Could Tel Aviv be the most vegan-friendly city in the Middle East? The answer is – probably! From vegan (and vegetarian!) restaurants to a fine selection of vegan fashion, you’ll feel right at home here if you’re following a meat or animal product-free diet. Vegan awareness is a big thing in town, so you’ll have no trouble ordering vegan food, asking for a dish to be “veganised” or getting soy or almond milk for your coffee. You’ll also see a lot of vegan graffiti on the streets, as well as the ubiquitous “vegan friendly” stickers adorning many businesses around town. If you see that sticker on a shop or restaurant’s window or door, you can be sure there is either a proper, substantial vegan offering in place or the place is predominantly vegan. The organisation that hands these out to businesses is very serious about veganism and they don’t give out the stickers unless there’s a proper vegan option (or several) on the menu (for an eating establishment) or animal-free products on offer (in case of a shop).
Vegan and vegetarian food in Tel Aviv
As mentioned above, Tel Aviv is extremely vegan friendly. It has a huge selection of specialist vegan and vegetarian restaurants, but you will see the aforementioned “vegan friendly” stickers presented on many more restaurant, cafe and bar windows. There are several vegan delis, bakeries and even ice cream places to choose from and local cuisine is rich in vegan options, so you’ll be looked after even if you need to go somewhere that isn’t 100% vegan.
If you’re a vegetarian or a pescatarian, you’ll have an easy time frequenting anywhere that’s listed as “Kosher dairy” (Kasher Halavi). While fish may be served, meat won’t.
As a vegan, you can easily eat at the city’s many hummus, falafel and sabich places that are cheap and readily available everywhere. Most restaurants, even the meat ones, will feature vegetarian options and many now offer a vegan option as well. If all else fails – Israelis have fresh salad with every meal and there are usually a few solid vegan choices in that department.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Tel Aviv
Nanuchka
Lilienblum 30 * 03-5162254 * 12:00 – last customer daily
The world’s first 100% vegan Georgian restaurants. Superb food, chic interior design and a separate bar area with DJs and a party atmosphere in the evening.
Tenat
Chlenov 27 * 03-5222829 * 11:00 – 23:00 Sun – Thu, Fri 11:00 – 16:00
Kosher, vegan Ethiopian with delicious food and a chilled cafe vibe.
Meshek Barzilay
Achad Haam 6 * 03-516-6329 * 8:00 – 23:00 daily
A bright, attractive place in the heart of scenic Neve Tzedek, with tasty food and a buzzy vibe.
Vegan Fashion in Tel Aviv
More and more local shoe and bag designers are opting to have at least a few vegan products on offer, while some are consciously 100% vegan.
Roni Kantor – vintage inspired clothing and 100% vegan shoes and bags. Recently closed her physical store but ships everywhere in the world via her website.
Shani Bar – Local shoe designer with a selection of vegan styles.
Story – A chain of fashion stores with mostly imported fashion. You can buy vegan Melissa shoes there.
Meduza – Original (and awesome) vegan bags.
For the full list of vegan and vegetarian businesses in Tel Aviv, Download the full DIY Tel Aviv guide.