Must-Eat Foods in Levinsky Market

If you have any interest in Israel’s culinary scene and vibrant street life, you can’t afford to miss these must-eat foods in Levinsky Market. While the market may be relatively small, its unique atmosphere is unparalleled. Chock full of traditional vendors, delicious shops, and a range of restaurants, this market is one of the highlights of Florentin, a grungy yet hip neighborhood in south Tel Aviv. During the day, you’ll spot Tel Aviv residents stocking up on an extraordinary selection of nuts, fruits, spices, pulses, cheese, tea & coffee, and more. In the evening, the market turns into a buzzing destination for casual wine-sipping or dining. There’s a reason that spending time at this market is on our list of best things to do in Tel Aviv. Here’s our list of the foods you can’t afford to miss!

Nuts, Dried Fruits & Spices

The market originally gained notoriety for its many shops selling spices, nuts, and dried fruits. You’ll find all the variety you could possibly desire, sold by weight here for very reasonable prices. It’s the perfect place to explore the best spices in Israel, like Zaatar mixes, sumac, baharat, cumin, and ras al hanout. Enjoy looking into these iconic establishments and discovering unique seasoning mixtures and exotic dried fruits. Tavlinsky, ChavShush, & California Market are great places to start. If you’re inspired by Levinsky Market’s flavors, joining our Tel Aviv & Carmel Market Tasting Tour is a fantastic way to continue your culinary journey across Tel Aviv, sampling everything from fresh produce to street food favorites.

Bourekas

There is nothing like eating a freshly baked boureka straight from the oven. Eating bourekas in the Levinsky market is a popular tradition among the locals, particularly on Fridays when the market is in full swing. Flaky layers of pastry and a variety of fillings like potato, cheese, and more - what’s not to love? With a cult following among locals, Bourekas Shel Ima (Mom’s Bourekas) and Burekas Penso are the top destinations to experience this classic Israeli rite of passage.

Tea, Coffee & More

Whether you’re looking to stock up or enjoy a cup of joe on the spot, Levinsky Market has wonderful offerings. You will find many shops selling a variety of blends of loose-leaf tea and infusions for a variety of ailments. Several shops will blend and grind coffee beans for you on the spot, like Coffee Atlas. Levinsky Market is also dotted with places serving excellent brew like Cafelix, where you’ll find the neighborhood’s serious coffee connoisseurs. Café Levinsky 41, with its quirky repurposed truck parked out front, serves great coffee plus unique custom fizzy drinks flavored with herb & fruit syrups made on the spot. Are you a coffee addict looking for the best spots in the city? Check out our guide to Tel Aviv’s best coffee.

Cheese, Wine & Delicacies

Levinsky Market is home to some of Tel Aviv’s best specialty shops, selling all you need to create a delicious-tasting platter. Hahalban offers an incredible variety of the best Israeli cheeses on the market. Melehet HaTohen is an artisanal workshop that produces fine Ethiopian tahini using a 100-year-old millstone. Yom Tov Deli and Haim Rafael offer an incredible selection of delicacies including olives, cheese, cured meats & fish, and more. Pick up a bottle of fine wine at Mano Vino to complete a delectable picnic. Alternately, do as the locals do and crack open a bottle, sit in the street, and enjoy with friends.

Global Cuisine

Along with the many shops in Levinsky Market, many fine eateries have popped up over recent years serving excellent fare. When the sun goes down and shops close, restaurants and bars ensure the area retains its upbeat atmosphere. At Cafe Kaymak, in the center of the market, you’ll find hip young locals enjoying globally inspired cuisine. Dalida, a more upscale eatery, serves a new spin on Israeli food with influences from around the globe. At Saluf & Sons, you’ll enjoy rich Yemenite stews, while Garger Hazahav serves fine hummus with all the fixings. Tony and Esther is a great all-around cafe and restaurant that serves an eclectic mix of dishes, while Lila Pizza serves delectable pizza pies favored by locals. For more of the best restaurants in Tel Aviv, read our handy guide.

Levinsky Market is a highlight of Tel Aviv for all food lovers. Vibrant, unique, and full of delectable culinary treasures waiting to be discovered, it’s one of Tel Aviv’s most iconic destinations.