Guidebook for Tel Aviv-Yafo

Ricky
Guidebook for Tel Aviv-Yafo

Food Scene

There's nothing new to see at Cafe Mersand — and that's exactly why you should go. It's at once an institution and one of the city's best-kept secrets. Café Mersand debuted in 1955, and since then, nothing has changed — not the decor, the furniture or the recipes. (That means that the raisin cheesecake served today is exactly what your parents and grandparents munched on in the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s.) The real charm factor here, besides aromatic coffee that should be delivered by IV, is the eclectic group of patrons. Elderly ladies with scarves mix with businessmen, hipsters, locals, DJs, musicians, the occasional tourist, and the young and beautiful. Put another way: Everyone fits in.
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Cafe mersand
70 Ben Yehuda St
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There's nothing new to see at Cafe Mersand — and that's exactly why you should go. It's at once an institution and one of the city's best-kept secrets. Café Mersand debuted in 1955, and since then, nothing has changed — not the decor, the furniture or the recipes. (That means that the raisin cheesecake served today is exactly what your parents and grandparents munched on in the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s.) The real charm factor here, besides aromatic coffee that should be delivered by IV, is the eclectic group of patrons. Elderly ladies with scarves mix with businessmen, hipsters, locals, DJs, musicians, the occasional tourist, and the young and beautiful. Put another way: Everyone fits in.
If you are looking for a great vegan restaurant head to Anastasia! Yiftach Bareket, a veteran vegan chef, opened this first entirely vegan cafe in the center of Tel Aviv. Somehow at Anastasia, all those super-foods which are supposedly very healthy (chia seeds, spirulina, acai) actually taste good!! They serve innovative breakfast options, tasty salads, and sandwiches, as well as impressive hot dishes. At Anastasia they make their own soy, almond and rice milk, also delicious shakes packed with green goodness. They also serve amazing and guilt-free raw desserts​!
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Anastasia
54 Frishman St
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If you are looking for a great vegan restaurant head to Anastasia! Yiftach Bareket, a veteran vegan chef, opened this first entirely vegan cafe in the center of Tel Aviv. Somehow at Anastasia, all those super-foods which are supposedly very healthy (chia seeds, spirulina, acai) actually taste good!! They serve innovative breakfast options, tasty salads, and sandwiches, as well as impressive hot dishes. At Anastasia they make their own soy, almond and rice milk, also delicious shakes packed with green goodness. They also serve amazing and guilt-free raw desserts​!
Everyone talks about his excellent soups, but forget that Gabai’s is first of all a falafel place. Since 1946, hungry patrons have been eating lunch here, creating a long line at the entrance. They are willing to wait for Gabai’s famous falafel.
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Falafel Gabay
25 Bograshov St
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Everyone talks about his excellent soups, but forget that Gabai’s is first of all a falafel place. Since 1946, hungry patrons have been eating lunch here, creating a long line at the entrance. They are willing to wait for Gabai’s famous falafel.
After 9 years on the corner of Bograshov and Ben Yehuda Streets, Beit Thailandi (Thai House) is a Tel Aviv institution. Anyone who knows anything about international cuisine knows that this is the place – quite possibly the only place – to get authentic Thai food in Israel. And it's not just that it's authentic, but absolutely, gorgeously, deliciously authentic. If that didn't sell you, how's this? The Thai ambassador eats there.
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Thai House Restaurant
8 Bograshov St
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After 9 years on the corner of Bograshov and Ben Yehuda Streets, Beit Thailandi (Thai House) is a Tel Aviv institution. Anyone who knows anything about international cuisine knows that this is the place – quite possibly the only place – to get authentic Thai food in Israel. And it's not just that it's authentic, but absolutely, gorgeously, deliciously authentic. If that didn't sell you, how's this? The Thai ambassador eats there.
If you like your cappuccino with a side of startup gossip and tech-entrepreneur wisdom, Nahat in the center of Tel Aviv is your new go-to. It serves strong cups of coffee and espresso to wake up your brain for the lectures, workshops and meetup groups that take place here regularly.
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Nahat Café
1 Dizengoff Square
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If you like your cappuccino with a side of startup gossip and tech-entrepreneur wisdom, Nahat in the center of Tel Aviv is your new go-to. It serves strong cups of coffee and espresso to wake up your brain for the lectures, workshops and meetup groups that take place here regularly.
What better way to spend a summer night than at a cocktail bar who is bumping DJ jams and lighting up the nightlife in Jaffa — and serving gourmet Mediterranean cuisine while it's at it? Located in a back alley of the Greek market near the Jaffa port, Ramesses is an indoor-outdoor establishment that strikes just the right balance between bar and bistro, offering the option to dance, drink or simply sit and be served a selection of renowned chef Eli Stein's finest Mediterranean delicacies. Summer days might be drifting away, but oh, let those summer nights roll.
