Thanks to their creamy hummus dishes, sensational shawarma, and salads chopped to perfection, it's no surprise Hakosem’s always bustling with customers. You can literally taste the passion in every blissful bite, a passion shared by the chefs and the friendly wait staff. At the end of your meal, you’ll be busting at the seams with satisfaction just as the restaurant is busting at the seams with happy customers.

HaKosem is one of the top falafel joints in town, famous for its delicious green falafel balls (which get their colour from the coriander). It also serves a great shawarma (kebab meat, salad and tahini wrapped in a pita). For cheap eats on the go, head to Abu Lafia & Sons on Yefet St in Old Jaffa for tasty bourekas (stuffed breads with sheep’s cheese) and Arab-style oven-baked pizzas.

HaKosem is one of the best places in Tel Aviv to try the quintessential Israeli street-food classics: hummus, shawarma, falafel and sabich. Arik Rosenthal opened the restaurant in 2001 and has made it his quest to perfect the national favourites. While the seemingly never-ending queue moves surprisingly quickly, every so often free falafel bites are offered to those waiting in line.

One can find falafel on just about every street corner in Tel Aviv, but Hakosem, which means “the magician,” is considered to be the best purveyor of the delicious fried chickpea balls. Opened in 2001, Hakosem is clean, colorful, and fun while still being authentic. No matter the time of day, the eatery is bustling with locals and tourists ready to try its trademark green falafel.

To tantalize your taste buds with unforgettable Israeli street food delights, seek out Abu Hassan for hummus; HaKosem for falafel; Sabich Tchernichovsky for sabich (pita bread stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and tahini); Levinsky Burekas for burekas (a salty pastry made of thin, flaky dough filled with cheese); and Zalmaniko for sensational kebabs.

HaKosem means “the magician” in Hebrew–an apt name for the magical fare served up at this small eatery for more than a decade.

The question of the best falafel in Tel Aviv is a contentious one (and the cause of the odd quarrel amongst rivals), but we did the grueling legwork and, in our opinion, this is it. A favourite among locals and visiting food-fanatics (that’s you), this spot serves freshly fried, golden falafel with the perfect punch of herbs and spices. Best served in a fluffy pita with a glorious mess of accompaniments like yogurt, fresh pickles and juicy tomatoes.

Easily one of the most popular spots in the city, and arguably the best falafel in Tel Aviv, the constant lineup outside HaKosem is enough proof that this is a spot not to be missed. HaKosem means “the magician”, and the falafel meals that are coming out of HaKosem live up to the name, they really are magical. The set up at HaKosem is simple, and they are experts at handling the long lines (you can often sample a fresh falafel ball while waiting).

Just a stone’s throw (okay, a block) away from Dizengoff, if you follow your nose towards the trailing scent of falafel, you’ll no doubt be quick to stumble upon Hakosem. It’s a true representation of Tel Aviv’s rich street food scene and as such, often draws in crowds of locals. You’re also not only limited to falafel; the friendly staff serves other traditional Israeli street food options like sabich and shawarma in a fluffy pita.

Best Falafel Ball: Hakosem: Ask any Telavivian and I’m sure they will tell you the same thing – Hakosem has the best falafel. Don’t be put off when you arrive during lunchtime and there is a line around the corner; it is bound to happen for the best falafel in Tel Aviv. The falafel is always hot, crisp and soft – and the staff at Hakosem want you to know it as they pass out samples as you wait in line to order.

For falafel with exactly the right balance between tender and crunchy, head to HaKosem (1 Shlomo HaMelekh Street), famous for handing out free falafel balls to everyone in line. Also on the menu: excellent shawarma, hummus, and refreshing pink lemonade. For the Iraqi-Jewish answer to falafel, try Sabich Frishman (42 Frishman Street), situated just off Tel Aviv’s most storied thoroughfare, Dizengoff Street.

This modern street food place represents almost everything about the Israeli cuisine, you can find there all the dishes that Israelis love, but above all stands their famous falafel. The place is very popular among the locals and usually, during rush hours there’s a long queue of people waiting. The design of the place is very cool with its open kitchen view, and you can see how the staff cooks the food.

At the end of the famous Dizengoff Street, there is the delicious Falafel HaKosem, or ‘The Magician’ in Hebrew. You will often find big lines coming out of this falafel place – so best to go before the lunch time rush. At HaKosem, you get to treat yourself to a pita stuffed with falafel balls and various toppings: Israeli salad, pickles, tahini, hummus….whatever you like, you can put inside your pita.

They call it “The Magician”, that’s how much this place can do with chickpeas!. If you drop by around noon, you’ll realise that this is the place to be for falafel: a long queue waiting to eat the delicious pita filled with falafel: the precious address of Tel Avivians. Also, if you can’t find a seat, take it to go and sit on one of the public benches right next to it.

The joint is famous for its falafel and sabich but their shawarma is also awesome – turkey based, soft and juicy, sliced thin. The meat is laid atop hummus with whole chickpeas and tomato salsa, and served with a ton of side dishes including a falafel ball with tahini, thin and crispy slices of eggplant, spicy peppers, pickles, lemon juice and a pile of fresh pitas.

● HaKosem - a stone’s throw from the Dizengoff Centre you’ll find Ha Kosem, meaning ‘the Magician’ in Hebrew. Known for serving the city’s best falafel and shawarma, the queues are long but definitely worth it. Sit at a table outside and rub shoulders with the locals, whilst washing your meal down with their famous ‘rimonada’ (a pomegranate and lemonade drink).

