Israeli in Tel Aviv

Romano ★ 4.1

Romano sits above Beit Romano's old arcade in south Tel Aviv, where chef Pasha Chakin cooks Eyal Shani inspired plates of meat, fish and vegetables.

OrderWhatever fish or vegetable dish the kitchen is running that night; the menu turns over often.

TipHappy hour Sunday to Thursday 18:00 to 19:00 takes 20 percent off the whole menu; book on Ontopo.

Dok ★ 4.5

Dok is brothers Asaf and Yotam Doktor's eight seat counter in Tel Aviv, an all Israeli locavore menu that changes most nights with what the farms deliver.

OrderThe beef tartare with mayonnaise or the wild snapper, whichever the counter is serving that night.

TipOnly two small tables and eight counter seats; book well ahead for a weeknight slot.

Avazi ★ 3.8

Avazi has run its grill in Tel Aviv's Hatikva Market since 1970, opening every table with a spread of salads before the goose liver and skewered meats.

OrderThe grilled goose liver, plus a lamb kebab or two off the charcoal grill.

TipSaturday service starts only after Shabbat ends; Friday closes mid afternoon.

HaAchim ★ 4.1

HaAchim on Ibn Gabirol Street runs a lively Israeli grill in Tel Aviv, brothers plating charcoal skewers, hummus and malabi to a packed room most nights.

OrderThe hummus starter, then a mixed grill skewer plate off the charcoal fire.

TipNo Shabbat closure; the room stays loud and full most nights of the week.

North Abraxas ★ 4.4

North Abraxas on Lilienblum is Eyal Shani's small restaurant and bar, a seasonal menu cooked in an open kitchen that diners watch from the bar seats.

TipThe small bar overlooks the open kitchen; ask for a seat there if you want to watch the cooks work.

HaSalon ★ 4.5

HaSalon is Eyal Shani's Wednesday and Thursday only dining room off Ma'avar Yabok, a daily-changing menu run from his own farm and local fishermen.

TipOpen only two nights a week; reservations are the only way in and go fast.

Etzel Zion ★ 4.2

Etzel Zion on HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv is a kosher schnitzel counter that skips knives and forks, stuffing chicken schnitzel into a pita or baguette.

OrderChicken schnitzel in a pita or baguette

TipOrder it in a pita or a baguette; this is a grab-and-go counter that closes at 18:00 and all weekend.

Port Said ★ 4.4

Port Said across from the Great Synagogue in Tel Aviv runs Eyal Shani's kitchen until midnight most nights and 01:00 on Thursday, with no reservations taken.

OrderA Goldstar beer with whatever the kitchen just pulled off the grill.

TipThere is no reservation line; the wait and the sidewalk crowd are part of the routine.

HaMinzar ★ 4.1

HaMinzar on Allenby Street is the late option when little else in Tel Aviv is open, pouring cheap beer until 04:00 and all night on Thursday and Friday.

OrderA cold draft beer with the simple bar menu; nobody comes for the food alone.

TipMismatched furniture and a young crowd; busiest right after the clubs close.