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Ramesses Restaurant
7 Ben Perachyah
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What better way to spend a summer night than at a cocktail bar who is bumping DJ jams and lighting up the nightlife in Jaffa — and serving gourmet Mediterranean cuisine while it's at it? Located in a back alley of the Greek market near the Jaffa port, Ramesses is an indoor-outdoor establishment that strikes just the right balance between bar and bistro, offering the option to dance, drink or simply sit and be served a selection of renowned chef Eli Stein's finest Mediterranean delicacies. Summer days might be drifting away, but oh, let those summer nights roll.
Think California-meets-Mediterranean cuisine, mouth-wateringly fresh raw ingredients, served in an alfresco "garden lounge" aesthetic. Yes, we can't stop raving about Salva Vida, the latest culinary outpost by chef Yuval Fachler. Thanks to its focus on urban gardening techniques and a fierce dedication to top-quality ingredients, you can expect innovative and unusual dishes like smoked trout with artichoke, Parmesan and quail egg, and salmon sashimi with grapefruit, avocado, and pistachio. All dishes are paired with a handpicked wine list ​and plated so intricately that you'll almost hate to disturb them.
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Salva Vida
88 HaYarkon St
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Think California-meets-Mediterranean cuisine, mouth-wateringly fresh raw ingredients, served in an alfresco "garden lounge" aesthetic. Yes, we can't stop raving about Salva Vida, the latest culinary outpost by chef Yuval Fachler. Thanks to its focus on urban gardening techniques and a fierce dedication to top-quality ingredients, you can expect innovative and unusual dishes like smoked trout with artichoke, Parmesan and quail egg, and salmon sashimi with grapefruit, avocado, and pistachio. All dishes are paired with a handpicked wine list ​and plated so intricately that you'll almost hate to disturb them.
Amidst the grunge and the graffiti art that bedeck the shadeless streets of Florentin, there lies a confectioner's oasis, a bright beacon of blended hope in the form of Cookie Monster milk shakes and Ferrero Bueno bliss. Known as Shakeout, this small but mighty shake shack is stirring up a lot more than just your average dairy dessert. With options ranging from healthy, immune-boosting smoothies for the morning crowd to delectable blended ice creams packed with imported chocolates for the late-night munchers, Shakeout satisfies the Augustus Gloop in all of us.
Shakeout
2 Chayim Vital Street
Amidst the grunge and the graffiti art that bedeck the shadeless streets of Florentin, there lies a confectioner's oasis, a bright beacon of blended hope in the form of Cookie Monster milk shakes and Ferrero Bueno bliss. Known as Shakeout, this small but mighty shake shack is stirring up a lot more than just your average dairy dessert. With options ranging from healthy, immune-boosting smoothies for the morning crowd to delectable blended ice creams packed with imported chocolates for the late-night munchers, Shakeout satisfies the Augustus Gloop in all of us.
Thanks to our friends over at Happy in Tel Aviv we hear that one of the greatest Israeli Chef, Omer Miller, just announced the opening of Calipso.tlv, his new restaurant on Frishman Beach. Finally a gourmet restaurant directly on one of the most popular beaches of Tel Aviv! No more cold fries and overpriced salads for the beach bunnies. A year after closing is former and famous restaurant “Hachoulhan”, a 4-year long success on Rothschild Boulevard and a couple months after launching Susu & Sons, is burger bar concept, Omer Miller announced the opening of his new restaurant and we look forward to enjoying his culinary delights in between dips in the Mediterranean this summer.
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Frishman Beach
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Thanks to our friends over at Happy in Tel Aviv we hear that one of the greatest Israeli Chef, Omer Miller, just announced the opening of Calipso.tlv, his new restaurant on Frishman Beach. Finally a gourmet restaurant directly on one of the most popular beaches of Tel Aviv! No more cold fries and overpriced salads for the beach bunnies. A year after closing is former and famous restaurant “Hachoulhan”, a 4-year long success on Rothschild Boulevard and a couple months after launching Susu & Sons, is burger bar concept, Omer Miller announced the opening of his new restaurant and we look forward to enjoying his culinary delights in between dips in the Mediterranean this summer.
The best kosher sushi in town, Nini Hashi have just added Sushi Donuts to their menu. Imagine a donut shaped with sushi rice, topped with fresh fish and sliced veggies. This concept was invented by an Australian Instagrammer and now you can find this trendy and tasty artistic sushi right on Ben Yehuda Street.
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Nini Hachi
228 Ben Yehuda St
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The best kosher sushi in town, Nini Hashi have just added Sushi Donuts to their menu. Imagine a donut shaped with sushi rice, topped with fresh fish and sliced veggies. This concept was invented by an Australian Instagrammer and now you can find this trendy and tasty artistic sushi right on Ben Yehuda Street.