Hakosem: Located on Shlomo Hamelech Street, Hakosem is a legendary spot for shawarma in Tel Aviv. They offer a range of mouthwatering options, including classic lamb or chicken shawarma, served on freshly baked pita bread with an array of flavorful toppings and sauces. Without a doubt, this one is at the very top of the list for the best Shwarma in Tel Aviv!

But since we’re in Israel, a good opportunity to enjoy authentic Israeli street food would be to visit the legendary Falafel magician, Hakosem (1 Shlomo ha-Melekh St) in the heart of Tel Aviv. Always fresh, always bustling and extremely yummy. Stomach full, you may consider visiting Toysim (King George 97), the unique toyshop next door.

HaKosem is a popular falafel and shwarma stand with outdoor tables, lively music and arguably the best falafel in town. They are one of the few eateries that offer gluten free falafel balls and gluten free pita bread. The falafel at HaKosem is soft and green on the inside from the fresh cilantro and brown and crispy on the outside.

We ended up eating at Hakosem three times during our visit, trying something different each time. Each dish we tried was a back to back hit. First we tried shakshuka served in a pita, then shawarma served in jaffa bread, and last shakshuka served up with salads and sides for days that still make our mouths water thinking about it.

Hakosem, meaning the wizard in Hebrew, truly serves falafel magic and you can tell by the never-ending local crowd outside, inside and everywhere around the restaurant. They do have plenty of options, but the best is truly the falafel. Whilst waiting in line you´ll get a fresh hot sample, leaving you with the taste for more.

If you’re looking for a place to try some tasty and legendary falafel, the locals will most likely point you in the direction of Falafel HaKosem. Sure, there are loads of falafel joints in Tel Aviv, but when you’re in the central part of the city (Shlomo HaMelekh Street), this cool, friendly place has to be on your wishlist!

That being said, some of the best places to try falafel in the city are Falafel Banin Johnny, Hakosem and Gabai Falafel. These are probably the most famous places for the food in all of Tel Aviv, and they come at a reasonable price. Though, you might have to wait a bit for the one at Gabai, as this secret has long been out.

Yotvata Hakosem is a popular cultural hub located in the city of Tel Aviv. It’s a combination of a farmers’ market, bar, restaurant, and music venue that caters to all ages and backgrounds. The market itself is filled with fresh produce from local vendors, as well as handmade gifts such as jewelry and arts and crafts.

HaKosem, the Magician in Hebrew, serves what I think is the one of the best falafel meals in Tel Aviv. The chickpea paste is ground almost hourly, so their falafel balls are freshly made. And they are well spiced with cumin, lots of cilantro and a special addition of sesame and black nigella seeds.

But I left Israel mid-March, it’s now almost July and I still dream about this place. It’s the type of restaurant where you pay and then make your food as you go. WARNING: the line may be long but I promise it goes quick and they send down bowls of falafel to eat while you’re waiting.

Hakosem is located on Shlomo Hamelech Street, only a half block away from Dizengoff Center. They opened their doors over 12 years ago as a small falafel stand in the heart of Tel Aviv. Today, Hakosem is packed with hungry customers in a queue, no matter what time or day it is.

Falafel still reigns supreme as Tel Aviv’s #1 food stuffed into a pita, and HaKosem is legendary. Get it with lots of hummus, fried eggplant, spicy garlic, tehina, amba, salad, whatever you else you like, and sit down to enjoy a classic staple of Israeli street food.

HaKosem, which translates to “The Magician” in Hebrew, is at the top of my list. This is the place Jerry Seinfeld stopped for a bite when he visited Israel in 2017. The menu consists of everything from falafel to shawarma to sabich, all extremely fresh and delicious.

Don’t be put off by the line in front of this restaurant, because it’s worth the wait. When it comes to Israeli street food, there is only one place everyone should visit and that is Hakosem. Appropriately translated it means ‘The magician’.

If you’re looking for the best falafels in town you have to go to HaKosem!. It’s a very simple place but popular for Israelis people which is usually a good sign. You eat fast but the food is super good and quantities are quite huge.

Hakosem: Located on Shlomo Hamelech Street, Hakosem is a well-known falafel joint that draws crowds even in the late hours. If you’re craving some delicious falafel or shawarma after a night of partying, Hakosem is the place to go.

HaKosem has opened a second branch in Sarona Market serving the shawarma, falafel and hummus by Ariel Rosenthal. As well as take away options, the branch also has a fridge filled with dips, salads and drinks to take home.

Hakosem - There is really only one falafel (and shawarma) place for me (they have hummus too… and other stuff) I get the ½ falafel pita and a ½ shawarma pita ad then roll back to my hotel feeling proud of myself.

HaKosem | Shlomo Hamelech 1 - 2 steps away from Dizengoff center, this rather upscale and super neat hummus place not only has good hummus it also serves one of the best falafel we ever had.

Read my reviews of Falafel Benin, Hippo Falafel, and HaKosem, three of the places I'd recommend for gluten free falafel. Don't be afraid to eat at these places more than once on your trip!

Sabich, Shawarma, hummus…some of the fluffiest pita I have ever had and the crispiest (AND I MEAN CRISPIEST) eggplant ever. Come hungry because you are going to want to order everything.

I’ve tried five hummusiyas: Hakosem, Mashawsha, Shlomo & Doron, Hummus Abu Hassan, and Hummus HaCarmel. Rumor has it the last two are the finest, but in practice, I rated them the worst.

Hakosem is one popular spot renowned for its extraordinary falafel and Sabich - another classic Israeli sandwich made with fried eggplant and eggs.