The ceaseless hustle and bustle of Nahalat Binyamin Street in Tel Aviv is a given. This vibrant artery, stretching from the pedestrian mall's terminus to Rothschild Boulevard, has morphed into the nation's most bustling and crowded party hotspot. The street, which becomes a pedestrian-only area during evenings and weekends, started to buzz during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent times, it has expanded to an extent that was previously unthinkable: hordes of revelers, a multitude of entertainment venues, and an atmosphere that leaves experienced restaurateurs spellbound. To be clear - no other location in the country experiences such a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Not in Mahane Yehuda market, not in Haifa's Talpiot, not on Dizengoff, not on Rothschild Boulevard, and not even on Levinsky – none of these places see such a large number of party-goers, nor does any other area in Tel Aviv or in the country.
While Tel Aviv's restaurant owners have noted a 20%-30% drop in occupancy in recent months since the war began, occupancy in Nahalat Binyamin on weekends has only increased, with bars and restaurants filled to the brim. It's as if it exists in a parallel universe.
The street talk suggests that this is just a precursor to what's expected this summer: In the coming months, a spacious lounge bar with 300 indoor and outdoor seats will welcome patrons. Within a month, an oyster bar will open on the parallel street at the corner of Achad Ha'am next to the new restaurant that opened this month, and in the following weeks, a new bar from AKA44 restaurant by chef Itai Kushmaro will join them. All this before we even mention the relocation of the veteran Shila restaurant to the area and the space of Brut restaurant, which is also expected to open in the coming months and join the vibrant segment of the street.
Since the war's onset, Tel Aviv is trying to keep business as usual, but the reality is that the city's party-goers can be distinctly categorized during the war: younger party-goers have resumed their entertainment activities and it's evident that they are fully embracing the recommendations to change the atmosphere and continue living, but in contrast, the older population, which frequents bars and restaurants more, is cutting back on their outings and most of them are still staying at home. This division is also clearly visible in Nahalat Binyamin - the complex primarily attracts a younger crowd.
Tel Aviv's heartbeat
What has caused Nahalat Binyamin Street, a constant presence, to suddenly become prominent? It got its boost, as mentioned, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nahalat Binyamin, a street that for many years was the domain of fabric merchants and electrical shops, underwent a transformation when AKA 44 restaurant opened, and began to breathe life into the desolation.
The architect of this transformation and the one responsible for the revival of the street, is the restaurateur and businessman David Tour, who learned about the city's plans to convert the street into a pedestrian mall and close it to vehicle traffic, rented several spaces and shops on the street, and opened no less than seven businesses in Nahalat Binyamin during the peak of the pandemic.
Even now, Tour is a key figure on the street and he continues to expand the entertainment venues there. But it doesn't end with Tour, because the Tel Aviv municipality also contributed to the upliftment of the street, allowed business owners to set up tables on the road, and closed the segment to vehicle traffic during the evening hours and throughout the weekend.
"I was certain this is what would transpire on the street, one by one," concedes Tour, "Every city needs a street like this, and the moment the municipality facilitated it - it took off. We are in Soho, in the city center and the business. Every Soho has its dominant street, and here with us, Nahalat Binyamin is the street."
Nightlife enthusiast Itzik Levi and the "Speak Easy" group will inaugurate a lounge bar at the beginning of July that will consist of two areas – an outdoor area on the road where there will be about 150 seats, and another indoor area with 100-150 seats. "In the outdoor plaza, there will be a cool and light food bar with sharing plates, snacks, a glass of wine and a cocktail. Inside there will be a place with a party cocktail or salon cocktail ambiance, and we will serve finger food and cocktails and there will also be a DJ. It won't be a party but it will be a cool lounge. The vibe on the street reminds me of the boulevards in New York, this pedestrian mall is alive and in demand."
Most happenin' eateries on Nahalat Binyamin
Vermuteria: This is a tapas bar designed in Madrid style, curated by Chef Michael Gertofsky and restaurateur Avi Kashi. The bar offers both indoor standing areas and extensive outdoor seating. You can find it at Nahalat Binyamin 25.
Pereh: One of the pioneers in the area, this restaurant is managed by chefs Aviad Feld and Uri Steinberg. Its address is Nahalat Binyamin 27.
Nordinyo: Known for its delectable sandwiches and pastries, this café is part of the 'we like you too' group, which operates several other cafes across Tel Aviv. It's located at Nahalat Binyamin 27.
Bicicletta: A pleasant bar enriched with an expansive and magical inner courtyard, located at Nahalat Binyamin 29.
Mozambique: An energetic bar, almost a year old, successful in attracting late-night patrons. It's also situated at Nahalat Binyamin 29.
Yain Bakerem (Wine at the Vineyard): Originating from Kerem HaTeimanim, this delightful wine shop also serves as a pleasant bar with seating along the street. You can find it at Nahalat Binyamin 29.
Bushwick: A vibrant bar featuring a large courtyard, housed within a hotel. Owned by the proprietors of the Imperial Bar, it's located at Nahalat Binyamin 28.
Goshen: This is a longstanding kosher meat restaurant. You can visit it at Nahalat Binyamin 30.
Yaakov Banahala: Affiliated with the Jacob wine shop, this place offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere. It's located at Nahalat Binyamin 34.
Fifty and One: Originally a small pasta restaurant, it has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the street. You can dine here at Nahalat Binyamin 51.
Pizza Mount Sinai: This pizzeria, which was launched during the Coronavirus pandemic, has become a hit on the street. Judging by the queue, one can infer that it serves some of the most delicious pizzas in Tel Aviv. Its address is Nahalat Binyamin 55.
AKA44: This snack bar marked the advent of Nahalat Binyamin's revival. The kitchen is managed by the young and gifted chef Itay Kushmaro. The establishment includes a chef's restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a wine bar on the top floor. It's positioned at Nahalat Binyamin 44.
Radler: This restaurant is operated by Chef Moshe Gamlieli and is nestled inside a refurbished hotel. The address is Nahalat Binyamin 48.
Men TenTen: This popular ramen and sushi restaurant relocated from Allenby Street market to Nahalat Binyamin and will soon expand with a new bar in the Levinsky compound. It's located at Nahalat Binyamin 57.
Noema: A newly opened restaurant situated in the most bustling corner of the compound. In the coming weeks, an oyster bar is set to open adjacent to it. You can find it at Nahalat Binyamin 59.