MANILA, Philippines – Israel’s Ministry of Tourism expressed optimism as new restaurants started opening in the country’s culinary capital, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, a sign that Israel is serious in getting back to business to attract travellers from all over the world.
According to the ministry, Israel’s culinary scene is forever changing, with new restaurants opening all the time, giving a wide variety of dining opportunities – from gourmet chef and specialty restaurants, to delicious street food and food markets.
"Tel Aviv-Jaffa is undeniably Israel's vibrant culinary heart, where the fusion of flavors from Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East creates an extraordinary dining experience like no other,” Anna Oraiza T. Aban, Marketing Manager, Israel Ministry of Tourism said.
“From world-class restaurants to lively food markets, the city's dynamic and ever-changing food scene is a must-visit for every traveller,” she added.
Here is a select few of the newest culinary options on the Tel Aviv scene, offering tourists a gourmet journey through Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
Dé FACTO – A New Chef Restaurant Opens at Poli Urban Hotel
Dé FACTO, the recently opened chef restaurant at the Poli Urban Hotel in Tel Aviv, offers a unique fusion of fine dining, live music, an elegant 1920s Paris-inspired ambiance, and a creative cocktail menu.
Led by Chef Hai Tzarum, the menu presents a modern interpretation of Yemeni cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.
Dé FACTO offers a dynamic all-day experience, from a lavish brunch, through evening cocktails to an exclusive fine dining atmosphere at night.
Address: Poli Urban Hotel, 7 Nes Tziona St., Tel Aviv
Website: https://www.defacto-tlv.com/
Photo courtesy of Dé FACTO by Gideon Levi
Chakoli - A New Seafood Restaurant Elevating the Beach Experience in Tel Aviv
Chakoli, a new seafood tapas restaurant in Tel Aviv located directly opposite the Mediterranean with indoor and outdoor seating, offers a unique dining experience inspired by Spanish cuisine.
The partners behind the venture are well-known Tel Aviv restaurateurs Chef Guy Gamzu, Mosh Budnik and Itzik Hangel, all bringing extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Chef Yarden Shay has curated a menu featuring fresh fish and seafood with Spanish influences. The menu includes fresh oysters, raw fish dishes such as sashimi and carpaccio, grilled octopus with lima beans, as well as classic Spanish dishes such as Jamón Melón and Tortilla de Patatas.
The restaurant features a spacious central bar, where visitors can enjoy music and food while watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen, and an open deck bringing the sea directly into the heart of the experience.
Address: 3 Herbert Samuel St., Tel Aviv
Instagram: Chacoli Tlv (@chacoli_tlv)
Photo courtesy of Chacoli by Haim Yosef
ZO – A New Asian Chef Restaurant in Tel Aviv’s Soho District
A new 120 seat Asian chef restaurant recently opened on Rothschild Boulevard’s vibrant Soho district. Combining a luxurious dining experience with an international ambiance.
Led by restaurateur Yaki Kabir and Dr. Amir Zarach, ZO offers culinary creations inspired by Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines, under the direction of one of Israel’s most successful Asian chefs, Don Tran.
Carefully curated over the past months, ZO’s menu blends Asian culinary traditions with innovative techniques, with each dish telling a unique story and offering a feast of flavors, textures, and colors.
Address: Rothschild Blvd 11, Tel Aviv
https://zotlv.co.il/en/home-2/
Photo courtesy of ZO by Asaf Karela
Gila & Nancy
Born from a dream of Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani and the queer party collective PAG, Gila (the restaurant) and Nancy (the bar) are in the Play Hotel, near the Gan Hahashmal neighborhood.
A fusion of elegance, beauty, and glam, intertwined with underground culture, fashion, music, nightlife, and queer expression, the restaurant and bar celebrate uniqueness.
"I was what I wanted to be—now it's your turn to be..."
This quote by Gila Goldstein, Israel’s first transgender woman, was painted on the restaurant’s window on opening day by Eyal Shani, serving as a daily reminder of the vision behind Gila & Nancy.
Both spaces are named after Gila Goldstein and Nancy Schneider, two of Israel’s first transgender pioneers, who inspired freedom and self-expression for the LGBTQ+ community in Israel and beyond.
Address: 8 Levontin St., Tel Aviv (PLAY Hotel)
https://www.g-a-n.com/
Photo courtesy of Gila and Nancy by Anatoly Michaello
“Return to Normalcy”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism confirmed to DZRH that many airlines have resumed flights to Israel, indicating a “return to relative normalcy.” This is amidst the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas, with clashes mostly concentrated in the Gaza area.
In an interview via email, Aban said that there are 900 Filipino travellers who visited Israel between January and February 2025, demonstrating “a sense of safety” among international visitors.
In response to the improved security, several countries have updated or lifted their travel advisories, signaling a more favorable environment for tourists, she added.
According to the ministry, most international travellers visit Israel for religious pilgrimages due to the country's significance to major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
Many others travel for leisure to explore Israel's rich historical and cultural landmarks, the ministry added.
“Employment is another common reason, particularly for Filipinos, many of whom work in Israel’s hospitality and healthcare sectors, including roles as hotel workers and caregivers,” Aban explained.
Aban gave this advice for Filipinos planning to visit Israel: “For Filipino tourists planning to visit Israel, it’s an excellent opportunity to experience the country's rich history and cultural heritage, to deepen faith especially during this Jubilee Year. Take time to explore Israel’s historical and religious sites, and enjoy the journey of a lifetime.”
“We invite Filipino tourists to embark on a journey that blends rich cultural and historical pilgrimage experiences with the unparalleled culinary delights. Savor the authentic tastes of Israel, explore its vibrant culture, and discover the flavors that make it truly unique," she added.
