The thriving, bustling Carmel Market is a can’t-miss destination in Tel Aviv. The largest bazaar market in the city, its rows of brightly colored spices, leafy, fresh produce and Middle Eastern sweets and pastries are enough to entice any visitor to the city to stop for an afternoon and take a few bites. In fact, many restaurants in the city are currently drawing inspiration from the market atmosphere found at social hubs like Carmel for their menu and ambiance. La Shuk (92 Dizengoff St.) is serving up dishes with super fresh ingredients in a fast-paced environment with an open kitchen. Montefiore Seven (7 Montefiore St.) offers a refined setting with a menu divided into “stalls.”
Michael Gertopski, the chef at Social Club Restaurant (45 Rothschild Blvd,) a bistro restaurant located in the heart of Tel Aviv, took me around Carmel Market on a recent afternoon to show me some of the local market ingredients inspiring a lot of Tel Aviv cuisine now.
