Israel is a land of rich history, vibrant culture, and tantalizing cuisine. Among the myriad of flavors that grace its streets, few dishes hold as beloved a place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike as the humble shawarma. Nestled in every corner, from bustling markets to quaint alleyways, the scent of seasoned meats roasting on spits beckons hungry travelers to indulge in this Middle Eastern delicacy. Join me on a savory journey as we uncover the best shawarma spots in Israel.
But wait, what exactly is shawarma, you ask? Picture this: succulent slices of marinated meat, slowly roasted on a vertical spit until tender and flavorful, then skillfully shaved off and tucked into fluffy pita bread alongside fresh veggies and creamy sauces. Yes, my friends, shawarma is not just a meal—it’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate and leaves you craving more!
So, fasten your seatbelts and join me as we dive headfirst into the tantalizing world of Israeli shawarma. Let’s eat!
Best Shawarma Places in Israel
Shawarma Emil
Address: 33 Allenby St., Haifa
Since: 1966
Menu: Calf, Lamb
Price: 35 NIS for a pita, 22 NIS for a half portion
Special: Unique toppings of onions, tomatoes, and optional roasted flavor
Legend has it that Shawarma Emil was born from a chance encounter between Emil Khoury and a Turkish sailor in the 1960s. Inspired by the sailor’s tales of doner kebab, Emil and his brother George crafted Haifa’s first rotating shawarma skewer, paving the way for a culinary revolution.
Shawarma Bambino Address: Bankim 2, Haifa Since: 1984 (Reopened in 2022) Menu: Calf Price: Pita for NIS 32, bread for NIS 38, plate for NIS 50 Special: Quality meat, traditional recipe revived
Nestled in Wadi Nisnas, Shawarma Bambino has been a staple since 1984. After a hiatus during the pandemic, the Sabah family resurrected this iconic eatery, preserving its legendary taste for a new generation of shawarma enthusiasts.
Shawarma Ganam Address: 41 Allenby St., Haifa Since: 1992 Menu: Lamb with Veal Price: NIS 38 per pita, NIS 45 per loaf, NIS 50 per plate Special: 100% fresh veal and lamb, no ground meat
Ganam’s shawarma, sourced from their adjoining butcher’s shop, has been a local favorite for three decades. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Ganam continues to delight hungry patrons from near and far.
Shawarma Hazan Ford Address: Derech Jaffa 140, Haifa Since: 1987 Menu: Calf Price: NIS 40 for a pita, NIS 45 for a loaf and baguette, NIS 55 for a plate Special: A secret seasoning that elevates the taste to new heights
Step into the heart of Haifa‘s culinary scene and discover the iconic Shawarma Hazan Ford. Renowned for its impeccable taste and unwavering commitment to quality, this establishment has etched its name as a cornerstone of Haifa’s shawarma legacy. With each bite, savor the secret blend of spices that sets Hazan apart, leaving you craving more of its exquisite flavor.
Shawarma Sabah Address: Derech Allenby 37, Haifa Since: 1987 Menu: Lamb with Veal Price: NIS 30 per pita, NIS 34 per flat, NIS 45 per plate Special: Indulge in Sabah’s signature spicy garlic-lemon-amba sauce
Join the Sabah family on a culinary voyage that transcends generations. With roots deeply embedded in Haifa’s vibrant Wadi Nisnas, Shawarma Sabah has become synonymous with excellence in taste and tradition. Sink your teeth into their succulent lamb and veal shawarma, generously drizzled with their house-special garlic-lemon-amba sauce for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Sela Steakhouse Address: Yitzhak Ben Zvi 10, Tiberias Since: 1985 Menu: Female Turkey, Calf Price: 30 shekels for a pita, 35 shekels for a loaf and a baguette Special: Dive into shawarma perfection served in a freshly baked baguette
As you journey through the scenic landscapes of Tiberias, make a pit stop at Sela Steakhouse for an unforgettable shawarma experience. Nestled by the shores of the Sea of Galilee, this hidden gem delights patrons with its mouthwatering offerings and freshly baked baguettes. Let the aroma of sizzling meat and warm bread transport you to culinary bliss, making Sela Steakhouse a must-visit destination for shawarma enthusiasts.