Drinks & Nightlife

Hidden inside the Imperial Hotel, the Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar is the top of the top when it comes to craft cocktails. This temple to the lost art of cocktail goes back to the source, featuring veteran bartenders from the younger years of the White City. With an Asian-colonial inspired kitchen and a wide range of music from jazz to rock n’ roll, it’s no coincidence Imperial was crowned Drinks International magazine’s ‘Best Bar in Africa and the Middle East.’
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Burger Bar 39
39 Ben Yehuda St
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Hidden inside the Imperial Hotel, the Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar is the top of the top when it comes to craft cocktails. This temple to the lost art of cocktail goes back to the source, featuring veteran bartenders from the younger years of the White City. With an Asian-colonial inspired kitchen and a wide range of music from jazz to rock n’ roll, it’s no coincidence Imperial was crowned Drinks International magazine’s ‘Best Bar in Africa and the Middle East.’
This too-cool-for-school watering hole is the newest fad on the Allenby bar scene. Nilus bar - named after the Nile - combines high class hipster with artsy vibes. The DJs, bartenders and managers are predominantly women bringing the spotlight down on Tel Aviv's art culture. Expect to meet directors, photographers, and budding artists while swirling a creative cocktail. And, when you want a break from the arts and culture, head upstairs for some recharging food or a smoke.
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Nilus bar
33 Allenby St
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This too-cool-for-school watering hole is the newest fad on the Allenby bar scene. Nilus bar - named after the Nile - combines high class hipster with artsy vibes. The DJs, bartenders and managers are predominantly women bringing the spotlight down on Tel Aviv's art culture. Expect to meet directors, photographers, and budding artists while swirling a creative cocktail. And, when you want a break from the arts and culture, head upstairs for some recharging food or a smoke.
Situated a short walk from the Carmel Market and overlooking Tel Aviv’s happening Nahalat Binyamin Street, the Prince Charming of rooftop bars lights up the sky with fairy lights and fancy cocktails. Don’t be fooled by the entrance — it may look like it's leading into an abandoned building, but on the roof is a hidden garden oasis serving up quality eats and drinks with beats by some very talented DJs, making The Prince's atmosphere the most enchanting of them all.
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The Prince
18 Nahalat Binyamin St
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Situated a short walk from the Carmel Market and overlooking Tel Aviv’s happening Nahalat Binyamin Street, the Prince Charming of rooftop bars lights up the sky with fairy lights and fancy cocktails. Don’t be fooled by the entrance — it may look like it's leading into an abandoned building, but on the roof is a hidden garden oasis serving up quality eats and drinks with beats by some very talented DJs, making The Prince's atmosphere the most enchanting of them all.
Tel Aviv's very first Scandinavian cocktail bar! Here everything is made to meet Stockholm’s high standards: perfectly balanced cocktails with a pared down, modern design. We owe all of this Nordic chic to Botanika’s managers; they are more like super bar builders! They are also behind the opening of a few dozen Cocktail Bars around the world, and they always have 3 obsessions: taste, high-quality​ ingredients, and minimalism. And don’t forget to have a look at the chef’s foodie offer: fresh fish tartare, crunchy veggies, or even vanilla and lavender cream if you’re a dessert lover.
Botanika
78 HaYarkon Street
Tel Aviv's very first Scandinavian cocktail bar! Here everything is made to meet Stockholm’s high standards: perfectly balanced cocktails with a pared down, modern design. We owe all of this Nordic chic to Botanika’s managers; they are more like super bar builders! They are also behind the opening of a few dozen Cocktail Bars around the world, and they always have 3 obsessions: taste, high-quality​ ingredients, and minimalism. And don’t forget to have a look at the chef’s foodie offer: fresh fish tartare, crunchy veggies, or even vanilla and lavender cream if you’re a dessert lover.

