When Israeli actor Tomer Capone isn’t being handpicked by Natalie Portman to star in her feature film directorial debut (A Tale of Love and Darkness), or winning the Israeli equivalent of an Oscar—the prestigious Ophir Award—for his role in One Week and a Day, or starring in hit series (currently, Amazon’s fan-favorite The Boys), you might find him running around Tel Aviv. “I really can’t think of a more diverse, mysterious, crazy, vibrant, colorful, awake, surprising, and simultaneously modern and old, peaceful and playful place.”
We asked him to give us his go-to spots, from where to eat and drink to where to get lost wandering charming city squares, shop for books and records, or catch a bit of culture. “To be fair I’ve never lived in the city; I’m a country kind of dude. For me, the city has always been and will remain an urban jungle that has more games to play. But when you are caught in the heart of it, it’s hard to get away.”
The Boys season 3 premieres this Friday, June 3rd on Amazon Prime. Next, Capone will star in the Ridley Scott-produced sci-fi thriller Slingshot alongside Lawrence Fishburne and Casey Affleck.
NEIGHBORHOODS
WALKING THE OLD CITY OF JAFFA
“I lived in Old Jaffa for quite some time. The Mediterranean is here; the Old City of Jaffa stands on a cliff that protrudes from the water, puncturing the Tel Aviv skyline. The range of attractions here goes from mosques and churches to ancient clock towers and wishing bridges; sculptures, yoga classes, museums, galleries, trendy restaurants and bars. The possibilities for exploration are endless.”
NEVE TZEDEK NEIGHBORHOOD
“This neighborhood features a lot of boutiques, great gelato spots—as well as The Suzanne Dellal Centre, a beautiful dance performance hall.”
KING ALBERT SQUARE
“Tel Aviv abounds with city squares, but with the full scope of urban charm. You won’t find an artificial waterfall or an ecological pool here, only two benches that enjoy the royal shade of large ficus (weeping fig) trees. What’s the big deal, you may ask? The answer is: the air you get here is out of this world. The little square was built in 1934 and is one of those perfect, relaxing couple of minutes that you need to sort your thoughts and keep going”
FLORENTIN NEIGHBORHOOD
“Most of the places here will be open until dawn.”
WHERE TO SHOP
“Whether it’s summer hot or rainy winter, I love going to check out what’s new in those cool stores in the city, usually it’s going to be very quiet at noon and you can enjoy some space and wander freely.”
THE THIRD EAR
“Located on King George Street 48; its one of the most assorted video, book, and vinyl record shops I’ve ever been in, and so much more. You can really get lost in this amazing place for hours, looking at pieces that are really rare and hard to find. It’s like a candy store for movie and music lovers. The place also has a bar next door, as well as a concert hall where you can have a drink and catch up if there’s anything interesting showing.”
King George St 48 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.621.5223
HALPER’S BOOKS
“A treasure trove for the book lover. With thousands of new and used English books. You can easily spend time looking through the books, enjoying the smell of old books, and the sounds of great jazz music. They don’t make them like this anymore. It’s on Allenby Street, which is a cool one.”
Allenby St 87 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / 6513427 / Israel / 972.3.629.9710
VINTAGE GUITAR
“A cool small spot, and as the name suggests, they sell vintage guitars and other musical instruments. If you know a chord or two, you’re more than welcome to go in and go at it.”
King George St 33 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.620.2645
TOMER POSTERS
“I really hate malls, but since I was a kid this magical shop has mesmerized me; perhaps because we share the same name. The amount of posters they display makes this place a museum; they really have everything. Flipping through this art feels like time-traveling.”
Dizengoff St 50 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.528.5530
FACTORY 54
“Great spot that has everything from sportswear to elegant. It’s very cool and carries both established and lesser-known quality brands.”
Multiple Locations
IDAN MAGRAFTA
“Idan is a gifted young man and he designs the coolest easy-going, high-quality clothing for you to have in your closet for any purpose.”
Dizengoff St 181 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.522.9746
DORON ASHKENAZI
“Doron is a great, talented designer who has long been the ‘men’s suit champion’. He understands fabrics and will always make you look and feel ready for your martini.”
Dizengoff St 187 / Tel Aviv-Yafo/ Israel / 972.3.527.2679
WHERE TO DRINK
“Night life is all over TLV and there are so many cool new spots that I can’t really keep track. I’m very cliché when It comes to cocktails. It has to be honest and to the point, unapologetic, and even better if it’s a dark place with rock & roll music in the background”
LUCIFER
“Located on the infamous Allenby Street 97. I’ve met some very strange people throughout the years that I now call friends, and we drink more tea than liquor. Strong tea.”
