Picture this. After a multi-month-long process, you finally are making Aliyah. You step off the plane at Ben Gurion Airport, ready to soak up everything Israel has to offer. Your first stop? Lunch. You just made it to the Jewish Homeland, YOUR Jewish Homeland, and there is only one thing you want: a bagel.
And not just any bagel, either. You want a quintessentially Jewish bagel. You want the bread to be so fluffy you can sleep on it, the smoked salmon laid on thick, the cream cheese soft and spread evenly. You want capers, red onions, tomatoes, the works. Perhaps a pickle on the side. A bagel so Jewish, it will tell you to call your mother. A bagel with over 3,000 years of Jewish history.
There’s only one problem. You have searched high and low, Googled far and wide, and yet, when faced with the question of where to get the bagel of your dreams, you come up with nothing.
Fear not, for I've walked in your shoes and have the answers you seek. So, dear reader, fasten your napkin around your collar and ensure your pants have some give because I'm about to unveil, in no particular order, the crème de la crème of Tel Aviv's bagel scene.
Bendod Bagels
Bendod Bagels is a household name within our Citrus and Salt community. Handmade in the heart of Tel Aviv, mere steps from our studio, Bendod is known for being as close to a classic American bagel as you can get in Israel. One bite of their signature everything bagel, crafted from the flavorful remnants of other bagels mixed into the dough, accompanied by a sumptuous made-on-spot egg and cheese omelet, fresh tomato, lettuce, and creamy cream cheese, is enough to understand why this establishment deserves to be preserved as a national monument. Their chilled, laid-back environment and bilingual staff are perfect for a work-from-home day or just a quick bite on your way to the beach. While you are in, try one of their freshly brewed beverages, from coffees to teas and even seasonal specials. And, for vegan and gluten-free bagel lovers missing a taste of home, not to fear! Bendod has you covered.
Address: Florentin St 50
Insta: @bendodbagels
Tal Bagels
Long before coming to Israel in 1996, Tal Bagels had already secured its standing within the international bagel hierarchy. With four additional locations within Manhattan, it is safe to assume that Tal Bagels has become synonymous with authenticity and quality in the bagel world. As they continue to expand their reach while maintaining their roots in the heart of New York City, it's clear that their dedication to crafting the perfect bagel experience knows no bounds. Enjoy classics like the tried and true smoked salmon and schmear combination or deli-style sandwiches with beef shoulder, pastrami, and more. With several vegan and vegetarian options, this establishment will also satisfy any crowd. Whether you're a native New Yorker or a first-time visitor to their Israeli outpost, Tal Bagels promises a taste of tradition and a slice of culinary history with every visit.
Address: Carlebach St 41
Insta: @tal_bagels_tlv
Cafe Xoho
Welcome to Cafe Xoho, a beloved Tel Aviv institution with nearly a decade of history in the area. From the moment you step through the door, you will be greeted with the warmth of the staff and the freshly brewed coffee. What sets Cafe Xoho apart is its dedication to diversity and innovation, reflected in every aspect of its menu. You'll find unique flavor combinations, such as in the tofu-based vegan egg salad bagel or the mouthwatering house-cured salmon nestled within an egg and cheese bagel (a must-try!). But it's not just about the food—Cafe Xoho takes pride in its relationships with local farmers and artisans, sourcing the freshest ingredients and making as much as possible in-house. With a plethora of options catering to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, there's something to delight every palate.
Address: Ben Yehuda St 73
Insta: @cafexoho
Salene Freitag
Located on Shenkin Street, this cozy spot welcomes bagel enthusiasts with its warm atmosphere and commitment to quality. Known as a top spot for bagel lovers in the city (and beyond), Salene
Freitag takes pride in crafting authentic, chewy bagels that hit the spot. Each bagel is a delightful treat with generous spreads of cream cheese and tasty toppings like house-cured salmon, tuna salad, and egg salad with bacon. Open six days a week from 9 am until they sell out (reportedly by noon), Salene Freitag invites you to enjoy a taste of New York City in the heart of Tel Aviv. Whether you prefer to munch your bagels in the nearby park or stroll to the beach, every bite promises a moment of pleasure.
Address: Sheinkin St 16
Insta: @salenefreitag
What do you think? Did we miss your favorite bagel spot? Yell at us in the comments below if we did, and maybe we'll go sample some.
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