Parks & Nature

This is Tel Aviv! Tel Aviv’s most popular beaches, with wide stretches of sand, lifeguards, chairs… and lots of people! If you want to understand Tel Aviv, hit up these beaches on a Friday or Saturday in the summer. A huge mish-mash of tourists and locals vying for a spot to tan, sip a beer, be seen, and drool over the beautiful bronzed bodies.
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Bugrashov Beach
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This is Tel Aviv! Tel Aviv’s most popular beaches, with wide stretches of sand, lifeguards, chairs… and lots of people! If you want to understand Tel Aviv, hit up these beaches on a Friday or Saturday in the summer. A huge mish-mash of tourists and locals vying for a spot to tan, sip a beer, be seen, and drool over the beautiful bronzed bodies.
SUP has arrived in Israel from Hawaii. A SUP is a big surf board with an adapted paddle that combines elements of surfing and kayaking. SUP is a very versatile sport, not only is it a great way to surf and catch waves, it is great fun to just paddle along any coastline, river or lake. Plus it is an excellent Core Fitness exercise using your abdominal muscles making it an exciting new way to work out. And it ain't as easy as it looks; balancing is hard enough on dry sand, let alone on a surfboard in the ocean! Thankfully, classes are open for beginners and more advanced dudes, so it doesn't matter how many times you fall, just pick yourself up and try again. It's time to make waves!
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Topsea Surfing Center
155 הירקון
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SUP has arrived in Israel from Hawaii. A SUP is a big surf board with an adapted paddle that combines elements of surfing and kayaking. SUP is a very versatile sport, not only is it a great way to surf and catch waves, it is great fun to just paddle along any coastline, river or lake. Plus it is an excellent Core Fitness exercise using your abdominal muscles making it an exciting new way to work out. And it ain't as easy as it looks; balancing is hard enough on dry sand, let alone on a surfboard in the ocean! Thankfully, classes are open for beginners and more advanced dudes, so it doesn't matter how many times you fall, just pick yourself up and try again. It's time to make waves!

Arts & Culture

This contemporary art gallery is set in the neoclassical 'Twin House', a 1920s building with two identical wings designed by Joseph Berlin as a residence for himself and his brother. The welcoming Tola'at Sfarim (Book Worm) Cafe and Bookshop is on the ground floor
Chelouche Gallery
15 HaTsorfim Street
This contemporary art gallery is set in the neoclassical 'Twin House', a 1920s building with two identical wings designed by Joseph Berlin as a residence for himself and his brother. The welcoming Tola'at Sfarim (Book Worm) Cafe and Bookshop is on the ground floor
Originally​ the home of Chaim Nahman Bialik, pioneer of modern Hebrew and Yiddish poetry and Israel’s national poet. The house is renowned for its original Bauhaus​ architecture and unique interior design.
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Bialik House
22 Bialik St
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Originally​ the home of Chaim Nahman Bialik, pioneer of modern Hebrew and Yiddish poetry and Israel’s national poet. The house is renowned for its original Bauhaus​ architecture and unique interior design.
One of the smallest museums and likely the most overlooked is Ben-Gurion House, a historic house museum at 17 Ben-Gurion Boulevard that served as an additional residence for Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion. Visitors can see Ben-Gurion’s library, his family’s sleeping quarters and the study where he worked. Take a free guided tour of the house and learn about Ben-Gurion’s life work.
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Bahay ni Ben-Gurion
17 Sderot Ben Gurion
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One of the smallest museums and likely the most overlooked is Ben-Gurion House, a historic house museum at 17 Ben-Gurion Boulevard that served as an additional residence for Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion. Visitors can see Ben-Gurion’s library, his family’s sleeping quarters and the study where he worked. Take a free guided tour of the house and learn about Ben-Gurion’s life work.

Entertainment & Activities

Drop-in, classes in English, CrossFit​ for kids, yoga, mobility training and more with the best instructors.
CrossFit Tel Aviv
167 HaYarkon St
Drop-in, classes in English, CrossFit​ for kids, yoga, mobility training and more with the best instructors.

