6 Best Restaurants in Center City, Tel Aviv

Helmed by one of Israel's most highly regarded veteran chefs, Ran Shmueli, Claro is one of those spots that has it all. The farm-to-table Mediterranean menu changes daily, featuring only the freshest seasonal, locally sourced produce, and the building, originally constructed by the German Templers in 1886, makes the experience unforgettable. The rustic yet sophisticated ambience complements the beautiful dishes, a perfect balance of classic Mediterranean cuisine and innovative Israeli flavors.

Celebrating the love that Israelis have for breakfast, this restaurant with simple and sunny decor features many variations on the morning meal, served around the clock, seven days a week. Choose the classic Israeli breakfast with all the trimmings; the Mexican egg scramble; the "Calimera" Greek breakfast, heavily laden with garlicky tzatziki and a healthy serving of spice; or several different styles of eggs Benedict. French toast and pancakes satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Despite the unusual name, it's worth tasting the signature "egg balls," cooked omelet style, formed into a dumpling shape, and served with a choice of sauces such as spinach and cream. 

The aromas emanating from this street-corner bakery and café make it well worth the visit. Choose from the savory or sweet section of French-style baked goods, made throughout the day by chefs trained in Paris. A plentiful Israeli breakfast is upgraded with house-made jams, French butter, and a diverse bread basket filled with sourdoughs, brioches, and sweet croissants. This place is obviously not for the gluten averse.

Doubling as an art-and-music haven for locals, this inviting neighborhood café will make you feel as if you're in someone's fun and relaxing living room. The service is personal, the patrons are friendly (you will most likely end up in a conversation with many of them), and the extensive menu has options for everyone. The in-house baked goods including homemade bagels, and the ever-changing array of muffins makes for a light breakfast or afternoon snack. The salads and sandwiches are made fresh, so you can choose any toppings you like.

A Tel Aviv classic that has stood the test of time, Coffee Bar is neither a coffee shop nor a bar—in fact, it is a rather elegant bistro. The service is excellent, the menu is fresh and contemporary, and the design is on point. It's no surprise, as the restaurant is run by R2M, the hospitality group behind the likes of Hotel Montefiore, Rothschild 12, and Delicatessen. And while Coffee Bar may have been around long before the Tel Aviv food scene became hip (it opened more than two decades ago in the industrial, edgy Yad Harutzim district), it remains as popular as ever, so make sure you book in advance.

In the midst of the buzzing Nachalat Binyamin Art Fair, the secret garden at Jonesy Gardener is an oasis of calm. To escape the madness, sit on Jonesy's green leafy patio, where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee or try local specialties like shakshuka or sabich. It's a great spot to grab breakfast or rest after visiting the hectic Carmel Market.