Levinsky Market: A Flavourful Stroll Through Tel Aviv’s Melting Pot

From Spices to Sourdough

Levinsky Market was established in the 1920s by Jewish immigrants from the Balkans and over the decades has welcomed waves of newcomers from Persia, Georgia, Yemen, Iraq, Morocco and beyond. Each community brought their flavours, their recipes and their ways of doing things and you can still taste those stories today.

Traditional spice shops still anchor the market, with shelves stacked high with colourful dried herbs, hand-blended mixes and local secrets passed down through generations. There are huge selections of fragrant teas, nuts, rice herb mixes,  dried fruits,  middle eastern sweets, pickled lemons, rosewater, date syrups, halva and olive oils.  The scent alone is a inviting and exciting.

In recent years, Levinsky has also embraced Tel Aviv’s culinary renaissance. On-trend new eateries, gourmet delis, bakeries, wine bars and tiny chef-run kitchens have joined the street, nestled alongside the old-school shops without replacing them. It’s not so much a transformation as a layerin, a true example of how Tel Aviv renews itself while honouring its roots.

One of the most welcome recent changes to Levinsky Street is its pedestrianisation. Now mostly free from traffic, the market has opened up quite literally, with outdoor seating spilling onto the pavements from cafés, bars, restaurants and food counters.

This change has transformed the entire feel of the street. No longer a space you need to navigate around cars or delivery trucks, it’s become a comfortable, people-first promenade where you can take your time, stop for a tasting, or sit with a glass of something chilled and simply watch the world go by.

It’s not uncommon to see friends gathering for Friday brunch at a long communal table, a spontaneous street performance happening down the block, or neighbours chatting over coffee with their dogs stretched out contentedly at their feet. The pedestrianisation has created a sense of ease and warmth, making it the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. 

Friday Mornings: When Levinsky Shines Brightest

While Levinsky Market is lively throughout the week, there’s something particularly special about Friday mornings. As the city prepares for Shabbat ( the Sabbath), the market fills with energy and excitement. Locals come to stock up on weekend treats, tourists weave through the stalls to collect goodies to take home and the air buzzes with the sense of community.

It’s a wonderfully diverse crowd. Young families, elderly neighbours, hip creatives and beloved four-legged companions all share the space with ease.

Street musicians add rhythm, vendors call out specials and the scent of freshly baked challah mingles with that of grilled aubergines, cardamom coffee and za’atar pastries.

There’s a certain joy to watching Tel Avivians greet one another, exchange recipes and share bites of food in this open, relaxed atmosphere. For visitors, it’s an intimate glimpse into everyday life, a chance to witness the city as its residents know and love it.

While wandering Levinsky, you’ll find plenty to tempt the palate and the eyes. Here are just a few highlights to savour:

Haifa-style bourekas served piping hot, wrapped in brown paper, with sliced egg and pickles on the side.

House-roasted spice blends you won’t find anywhere else, including shawarma mix, ras el hanout and Persian advieh.

Persian rice dishes, both savoury and sweet, served in cosy cafés filled with family photos and heritage décor.

Craft beer bars pouring Israeli microbrews alongside creative bar snacks.

Gourmet sandwich counters, where ingredients are stacked high on sourdough and ciabatta, made to order with flair.

Natural wine bars offering tastings of small-batch bottles from boutique Israeli vineyards.

Vegan and vegetarian delicacies that draw on Middle Eastern traditions, reimagined for the modern plate.

Walk, Taste, Discover

From The Norman, the walk to Levinsky Market is a gentle 20-25 minute stroll, taking you through Rothschild Boulevard, Nachalat Binyamin and past the vibrant edges of Florentin. Each street tells a story, and Levinsky Market is where those stories come together in one irresistible chorus.

As a guest of The Norman, Our concierge team can put together a list of the places you don’t want to miss.  We highly recommend this, as new spots are constantly opening. Along the way, you’ll discover not just delicious food and beautifully made products, but a true expression of Tel Aviv’s spirit: open, diverse, bold and full of heart.

And when you’ve had your fill of the ultra-urban buzzy Levinsky market, you’ll be welcomed back to the calm, elegant embrace of The Norman Tel Aviv, with your market treasures in tow.