Champagne Lovers’ Guide to Tel Aviv: restaurants, bars and things to do
Tel Aviv is one of the best places in Israel to combine Champagne with food, the Mediterranean and a lively city atmosphere. The city has a strong international dining and nightlife culture, with Champagne fitting naturally into its restaurants, hotels, wine bars and celebrations. The combination of warm weather, outdoor dining and the sea also makes a chilled glass of Champagne particularly appealing.
The food scene is one of Tel Aviv’s biggest attractions. Israeli cuisine draws influences from across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and the many communities that have made the city home. Try hummus, falafel, shakshuka, sabich, bourekas, grilled fish, fresh salads and mezze, along with the city’s excellent seafood. Fresh herbs, lemon, olive oil, vegetables, salty cheeses and fried dishes create plenty of flavours that work beautifully with Champagne. Tel Aviv is also known for its strong vegetarian and vegan food culture.
The city is easy to explore neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Neve Tzedek has narrow streets, restored historic buildings, boutiques, galleries and cafés, while Jaffa brings ancient stone alleys, the old port, artists’ studios and a distinctly Levantine atmosphere. Along the coast, the promenade and beaches are central to everyday life, while Rothschild Boulevard is a good place to see the city’s famous Bauhaus architecture and enjoy the relaxed boulevard atmosphere.
For food lovers, the city’s markets are worth making time for. Carmel Market is packed with fresh produce, spices, cheeses, baked goods and street food, while Levinsky Market is particularly interesting for spices, dried fruits and foods brought to Israel by different immigrant communities.
Tel Aviv is a city where Champagne can easily become part of the whole day – start with coffee and breakfast, explore markets and historic streets, spend the afternoon by the Mediterranean and finish with Champagne and dinner.