Imad Restaurant Address: Tofik Ziad 52, Nazareth Since: 1994 Menu: Veal with Lamb Price: 37 NIS for a pita, 42 NIS for a baguette, 45 NIS for a loaf, and 50 NIS for a plate Special: Indulge in Imad’s legendary hummus, hailed as one of Israel’s best
Nestled in the heart of Nazareth lies Imad Restaurant, a culinary gem renowned for its authentic Galilean shawarma and delectable hummus. Savor the perfect harmony of tender veal and succulent lamb, enveloped in warm pitas fresh from the tabon. Imad’s commitment to quality and tradition makes it a must-visit destination for discerning food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience.
Shawarma 11 Address: Dalit al-Carmel, Main Road, Near the Market Square Since: 2001 Menu: Calf Price: 37 NIS for a pita, 42 NIS for a loaf and a baguette, 45 NIS for a plate Special: Elevate your taste buds with 100% veal meat and flavorful lamb fat
At Shawarma 11, taste meets tradition in a culinary symphony that celebrates the essence of Galilean cuisine. Indulge in the unparalleled richness of 100% veal meat, delicately seasoned to perfection and complemented by the savory allure of lamb fat. Each bite promises to be a revelation, a testament to Shawarma 11’s unwavering commitment to quality and flavor.
Shawarma Zeid Address: Dalit al-Carmel, Main Street, In Front of Bank Leumi Since: 1984 Menu: Veal, Lamb with Turkey Price: 30 NIS per pita, 35 NIS per loaf Special: Discover the rare quality of Shawarma Zeid’s lamb
Let your taste buds embark on a journey of discovery at Shawarma Zeid, where quality meets affordability in a symphony of flavors. Delight in the tender embrace of veal and lamb, expertly crafted into mouthwatering shawarmas that redefine culinary excellence. Don’t miss out on the irresistible group deal, offering four shawarma pitas and a generous serving of chips for only NIS 100!
Rafi at the Intersection Address: Kumba 29, Hadera Since: 2006 Menu: Female Turkey, Calf Price: Pita for NIS 37, Bread for NIS 44, Plate for NIS 65 Special: Dive into a never-ending salad bar
Discover Rafi’s humble shawarma stand turned restaurant, where culinary innovation meets tradition in a symphony of flavor. Indulge in succulent female turkey and tender calf, expertly crafted into mouthwatering shawarmas that redefine gastronomic excellence. Don’t miss out on the never-ending salad bar, offering a tantalizing array of fresh, crisp greens to accompany your meal.
Shauli Express Address: David Shimoni 50, Hadera Since: 1990 Menu: Female Turkey, Calf Price: 40 shekels for a pita, 50 shekels for a loaf and a baguette, 68 shekels for a plate Special: Indulge in an addictive garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with the shawarma
Step into Shauli Express, a beloved culinary institution where flavor takes center stage and every bite is a revelation. Treat your taste buds to the tantalizing taste of female turkey and succulent calf, expertly seasoned and served with love. Don’t forget to drizzle on the addictive garlic sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor to your shawarma experience.
The Sharon Meeting Address: 20 Sokolov, Herzliya Since: 1961 Menu: Female Turkey Price: 35 NIS for a pita, 42 NIS for a loaf and a baguette, 60 NIS for a plate Special: Indulge in crispy thinly sliced shawarma and warm pita bread from the Tabon
Experience the timeless charm of The Sharon Meeting, where tradition meets innovation in a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Delight in the crispy, thinly sliced shawarma paired with warm pita bread fresh from the Tabon, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you to culinary bliss. Join the ranks of hi-tech professionals, vacationers, and passers-by who flock to The Sharon Meeting for a taste of gastronomic perfection.
