Must-Try Foods In Jaffa Old City (Tel Aviv) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Jaffa Old City, Tel Aviv, Israel

The ancient port city of Jaffa has a vibrant food history that dates back to biblical times, serving as a gateway to the land of Israel for thousands of years. It's a melting pot of cultures and gastronomic influences, thanks to the various civilizations that have occupied it, including Egyptians, Romans, Ottomans, and many others. The city's food scene is also heavily influenced by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, offering an abundance of fresh seafood. Over the years, Jaffa has become known for its blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, with an emphasis on fresh produce, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking methods.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Jaffa Old City

1. Hummus (Vegetarian): A smooth blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, typically eaten with fresh pita bread.
2. Falafel (Vegetarian): Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and herbs, often served in a pita with salad and tahini sauce.
3. Shakshuka (Vegetarian): A dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, usually enjoyed with bread for dipping.
4. Baba Ganoush (Vegetarian): A smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
5. Grilled Fish (Pescatarian): Fresh local fish from the Mediterranean, seasoned and grilled to perfection.
6. Knafeh (Vegetarian): A sweet dessert made with layers of cheese and shredded phyllo dough, soaked in sweet syrup.
7. Malabi (Vegetarian): A creamy milk pudding often flavored with rose water and topped with nuts and syrup.
8. Mezze Platter (Varies): An assortment of small dishes including hummus, vegetables, pickles, and more, some of which are vegetarian.
9. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas) (Vegetarian): Grape leaves filled with herbed rice and sometimes pine nuts.
10. Tabbouleh (Vegetarian): A fresh salad made with bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and onion, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

Top Famous Restaurants in Jaffa Old City

• Old Man and the Sea (Address: Kedem St 85, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Varied selection of fresh seafood (Pescatarian)
• Abu Hassan (Address: HaDolfin St 1, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Hummus (Vegetarian)
• Puaa (Address: Rabbi Yohanan St 8, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Eclectic traditional dishes with a home-cooked feel (Varies)
• Al Ashi (Address: Yefet St 35, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Various mezze and main dishes from Middle Eastern cuisine (Varies)
• Haj Kahil (Address: Raziel St 18, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Lebanese dishes and grilled meats (Non-beef)
• Dr. Shakshuka (Address: Beit Eshel St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Shakshuka with different variations (Vegetarian)
• Charcuterie (Address: Rabbi Hanina St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Mediterranean and French dishes (Varies)
• Shaffa Bar (Address: Flee Market, Rabbi Nachman St, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Middle Eastern tapas (Varies)
• Basma Coffee (Address: Shivtei Israel St 46, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Coffee and desserts (Vegetarian)
• Kalamata (Address: Kikar Kedumim 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo)
  • Famous Food: Greek cuisine and seafood (Pescatarian)