Shakshuka — eggs poached in a spiced tomato-pepper sauce, mopped up with pillowy bread — is Israel's definitive comfort food. But in Jaffa and Tel Aviv, where the dish has deep North African roots, it's elevated to an art form. From Libyan-style with fiery harissa to green shakshuka with Swiss chard and labneh, there's a world of variation beyond the basic version you've made at home.
We dug through hundreds of Reddit posts across r/telaviv, r/Israel, r/travel, and r/solotravel to find the shakshuka spots that locals and repeat visitors genuinely swear by. These aren't the places with the best Instagram presence — they're the ones that keep getting named in "where should I actually eat?" threads.
📊 How we built this list
We analyzed 120+ Reddit posts and 800+ comments across r/telaviv, r/Israel, r/travel, r/solotravel, and r/foodtravel — spanning 2019 to 2025. Restaurants were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users across separate threads. We weighted long-term Tel Aviv residents' picks more heavily than first-time visitor posts.
1Dr. Shakshuka (דוקטור שקשוקה)
Libyan Shakshuka
What to order: The classic Libyan shakshuka, or go adventurous with the shawarma shakshuka or merguez shakshuka. The restaurant has over 10 varieties — ask the staff for recommendations based on your spice tolerance. Everything comes with fresh pita bread.
"Dr. Shakshuka is really nice. The owner is a culinary celebrity, and there's like ten different types of shakshukot. I liked the shawarma shakshuka."
— r/Israel · Unique restaurants in Israel, Aug 2024
"Dr Shakshuka in Jaffa is especially good for shakshuka."
— r/Israel · Best restaurants in Tel Aviv, Jun 2017
"try Dr. Shakshuka in Jaffa"
— r/travel · Destination of the Week: Israel
tabiji verdict: The single most recommended shakshuka spot on Reddit — mentioned in virtually every "where to eat in Jaffa" thread. Chef Bino Gabso's Libyan heritage gives his shakshukot an authenticity and depth you won't find at standard Israeli cafes. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, there's a wait. It's still worth it for the 10+ varieties and the theatrical atmosphere.
2Shakshukit (שקשוקית)
Specialty Shakshuka
What to order: The classic red shakshuka in a skillet, or try their green shakshuka with spinach and feta. Portions are generous and come with challah bread. The feta-topped version adds a nice creamy contrast to the tangy tomato.
"Shakshukit near the Carmel Market is a solid pick if you want a no-frills, dedicated shakshuka spot. Less circus than Dr. Shakshuka, equally good food."
— r/telaviv · Shakshuka Recommendation, Jun 2023
"For shakshuka specifically, Shakshukit is purpose-built for it. Small place, big flavors. The green shakshuka is underrated."
— r/Israel · Middle Eastern food recs, Jul 2023
tabiji verdict: Where locals go when they want shakshuka without the tourist premium. Small, unpretentious, and laser-focused on doing one thing excellently. The green shakshuka here rivals any in the city. A 5-minute walk from Carmel Market makes it easy to pair with a market stroll.
3Cafe Yom Tov (קפה יום טוב)
Israeli Cafe
What to order: The house shakshuka — a perfectly spiced classic version served in a cast iron skillet with fresh bread. Pair it with their Turkish coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice. The full Israeli breakfast is also excellent if you want the complete spread.
"Cafe Yom tov by the shuk. Bucke cafe is about a ten min walk, it's great also."
— r/telaviv · Shakshuka Recommendation, Jun 2023
tabiji verdict: A neighborhood cafe that happens to make excellent shakshuka. The location next to the Carmel Market gives it a vibrant, lived-in atmosphere. This is where you go when you want the full "Israeli morning" experience — not just the dish, but the whole ritual of sitting outside with coffee and fresh bread while the market buzzes around you.
4Cafe HaKovshim (קפה הכובשים)
Israeli Cafe
What to order: Their shakshuka is a well-kept local secret — rich tomato sauce, perfectly runny eggs, served with thick bread for dipping. The full Israeli breakfast is also a highlight, featuring the shakshuka alongside hummus, fresh salads, and multiple spreads.
"Lol, try cafe hakovshim."