The Tabon Bon Bon Address: Derech Ramataim 90, Hod Hasharon Since: 1990 Menu: Female Turkey Price: NIS 43 per pita, NIS 50 per loaf, NIS 65 per plate Special: Enjoy the freshest meat available, with the skewer changed three times a day
Embark on a culinary journey at The Tabon Bon Bon, where generations of locals have savored the irresistible flavors of authentic shawarma. Situated at the Ramataim junction, this iconic eatery has become a beloved fixture in Hod Hasharon and beyond. Indulge in the freshest female turkey, expertly prepared and served with passion. Don’t miss out on the great chickpea skewers for a delightful side dish that complements your shawarma experience perfectly.
Shawarma Dabush Address: 64 Ibn Gvirol, Tel Aviv (right on Rabin Square) Since: 2001 Menu: Pullet, Calf, Turkey Price: 46 shekels for a pita, 55 shekels for a loaf and a baguette, 73 shekels for a plate Special: Experience the turnover of fresh skewers, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor
Step into the world of Shawarma Dabush, an empire of flavor and culinary excellence. With a reputation for quality and freshness, Dabush has become a household name in Tel Aviv and beyond. Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of shawarmas, featuring pullet, calf, and turkey expertly seasoned and roasted to perfection. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the flagship dish – shawarma in Lehmajun, a thin Turkish pastry baked to perfection along with savory meat, offering a taste of Istanbul in the heart of Tel Aviv.
The Crown of the East Address: Raul Wallenberg 20, Tel Aviv (inside North Market) Since: 1952 Menu: Calf, Pullet Price: Pita for NIS 48, Bread and Baguette for NIS 60, Plate for NIS 69 Special: Taste the milky pistachio embedded in the shawarma meat, accompanied by special pickles and salads from Aunt Eti’s recipes
Step into history at The Crown of the East, one of Israel’s oldest shawarma temples. Established in 1952 by the Shammai family, this iconic eatery has been a favorite among politicians, artists, and celebrities, including the late Aric Einstein. Indulge in the unique flavor of calf and pullet shawarma, enhanced by milky pistachio and Aunt Eti’s special recipes for pickles and salads. With a legacy of excellence spanning generations, The Crown of the East continues to delight patrons at its North Market location in Ramat HaHayal.
The Magician
Address: Shlomo Hamelech 1, Tel Aviv (near Dizengoff Center) Since: 2001 Menu: Female Turkey Price: NIS 46 per pita, NIS 55 per loaf, NIS 76 per plate Special: Elevate your shawarma experience with additions like garlic confit and fried eggplant
Prepare to be enchanted by the culinary magic of The Magician, Tel Aviv’s flagship shawarma destination. At Hakosem, indulge in a complete shawarma meal, featuring thick tahini, famous fried eggplants, refreshing lemonade, and decadent malabi. Every bite of the meat-laden pita or lapa is a mouthwatering delight, enhanced by unique additions like garlic confit and crispy fried eggplant. Join the eager patrons lining up outside and discover why The Magician is a must-visit for shawarma aficionados in Tel Aviv.
Dr. Shakshuka Address: Beit Eshel 3, Jaffa Since: 1991 Menu: Lamb with Veal Price: NIS 39 per pita, NIS 65 per plate Special: Toppings include mild Chuma pepper, red sauce eggplant salad (Mashvia), tahini, green onion, and parsley
Bino Gebso, famously known as Dr. Shakshuka, showcases his culinary expertise beyond the eponymous dish at his renowned restaurant. While Shakshuka may be the namesake, Dr. Shakshuka’s true passion lies in crafting delectable shawarmas. Experience the succulent combination of lamb and veal infused with juicy lamb fat and the doctor’s signature seasoning. Topped with a medley of flavorful ingredients, every bite is a symphony of taste sensations.
