Tel Aviv’s universally acclaimed culinary scene now extends to its handsome, stone-paved boardwalk, which connects Jaffa in the south to the port complex in the north. Along the way, beckoning bar-restaurants may be found at each of the city’s iconic beaches. Four such bar/eateries at landmark beaches are listed below (unranked, in alphabetical order, rather than geographic sequence).
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Bayz Hilton Beach Beluga Roof Bar
Ambiance: The upper level of the Bayz Hilton Bay beach complex, just 50 meters from the sea, is an upscale terrace whose slight elevation enables catching more cooling sea breezes. There are a myriad of seating options: at the bar, at low tables, at high tables and even on couches, day beds and swings — not to mention two whirlpool tubs for those who bring bathing suits (and are willing to pay the extra charge). Thumping rhythmic music reaches all corners of the premises.
Drinks: There are specialty cocktails in two categories – mixed at the bar and bottled especially for Bayz by Spicehaus. The fully stocked bar will, of course, also take orders for classic cocktails. There is a more than adequate international wine list, with a select few vintages available by the glass. Finally, there are both domestic and imported draft beers.
Menu: The bilingual menu comprises four sections: Mezze/Appetizers, Salads, Main Courses and Desserts. Along with ample vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, there are very few meat dishes, as the emphasis is on fish and seafood – which is only commendable, given their remarkable level of freshness.
Recommended: Malaga (cocktail); House focaccia; Tuna sashimi, Fig carpaccio with raw tuna, Coquille St. Jacques (scallops); Calamari salad; Seafood pan; Bread pudding.
Bayz Hilton Beach Beluga Roof Bar. Hilton Beach, Tel Aviv. Tel. (03) 957-0555.
Bayz Collection Mezizim Beach
Ambiance: This sprawling bar-restaurant boasts a laid-back mix of elegant and casual, as tables with white tablecloths are interspersed with unadorned wooden ones in all three seating areas – indoors, on the stone boardwalk and on beach (with sand underfoot). A rhymic soundtrack plays at a pleasant level once you sit a bit removed from speakers (i.e., the beach area). Be prepared to wait in line to use the one, solitary toilet.
Drinks: There are specialty cocktails with an emphasis on slushy, fruity, summery flavors. The wine list is rather limited wine, with only a select few available by the glass (apart from the white vintages). There is both imported and domestic beer, including craft brews on tap and one brand in bottles.
Menu: The four sections of the bilingual menu are virtually identical to its sister bar just to the south – Starters, Salads, Main Courses and Desserts – but there is also a children’s menu, plus one rare yet welcome option: value lunches served seven days a week. There are adequate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The kitchen is currently tweaking its food preparation, so perhaps a salad is a wise choice for the time being.
Recommended: The spicy Jalisco and the orange pineapple margarita (cocktails); House focaccia (with tehina and skhoug as dips). Knaffeh with sweet cream from goat’s milk (dessert).
Bayz Mezizim Beach. Not kosher. 1 Habakuk HaNavi St., Tel Aviv. Tel. (03) 711-8181.
Frishman
Ambiance: This newish bar-restaurant is the latest iteration of what was once Calypso, and more recently Coco [Thai] Beach. There are four seating areas – inside, on covered and open-air decks (the former deck furnished with couches), and on the beach. The rhythmic music is very loud, so it is advisable to sit at the tables on the sand, if you want to have a conversation.
Drinks: There is one specialty cocktail, plus an adequate selection of international, Israeli and kosher wines, by the bottle and by the glass. Frishman serves mostly imported beers on tap and in bottles, along with one Israeli craft beer.
Menu: There may be some discrepancies between the English and Hebrew versions, which are being ironed out. The seven menu sections are Breakfast. Bagel Panini, Starters. Entrées (identified as Lunch, in English only), Kids, Extra (sides) and Desserts. The main courses consist of typical beach fare, while the Starters section is far and away the largest of all the categories, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Recommended: Jasmine (frozen cocktail); Calamari (battered and fried), Eggplant carpaccio, Fish carpaccio; Artichoke alla romana; Crème brûlée.
Frishman. Not kosher. 17 Shlomo Lahat Promenade, Tel Aviv. Tel. (054) 716-2656.
Greco Beach
Ambiance: This seaside branch of this popular chain of Greek restaurants is located between Frishman Beach and Gordon Beach (a tad closer to the latter). Indoor seating is at tables or the bar, while outdoors is right on the boardwalk (a choice of covered or uncovered sections). Tables are covered with Greco’s signature Hellenic blue-and-white paper tablecloths. A Greek music soundtrack plays at exactly right level, since you can choose your proximity to the speakers. The lively music, punctuated with live drumming, tends to get people clapping and dancing.
Drinks: There are eight distinctive special cocktails based on Greek spirits, as well as Greco’s proprietary ouzo and house red and white wines – plus retsina – from Greece, available by the glass, in carafes and bottles. In winter, there is also Greek hot cider. The beer of choice is Mythos, a ubiquitous brew in Greece (in bottles).
Menu: Exactly the same menu as at all eight Greco restaurants throughout the country, with occasional seasonal special menus featuring a fresh ingredient. The extensive bilingual food menu comprises seven sections: Bread (untitled), Cold Mezze (appetizer salads), Hot Small Plates, Cold and Hot Main Courses, and entire separate categories for Fava and Souvlaki/Gyros. The desserts – all meant for sharing – are listed on a separate menu. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.
Recommended: It is hard to prefer one mezze over another, but must-tries are the taramosalata, skordalia, tirokafteri and tzatziki among the cold salads, and the zucchini fitters and unforgettable 12 Gods Pastry among the hot choices. Also de rigeur is one of the four fava entrées, and a choice of the three versions of souvlaki. Seafood lovers would not go wrong with the Seafood Saganaki. For dessert, kaimaki (goats’ milk frozen yogurt sundae) or the giant-sized Greek bread pudding.
Greco Beach Tel Aviv. Not kosher. 17 Shlomo Lahat Promenade, Tel Aviv. Tel. (03) 534-0993.
First published: 23:52, 08.31.23