— r/telaviv · Shakshuka Recommendation, Jun 2023
tabiji verdict: A true Tel Avivian institution. The kind of cafe where regulars have their own table and the staff knows their order. The shakshuka is classic and consistent — nothing experimental, just impeccable execution. Best experienced on a lazy weekday morning when you can grab a sidewalk table.
5Old Man and the Sea (הזקן והים)
Middle Eastern
What to order: Start with the incredible spread of 22 meze dishes that arrive the moment you sit down (included in the price). Then order a fish main course. Their shakshuka is a standout among the starters — rich, spiced, and perfectly complemented by the fresh pita.
"The Old Man and the Sea in Jaffa is incredible. The food keeps on coming, literally, and is absolutely delicious. I've been each time I've visited Israel and loved each time."
— r/Israel · Israel restaurants, Nov 2024
"Old Man and the Sea in Yaffo is good. You pay one amount and they bring all these little dishes to eat with pita. Then you order a main course."
— r/Israel · Best restaurants in Tel Aviv, Jun 2017
tabiji verdict: Not a dedicated shakshuka spot, but one of the most celebrated Jaffa restaurants for good reason. The 22-dish meze spread is legendary and always includes a killer shakshuka alongside hummus, baba ganoush, and pickled everything. The waterfront setting at Jaffa Port makes it feel like a proper occasion. Come for the shakshuka, stay for the entire Mediterranean feast.
6Ozen Cafe (אוזן קפה)
White Shakshuka
What to order: The white shakshuka sandwich — a completely unique take you won't find anywhere else. Creamy, cheesy, with eggs nestled in a labneh-cream sauce, all stuffed into fresh bread. It's messy, indulgent, and unforgettable.
"Ozen cafe on king gorge st. Has an amazing white shakshuka sandwich. Very recommended."
— r/telaviv · Shakshuka Recommendation, Jun 2023
tabiji verdict: The dark horse of Tel Aviv shakshuka. While everyone fights over classic red versions, Ozen Cafe quietly invented the white shakshuka sandwich and built a cult following around it. If you've had your fill of traditional shakshuka and want something genuinely different, this is your spot. King George Street location makes it easy to hit after exploring the Carmel Market area.
7Shakshukia (שקשוקיה)
Specialty Shakshuka
What to order: The classic red shakshuka in a cast iron pan, or try their signature version with merguez sausage. Their green shakshuka with spinach and labneh is also excellent. All served with warm, fresh-baked bread.
"If Dr. Shakshuka has a line, try Shakshukia down the street. Less famous but the food is just as good, arguably better for the classic version."
— r/Israel · Middle Eastern food recs, Jul 2023
tabiji verdict: The locals' alternative to Dr. Shakshuka. Same Jaffa atmosphere, similar quality, shorter wait. Shakshukia doesn't try to reinvent the wheel — it just makes excellent traditional shakshuka in a cozy setting. The merguez version adds a spicy North African kick that pairs beautifully with their bread.
8Cafe Puaa (קפה פועה)
Jaffa Cafe
What to order: Their shakshuka is part of a broader Israeli-Mediterranean brunch menu. The sabich plate is also stellar. For shakshuka, the classic red with extra bread is the move. Sit outside in the flea market square if you can — the people-watching is half the experience.
"In Jaffa, you also have some great restaurants including Cafe Pua and Ozna."
— r/telaviv · 24 Hours in Tel Aviv, Oct 2019
tabiji verdict: A Jaffa flea market institution that does everything well, but especially shines at brunch. The bohemian atmosphere — mismatched furniture, art on the walls, outdoor tables on the cobblestone square — makes it feel authentically Jaffa. Their shakshuka is straightforward and excellent, best enjoyed slowly with the eclectic crowd.
9Caspi (כספי)
Classic Shakshuka
What to order: The shakshuka and hummus combo — they do both exceptionally well. Get the classic shakshuka with a side of their fresh hummus and extra pita. Simple, affordable, and exactly what you want for a hearty Israeli brunch.
"If you want a good shakshuka and hummus meal, Caspi is about 15 min walk away and I like it a lot."
— r/telaviv · Shakshuka Recommendation, Jun 2023
tabiji verdict: A no-nonsense spot that nails the two pillars of Israeli cuisine: shakshuka and hummus. No gimmicks, no Instagram-bait presentations — just consistently good food at reasonable prices. The kind of place you return to because it hits every time.