Shopping

If you think shopping for retro clothing happens only in dusty basements and moldy attics, you clearly have yet to step foot in Aderet Vintage Shop. Located on the ever-stylish Bugrashov Street near Dizengoff Square, Aderet was established in 2005 to curate a diverse collection of eclectic vintage clothing and accessories for men and women. The racks are filled with items ranging from throwback 1950s pieces to contemporary designs, and the stock changes weekly. Pick up gently worn jackets, shirts, hats, glasses, jewelry and bags that you definitely won't find at your go-to stores. Bonus: Not only do you get to shop, you can also reminisce about your favorite fashion eras.
אדרת יד שנייה- Aderet second hand
53 Bograshov St
If you think shopping for retro clothing happens only in dusty basements and moldy attics, you clearly have yet to step foot in Aderet Vintage Shop. Located on the ever-stylish Bugrashov Street near Dizengoff Square, Aderet was established in 2005 to curate a diverse collection of eclectic vintage clothing and accessories for men and women. The racks are filled with items ranging from throwback 1950s pieces to contemporary designs, and the stock changes weekly. Pick up gently worn jackets, shirts, hats, glasses, jewelry and bags that you definitely won't find at your go-to stores. Bonus: Not only do you get to shop, you can also reminisce about your favorite fashion eras.
Remember reading the Shopaholic series and wishing Becky Bloomwood were your personal shopper? Wish no more! Okay, we didn't find you Becky — she's a fictional character, remember? — but we did find Mia Wallace Styling and Boutique. This unassuming, meticulously curated womenswear shop on tree-lined Dizengoff Street​ is run by stylist and personal shopper Aya Argov. With more than a decade of experience, Aya can give you expert advice not just on dressing for special occasions but also on nailing that coveted "off-duty model" look every day! Stocked with a select lineup of local designers and personal favorites from abroad, this shop will turn your wardrobe into the envy of all women.
Dizengoff St 227
227 Dizengoff Street
Remember reading the Shopaholic series and wishing Becky Bloomwood were your personal shopper? Wish no more! Okay, we didn't find you Becky — she's a fictional character, remember? — but we did find Mia Wallace Styling and Boutique. This unassuming, meticulously curated womenswear shop on tree-lined Dizengoff Street​ is run by stylist and personal shopper Aya Argov. With more than a decade of experience, Aya can give you expert advice not just on dressing for special occasions but also on nailing that coveted "off-duty model" look every day! Stocked with a select lineup of local designers and personal favorites from abroad, this shop will turn your wardrobe into the envy of all women.
Zielinski & Rozen's newest shop!
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Dizengoff Square/Dizengoff station
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Zielinski & Rozen's newest shop!
For years you could find Uzi-Eli the Etrog Man at the Ben Yehuda Market, but now the smiling 70-year-old has moved his organic remedies to Carmel Market. As a descendent of the Jewish medieval rabbi, scholar, and philosopher Moses Maimonides, Uzi-Eli has made it his life mission is to improve the lives of others. He does this with centuries-old recipes, including body care products and herbal concoctions that you can add to your morning glass of water to heal a number of ailments. His Essence Of Life Vigor features a mix of ginseng, chrysanthemum, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. A drop or two under your tongue should keep you awake and energized.
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Carmel Market
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For years you could find Uzi-Eli the Etrog Man at the Ben Yehuda Market, but now the smiling 70-year-old has moved his organic remedies to Carmel Market. As a descendent of the Jewish medieval rabbi, scholar, and philosopher Moses Maimonides, Uzi-Eli has made it his life mission is to improve the lives of others. He does this with centuries-old recipes, including body care products and herbal concoctions that you can add to your morning glass of water to heal a number of ailments. His Essence Of Life Vigor features a mix of ginseng, chrysanthemum, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. A drop or two under your tongue should keep you awake and energized.

Essentials

Fully stocked convenience store where nothing costs more than 5 shekels! What started as a chain of coffee​ shops has evolved into supermarkets. Sometimes cheap is actually chic​! :)
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Super Cofix
174 Ben Yehuda St
54 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Fully stocked convenience store where nothing costs more than 5 shekels! What started as a chain of coffee​ shops has evolved into supermarkets. Sometimes cheap is actually chic​! :)
Super-Pharm, one of many branches all over the city. Generous opening hours except on Saturdays.
Ben Yehuda St 4
4 Ben Yehuda Street
Super-Pharm, one of many branches all over the city. Generous opening hours except on Saturdays.