Haj Kahil Address: Shbati Israel 91, Jaffa Since: 1991 Menu: Female Turkey, Lamb Price: 36 NIS for a pita, 41 NIS for a loaf and a baguette, 65 NIS for a plate Special: Indulge in a secret spice mixture that elevates the flavors and aromas of the meat
For over three decades, Haj Kahil has been a beacon of culinary excellence in Jaffa’s Clock Tower Square. From early-morning meat enthusiasts to late-night revelers, this iconic establishment caters to all who crave exceptional shawarma. Savor the tantalizing flavors of female turkey and lamb, enhanced by a secret spice blend that captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Groner Meeting Address: Jabotinsky 127, Ramat Gan Since: Late 1960s Menu: Veal, India Price: 47 NIS for a pita, 57 NIS for a loaf and a baguette, 76 NIS for a plate Special: Shawarma prepared with kosher meat from Rabbi Machfod, available until 5:00 AM
Located in front of the Dov Groner memorial, Groner Meeting has been a beloved destination for generations seeking mouthwatering shawarma in Ramat Gan. Enjoy the authentic taste of veal and turkey shawarma, prepared with kosher meat under the supervision of Rabbi Machfod. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, Groner Meeting ensures a flavorful shawarma experience at any hour.
Shemesh Shawarma Address: Jabotinsky 85, Ramat Gan Since: 1961 Menu: Turkey Shawarma Price: NIS 46 per pita, NIS 56 per loaf, NIS 72 per plate Special: Signature square pita, offering a nostalgic taste of classic toppings
When you think of legendary shawarma, “Shemesh” shines brightest in the minds of many. Since 1961, Shemesh Shawarma has been serving up mouthwatering turkey shawarmas with a touch of nostalgia. Their thriving chain still delivers that iconic taste, featuring the essential toppings: hummus, tahini, fries, vegetable salad, spicy amba, parsley, and onion. Don’t miss out on their hallmark square pita, a symbol of their enduring legacy.
At the Turk’s Address: Rishonim 2, Or Yehuda Since: 1952 Menu: Turkey, Veal Shawarma Price: NIS 45 for a pita, NIS 54 for a loaf and baguette, NIS 70 for a plate Special: Authentic Turkish spice mix, preserving the flavors of Turkish cuisine
For an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine, head to At the Turk’s. Founded by Sara and Yitzchak Doinias in 1952, this establishment started as a humble pita kebab stand, rooted in the culinary traditions of the Turkish Izmir camp. Over the years, it evolved into a renowned oriental food restaurant, celebrated for its flavorful shawarmas. Indulge in their turkey and veal shawarmas, seasoned with a special spice mix straight from Turkey.
Doner Grill Address: Avraham Giron 20, Yehud Since: 2004 Menu: Pullet, Female Turkey, Calf with Lamb (Donner) Price: NIS 45 for a pita, NIS 55 for a loaf and baguette, NIS 68 for a plate Special: Perfectly infused lamb fat, offering an authentic taste of Turkish Doner
From a humble shawarma stand to a pilgrimage site for meat enthusiasts, Doner Grill in Yehud has carved a name for itself in the world of Turkish cuisine. Experience the essence of Istanbul’s doner without leaving Israel, with their rotating skewers featuring chicken, turkey, and Doner Esli—a tantalizing blend of veal and lamb. Delight in the juicy layers of meat, perfectly complemented by the infusion of lamb fat, creating an unforgettable shawarma experience.
Herzl 2 Address: Herzl 2, Rishon LeZion Since: 2004 Menu: Turkey, Chicken Shawarma Price: 48 NIS for a pita, 58 NIS for a loaf and a baguette, 75 NIS for a plate Special: Complimentary salad bar and unlimited chips for an enhanced dining experience
Calling all hungry naval commanders and shawarma enthusiasts! Herzl 2 in Rishon LeZion is your ultimate destination for a satisfying culinary journey. Since 2004, Herzl 2 has been delighting patrons with overflowing pitas bursting with delectable turkey and chicken shawarma. Their commitment to freshness extends to their extensive salad bar, offering dozens of salads made fresh on-site every day. But that’s not all—indulge in unlimited free chips to complement your shawarma feast and elevate your dining experience. With additional branches in the west of the city and Yavneh, Herzl 2 continues to satisfy appetites and exceed expectations.
Final Words
As we bid farewell to Israel’s culinary delights, one thing is certain: the love for shawarma transcends borders and unites food lovers from around the world. Whether you find yourself in the bustling streets of Jerusalem, the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, or the serene landscapes of Nazareth, be sure to indulge in this quintessential Middle Eastern delight for an unforgettable culinary experience.
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