Tel Aviv-Style Dining in the Dutch Capital | Amsterdam
The Best Israeli Restaurants in Amsterdam
By Alon Ben Joseph | Jeweller & Owner | Ace Jewelers
Nela, Amsterdam | Tips by Alon Ben Joseph
Bearleader Alon Ben Joseph loves Tel Aviv. So much so, that he tries to experience a little slice of it in his hometown of Amsterdam. He’s always on the lookout for restaurants, streetfood and bars that bring the Tel Aviv spirit.
There’s three typical characteristics he looks for:
In Tel Aviv they love to eat at the bar, and many Israeli chefs brought that cosy tradition to Amsterdam.
The Israeli cuisine is dominated by pure ingredients, a lot of vegetables and a lot of grilling on an open fire.
Cocktails are ordered as aperitif, during dinner and as digestif. And, a real Tel Aviv twist is making cocktails with Arak.
Enjoy his recommendations for authentic flavours and a lively dining experience. While not all Israeli, these restaurants bring the middle eastern flavours and the right atmosphere.
Where to eat
NELA
The name of this restaurant translates to ‘pure’, as they work solely with exquisite products and cook everything on open wood fires. Stunning setting in The Valley Building on the Zuidas, and extensive vegetable offerings.
NENI
A mix of fine dining with a casual and vibrant setting. They bring the Tel Aviv vibe to Amsterdam in a big open space. They insist on making everything in-house, even their bread.
MESIBA
‘Party’ in Hebrew. The cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean dishes with some TLV styles incorporated.
BARDAK
Bardak is Hebrew slang for ‘a god-awful mess’. The word originates from the Turkish word for a drinking vessel. It tells you everything you need to know. The restaurant looks extremely casual and low-key, don’t let that fool you. The cocktails and food are very serious indeed. Highly recommended.
BAR FISK
This fish bar brings the ever-so-lively and no-strings-attached hospitality of the Tel Aviv markets to Amsterdam.
MEAT ME
For the grill lovers. Easily the best kosher restaurant in Amsterdam, with a Tel Avivian chef.
MANA MANA
Mana is, according to the Bible, an edible substance which God provided for the Israelites during their travels in the desert during the 40-year period following the Exodus. Although the name sound intimidating, the restaurant is very laid back and casual and every dish is an explosion of flavours. There are three locations, so it is always easy to visit.
NIGHT KITCHEN
Tel Aviv-style shared dining and a great selection of bar snacks till deep in the night.
Street Food & Delicacies
SIR HUMMUS
Hands down the best Hummus in the Netherlands. Does not need any more introduction.
MEZZAVE
Grilled meat sandwiches and a rich collection of homemade sauces and delicacies makes this sandwich shop a must for lunch.
BEN COHEN TEL AVIV STREET FOOD
Those behind Amsterdam’s favourite Shawarma for 38 years have now got a location on the Rozengracht where you can sit, eat street food classics and sip a cocktail.
LAFFA
A variety of fresh and healthy Middle Eastern street food, with the Laffa as the star of the show: an Iraqi-style flatbread from a clay wood oven.
Non-Israeli restaurants with a Tel Aviv Influence
MIMA
Always fresh, fast and healthy. Inspired by the owners’ travels through both Israel and Libanon, this restaurant with a Lebanese chef offers flavours from all over the Middle East and Mediterranean coasts.
THE DUCHESS
Not an Israeli restaurant, but Tel Avivians own it and they have popularized bar dining massively, bringing a casual touch to their Michelin-starred fine dining formula.
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GUIDE | By The Bearleaders
Enjoy this list of the very best restaurants in Amsterdam for every occasion, selected by tastemakers such as artists, designers, and Michelin star chefs who visit or live there. From guilty pleasures to haute cuisine, from Mediterranean to Asian, Amsterdam has it all.