, be prepared to wait in a massive line of both Arabs and Jews, especially if you go during the weekend. Often, patrons who wanted to eat in but decided against waiting for a table can be found lounging on the curb and benches nearby eating their hummus.
To clarify, hummus restaurants in Israel typically only serve hummus and pita with very minimal add-ons, such as falafel. These staples are simple and delicious, but if you’re looking for a wide variety you won’t find it here.
Abu Hassan Hummus
Ha-Dolfin St 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
3. Restaurants near Jaffa Clock Tower
Jaffa Clock Tower
Yefet St 14, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
The Jaffa Clock tower isn’t something you need to specifically set out to see, it’s more a beautiful site that you’re likely to encounter as you walk around Jaffa. The clock tower is set on one of the main roads running through Jaffa, called Yefet Street. While the street itself is a fairly busy thoroughfare, you will likely need to cross it at some point during your visit, meaning the clock tower is a worthwhile stop for a quick photo.
4. Abu Elafia Bakery
If you’re walking around near the Clock Tower and want something quick to eat, stop by the Abu Elafia Bakery. This historic spot has been serving fresh breads and pastries for generations, and it’s a great place to grab a warm pita or za’atar flatbread straight from the oven.
Abu Elafia Bakery
Yefet St 7, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
5. Aroma
There are also several small coffee shops not far from the clock tower, including Aroma, the Israeli version of Starbucks. While the coffee is decent rather than mind-blowing, it’s worth a try if you want to feel like a local.
Aroma
Jerusalem Blvd 15, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
6. Dr. Shakshuka
Also near the clock tower is one of Jaffa’s most famous restaurants – Dr. Shakshuka. The term shakshuka refers to a traditional Israeli dish, made up of tomato paste and eggs cooked in a small skillet.
It might sound weird (and to be totally honest on my first visit I thought it was lasagna that people were eating for breakfast), but it’s delicious and a must-try while in Israel.
Dr. Shakshuka
Beit Eshel St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
7. Abu Nasser-Hinnawi
If you want to eat where locals actually eat, head south to Abu Nasser-Hinnawi at 130 Kedem Street, near the Peres Peace Center. This family restaurant has been run by the same prominent Christian Arab family for generations, and the food reflects that deep-rooted heritage. The menu is meat and seafood, with a distinctly Middle Eastern flavour, and the fish alone is worth the trip down. The meat dishes are equally good. Note that it’s not kosher, so plan accordingly if that matters to your group.
Abu Nasser-Hinnawi
130 Kedem St, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Tel: (03) 507-5539
8. Cafes at Jaffa Flea Market
The Jaffa Flea Market is the city’s main feature, with dozens of small eateries, coffee shops and boutiques stuffed into a few small streets. You will find everything here from an actual flea market (hence the name) to curbside fruit venders and expensive boutiques.
I recommend taking some time to just wander the streets of the flea market area, stopping to shop in the various boutiques and later grab a bite to eat.
However, don’t be deceived by the name “flea market”: in addition to the flea market itself there are also numerous boutiques that are quite expensive. Make sure to check prices before heading to the check-out counter, or you might have a nasty surprise when you see the bill.
Jaffa Flea Market
Olei Zion St, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
9. Onza
For something a little more modern, head to Onza nearby. This lively restaurant blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours with a contemporary twist, and it’s especially popular in the evenings when the atmosphere turns more energetic.
Onza
Rabbi Yohanan St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
8. Cafe Puaa
In terms of food, it’s hard to recommend just one place at the Jaffa Flea Market, but I’ve narrowed it down to my two all-time favorites.
For good, unique food and a relaxing atmosphere, head to Cafe Puaa, where you can find traditional food that’s done really, really well.
While you will likely love nearly everything on the menu, many customers rave about Puaa’s moussaka, a traditional Middle Eastern dish. They also have excellent coffee, so if you need a mid-day pick-me-up, this is a good place to visit.
Cafe Puaa
Rabbi Yohanan St 8, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
10. Albi
My other favorite for a guaranteed good time is Albi, a Greek-style restaurant that has open-air seating and generally turns into one big party on the weekends.
Albi has good food, but the main event here is the Arak, a traditional Middle Eastern liquor. If you want to mix it in a drink, try ordering an Arak lemonana, which is a mix of lemon and nana, the Hebrew word for mint.
Albi
Olei Zion St 6, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
11. Knafeh and Sweets at the Flea Market
Don’t leave the Jaffa Flea Market without eating something sweet. Tucked among the boutiques and antique sellers are a handful of small pastry counters selling knafeh, that warm, cheese-filled Middle Eastern pastry soaked in sugar syrup, alongside kaymak, a rich clotted cream that pairs with it perfectly. There’s no single famous name to recommend here; just follow the smell of warm sugar and look for the counter with the longest queue of locals. That’s usually the right one.
12. Levinsky Market
A short drive or taxi ride north of Jaffa, say about 15 minutes or so, but close enough to combine with a morning in the neighbourhood. Levinsky Market is where Tel Aviv’s food community shops, long narrow streets packed with spice merchants, dried fruit sellers, delicatessens, and small counters serving food on the spot. If you want to take something home, this is the place to buy za’atar, sumac, dried rose petals, or a bag of the best mixed nuts you’ve ever eaten. A few stalls also serve excellent börek and sambusak if you need breakfast while you browse.
Levinsky Market
Levinsky St, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
13. The Jaffa Artists’ Quarter
Set into the ancient stone buildings at the top of the hill, the Jaffa Artists’ Quarter is less of a dining destination and more of a wander-and-graze kind of place. Galleries sit alongside small cafes, with some of the best views back over the port and the Tel Aviv coastline in Old Jaffa. Stop for coffee, pick up something from one of the local artists, and take your time – it’s one of the quieter corners of Jaffa and a good counterpoint to the noise of the flea market. A few of the cafes here do light lunch plates if you need a break between restaurant stops.
Bonus: Explore Jaffa With a Local Guide
If you want a deeper understanding of Jaffa beyond the food, spending a few hours with a local guide changes what you see and what you understand about the place. The mix of Jewish and Arab history layered into these streets is genuinely complex, and a good guide makes it legible in a way that a map simply can’t. Connect with a local guide for food-focused walks, neighbourhood tours, and full-day Jaffa and Tel Aviv itineraries. It’s also worth asking about combined Jaffa and Old City Jerusalem tours if you’re planning to cover more of the country.
That wraps it up for my recommendations of where to visit and eat in Jaffa, Israel! I hope this look at some of the city’s best restaurants and sites helped you find a few places to try on your trip! Have you been to any of these places previously? If so, comment and let me know what you thought!
Author: Denise from The Navy Blonde
Denise is a blogger and entrepreneur who runs @thenavyblonde on Instagram and The Navy Blonde blog. Before she began blogging, Denise was an international TV news anchor and worked for major media outlets, creating and editing viral multi-media for audiences all over the world. Having traveled to dozens of countries, she currently resides in Portland, OR and is passionate about style, travel, and helping others live their best life.
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