Author: Zoe Vasquez

Welcome to Tel Aviv- Israel’s culinary capital, and one of the world’s friendliest cities to gluten-free diners! Between Israelis with Celiac disease, health-conscious diners avoiding gluten and huge numbers of tourists, the country is chock-full of gluten-free choices. Not only are there many gluten-free options available, but Israel restaurants and waiters are well-versed in accommodating these needs, meaning you can feel comfortable avoiding cross-contamination. Get ready for “Lelo gluten” (gluten-free in Hebrew) to become your new favorite saying!

Some of the following restaurants are entirely gluten-free, while others have a great selection of gluten-free options. Note that many restaurants, even ones not on this list, will have gluten-free bread and pasta options available. 

Here are some of our gluten-free dining essentials in Tel Aviv:

1. Hakosem

Hakosem, Hebrew for ‘the magician’, lives up to its name by offering some of the best-ever Israeli classics. Gluten-free diners are no longer relegated to ordering the same old shawarma plates, because Hakosem has made the traditional pita and falafel a gluten-free dream come true. Available for a quick lunch or a late night ‘pick me up’, Hakosem is a hip, go-to location for all. The line looks long but moves quickly - and either way, it is worth the wait! 

Shlomo HaMelekh St 1, Tel Aviv

2. Sabich Tchernichovsky

While not as ubiquitous as your falafel and pita, sabich is an amazing Iraqi-Israeli invention of unparalleled deliciousness. While sabich is fairly easy to  come by in Tel Aviv, it is not always easy to find gluten-free pitas to complete the real sandwich experience -- enter Sabich Tchernichovsky! Their gluten-free pita is stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, veggies galore and topped with some delicious amba (tangy mango sauce). Naturally vegetarian,can also be easily made vegan by removing the hard-boiled egg. 

Sabich Tchernichovsky, 2 Tchernichovsky Street, Tel Aviv

3. Bucke Cafe 

Bucke Cafe’s menu will not disappoint with delicious trays of Israeli breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches. Order the full ‘Country Tray’, featuring an ever-rotating selection of 9 small dishes on a large platter, with gluten-free bread as an option! This restaurant is quirky, fun, and has a local feel to it. Bucke also makes for a great office for the day should you wish to do that. 

Multiple locations - Yehuda HaMakkabbi St 40  / Ahad Ha'Am St 91

4. Dosa Bar 

Southern Indian delicacies are served at this entirely gluten-free and vegan restaurant, making it suitable for people with very strict gluten restrictions. Offering a variety of dosas - a rice crepe based on black mung beans - stuffed with potatoes, greens, or in other styles, this exciting menu also introduces classic Indian desserts with unique flavors that leave your mouth watering. International food lovers- this is a must-visit for your comfort food craving, whether you can eat gluten or not.

Ben Yehuda St 188

5. Urban Shaman 

Tired of the bustling city? Urban Shaman creates a peaceful space and invites balance with healthy food options. Cool off from your shopping on Dizengoff street with some juice, smoothie bowls, or a healthy meal. Urban Shaman has an entirely gluten-free and plant based menu serving pancakes, toasts, or salads at any time of day. 

Dizengoff St 210, Tel Aviv-Yafo

6. Creperie Brettone 

For snacking or a meal, Creperie Brettone has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free crepes! Offering a selection of both sweet and savory treats, Brettone makes their all crepes from buckwheat flour. Want it vegan? No extra charge for vegan cheese here! Come at anytime of the day, or for a late night pick me up with cute dogs and good vibes.

Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St 52,  Tel Aviv-Yafo

7. Café Puaa

A Jaffa neighborhood staple, Café Puaa makes you feel at home while dining in a charming space surrounded by colorful carpets, antique trinkets and comfy couches. Located in the center of Jaffa’s flea market, Puaa brings Jaffa’s flea market to your table as you can buy anything you dine with - the restaurant’s dishware, tables, couches and chairs are all for sale. Cozy up to their unique Mediterranean dishes such as mansaf (an Arab comfort dish) chicken curry, or salmon salad - a few of their gluten-free menu options. Service is great and accommodating of any allergy concerns. 

Rabbi Yohanan St 8,  Tel Aviv-Yafo

The Gluten-Free Israeli Pantry

Staying for a long period of time? In addition to excellent places for eating out, there are gluten-free options available options in Israeli grocery stores and open-air markets, as well as specialized gluten-free bakeries.

• Green Lite brand produces gluten-free goods such as Yemenite malawach bread, pita, and everyday breads and cakes. 

Located in any grocery store  

• Bread Pomerantz is an entirely gluten-free bakery where you can stop to get a local loaf. 

Florentin St 13, Tel Aviv-Yafo

• Anise is a great grocery boutique to find food for all your dietary needs and even more gluten-free products. 

Dizengoff St 124, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Aba Akhime'ir St 17, Tel Aviv-Yafo
HaArba'a St 21, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Avoiding gluten but want to learn more about Israeli food? Join our culinary walking tours! The Levinsky Market tour is particularly recommend for gluten-free foodie travelers.