Allenby St 97 / Tel Aviv-Yafo/ Israel / 972.3.685.1666
MINZAR
“Minzar means monastery. I’ve been going since I was legal to be served. They offer special menus changing daily. It’s the antithesis of pompous. Here, you come to drink a chilled beer or other high-quality alcohol at a great price, wether in a sequin dress or shorts, and always feel comfortable. An island of stability in a city that keeps changing.”
Allenby 60 / Gedera St 28 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.517.3015
BAR BARBUNIA
“You may have dined at this great seafood restaurant, but if you haven’t been to their bar, you’re welcome. The bar might have room for only 30 people, but the small atmosphere maintains the intimacy and keeps the secret from getting across to too many people. It is one of Tel Aviv’s best hidden secrets for sure. Come late.”
Ben Yehuda St 163 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / 6347109 / Israel / 972.53.942.4941
WHERE TO EAT
COFFEE ORGANIZATION
“Tel Aviv has so many amazing cafes, but for me the one to start your day with, by far, is Coffee Organization. My fave is their latest 20b Beans in the Carmel Market. I can’t even describe their coffee, it’s on a different level, and they have the most amazing sandwiches to compliment your morning.”
Yom Tov St 20, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 65600, Israel
DOK RESTAURANT
“Has a changing menu of all fresh, local products.”
Shlomo Ibn Gabirol St 27 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.609.8118
SHABTAI HAYAFE
“This place is located in the beautiful roads of Old Jaffa and makes great easy-going Mediterranean Greek fresh cuisine.”
HaTsorfim St 38 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.683.2250
HUMMUS ASLI
“Also located in Old Jaffa, between garages, this institution has been around since the ‘60s and goes through generations. In Arabic, asli means authentic, and that’s exactly the kind of hummus, falafel and other great, fresh amazing dishes they have on the menu. It’s warm and welcoming, and you better come hungry, because they will pamper you till you fall asleep.”
Dizengoff St 338 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.604.1965
HOTEL MONTEFIORE
“This is a classic destination featuring great wine and food. You can’t go wrong, and if you’re super happy, go get a room.”
Montefiore St 36 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.564.6100
DARYA TLV AT THE HILTON HOTEL
“A new great place I’ve just visited and can’t wait to go back. Kosher is not a bad word here.”
HaYarkon St 205 / Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6340534 / Israel / 972.3.520.2127
HABARBANEL PIZZA BAR
“Stop here before going to bed.”
הברבנאל 34 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.681.3331
CULTURE
TEL AVIV MUSEUM OF ART
“Whether it’s summer hot or rainy winter, I love going to check out what’s new in those cool stores in the city, usually it’s going to be very quiet at noon and you can enjoy some space and wander freely.”
The Golda Meir Cultural and Art Center / Sderot Sha’ul HaMelech 27 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.607.7020
NA LAGA’AT – נא לגעת –
“This non-profit cultural and arts center, which sits in Jaffa, is a home of tolerance and integration for deaf and blind Israelis, and serves to educate the public about this population through art and love. The center offers a “BlackOut” dining experience at their restaurant, in addition to many educational workshops and theater performances with the center’s participants. Food and art has never felt so meaningful!”
GOLDA MEIR CULTURAL AND ART CENTER
The Golda Meir Cultural and Art Center / Sderot Sha’ul HaMelech 27 / Tel Aviv-Yafo / Israel / 972.3.607.7020
HAKAKTUSIM GARDEN AT PARK HAYARKON
“They say Israelis are like a colloquial prickly pear: tough and thorny on the outside and sweet and soft on the inside; a good thing to remember when here. This is my secret getaway spot in the city; as peaceful as you can get. Just hopping on a motor scooter, which are scattered throughout the city, is the easiest way to get to this piece of nature.”
Gilad Street 85 / Holon / Israel
Editor’s Note: Some of the activities, hotels, and restaurants listed on our website may be currently closed due to Covid health restrictions. We urge you to check before visiting and to exercise caution and follow CDC guidelines if traveling or visiting any of our recommendations.
CHECK OUT TOMER
COMING SOON
In the Ridley Scott-produced sci-fi thriller Slingshot
OUT NOW
As Frenchie in Amazon Prime’s The Boy’s
BEST OF
As The Pioneer in Natalie Portman’s directorial debut A Tale of Love and Darkness
As Zooler in One Week and a Day
As Aviv Danino in When Heroes Fly