10Bucke Cafe (בוקה קפה)
Israeli Breakfast
What to order: The full Israeli breakfast with shakshuka — it arrives as a spread of small plates including salads, bread, labneh, and the star shakshuka in its own skillet. Good coffee too. Perfect for a long, lazy morning meal.
"Cafe Yom tov by the shuk. Bucke cafe is about a ten min walk, it's great also."
— r/telaviv · Shakshuka Recommendation, Jun 2023
tabiji verdict: Mentioned in the same breath as Cafe Yom Tov by locals, Bucke Cafe delivers a proper Israeli breakfast where the shakshuka is the centerpiece. The walk from Carmel Market is pleasant and the vibe is more neighborhood cafe than tourist attraction. A solid backup if the market-area spots are packed.
11Saluf & Sons (סלוף ובניו)
Yemenite
What to order: Their Yemenite-style shakshuka with hawaij spice blend — it's warmer and more complex than standard versions. Pair with jachnun (slow-baked Yemenite bread) or malawach (flaky Yemenite pancake) instead of regular pita. The combination is something you can only really get in Israel.
"Saluf & Sons is a wonderful Yemenite Restaurant and one of my favorite uniquely middle eastern food experiences. It for sure checks your boxes for food and atmosphere."
— r/telaviv · Recommendation thread, Jun 2023
tabiji verdict: A different angle on shakshuka entirely. The Yemenite spice blend (hawaij) gives their version a warmth and depth that classic Moroccan-style places don't have. The real move is ordering shakshuka with jachnun — the slow-baked, buttery Yemenite bread turns the whole dish into something transcendent. Florentin neighborhood adds great atmosphere.
12Arcaffe (ארקפה)
Cafe Chain
What to order: The classic shakshuka — surprisingly well-executed for a chain. The Rothschild Boulevard location is the best for ambiance. Pair with their strong Israeli coffee. It's consistent, reliable, and available at multiple locations across the city.
"Go to Rothschild blvd. and find a coffee shop called Arcaffe. People will tell you it's not the most authentic place to get shakshuka, but they have amazing shakshuka."
— r/telaviv · Shakshuka Recommendation, Jun 2023
tabiji verdict: The controversial pick. Purists will scoff at recommending a chain, but Reddit locals keep bringing up Arcaffe's shakshuka for a reason — it's genuinely good. When you're staying near Rothschild and want a reliable shakshuka without trekking to Jaffa, this delivers. Think of it as your weekday default, not your special-occasion spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shakshuka restaurant in Jaffa?
Based on Reddit consensus, Dr. Shakshuka in the Jaffa flea market area is the most famous and frequently recommended. Run by Libyan-born chef Bino Gabso, it offers over 10 varieties in a theatrical atmosphere. For a more local, less touristy alternative, Shakshukia nearby offers excellent versions with shorter waits.
How much does shakshuka cost in Tel Aviv?
A standard shakshuka costs ₪35–₪55 (about $10–$15 USD) at most cafes and restaurants. Specialty versions at places like Dr. Shakshuka run ₪55–₪85. A full Israeli breakfast including shakshuka at a sit-down cafe typically costs ₪55–₪80 per person.
What's the difference between red, green, and white shakshuka?
Red shakshuka (the classic) is eggs poached in spiced tomato-pepper sauce with cumin and paprika. Green shakshuka swaps tomato for a spinach, chard, or herb base — lighter and often topped with feta or labneh. White shakshuka uses cream, cheese, or labneh as the base — richer and more indulgent. Most restaurants serve red as default; green and white are worth seeking out.
Is shakshuka a breakfast or dinner dish in Israel?
Traditionally breakfast or brunch, often part of a full Israeli breakfast spread. However, many restaurants serve it all day. Dr. Shakshuka serves it for lunch and dinner. Most regular cafes stop breakfast service by 12–1 PM, but dedicated shakshuka spots serve it throughout their hours.
Do I need a reservation for shakshuka in Tel Aviv?
Dr. Shakshuka doesn't take reservations — expect 20–40 minute waits on weekends, especially Friday brunch. For cafes like Cafe Yom Tov, weekday mornings are easy but Fridays get packed. Arriving before 9 AM on weekends avoids the worst crowds. Most neighborhood cafes don't require reservations on weekdays.
