In Israeli food culture, kebab is more than just grilled meat; it’s a culinary symbol that bridges ethnic groups, generations, and cooking styles. Like hummus, everyone swears by their own recipe or swears they know the one place where kebab is no less than art. Here’s our list of the top places.
The surprising one: Sabih
A modern eatery serving old-school kebab made by hand, shaped onto metal skewers and grilled over charcoal, just like the classics. There is a large selection of tasty side dishes and salads. There's another branch in Kiryat Motzkin.
Address: 211 Histadrut Blvd, Haifa
The Polish touch: Ma'ayan Habira
This vintage tavern channels the vibe of an '80s pub. The kebab here is excellent, especially when paired with a cold beer, an essential combo. The original owner, an immigrant from Poland, also serves smoked meat and gefilte fish, proving that kebab transcends continents and traditions.
Address: 4 Natanzon St, Haifa
The family-run restaurant: Shamli
A family-run Bulgarian restaurant where five generations have grilled kebab over charcoal. It’s juicy, cooked to perfection, and the service feels like home. If you like it, you can buy frozen kebab patties to cook at home.
Address: 56 Jaffa Road, Haifa
The local place: Ben Hemo
Ben Hemo's kebab is a well-kept local secret. The owner’s grandfather runs a decades-old butcher shop in the nearby market, providing top-quality meat. The charcoal-grilled kebab is one of the best bites we had. And if you’re already there, don’t miss the stuffed spleen.
Address: 1 HaRav Kook St, Or Akiva
The pro: Yigal Kebab
A simple spot that people return to time and again for one reason - the kebab. Yigal, of Iraqi descent, hand-shapes the patties with quiet precision. The prices are as humble as the place.
Address: 1 Mivtsa Ezra St, Hadera
The secret star: Sami BaKikar
This may look like your average shawarma place, but its hidden gem is the kebab, wrapped beautifully around a metal skewer like a pro. Add the salads and you’ve got a winner. Skip the shawarma next time, you’re here for the kebab.
Address: 4 Bialik St, Hadera
The chunky one: Kebab and Bro
Here, they serve thick, juicy kebabs in pita with grilled veggies and tahini. It’s cooked on a plancha griddle rather than a grill, but somehow it still works. Plate option available, but we recommend the all-in-pita version. You pay up front, and while the line may look long, it moves quickly.
Address: 48 HaMeyasdim St, Pardes Hanna-Karkur
The star: Olga Skewers – Simo & Dubi
Not surprising that the country’s best skewer place serves outstanding kebab, but this one stands out. Charcoal-grilled on a skewer with meat from the family butcher shop, it’s what most people come here for.
Address: 1 HaTana'im St, Hadera
The Tel Aviv classic: Jasmino
A Tel Aviv kebab shrine serving a simple, flawless version inside a pita with minimal extras. Kebab patties are grilled over charcoal and topped with tahini, amba (a tangy mango sauce), salad and grilled veggies. There's almost always a queue; afternoons are your best bet.
Address: 99 Allenby St, Tel Aviv
The elegant: Hanan Margilan
One of Tel Aviv’s best and favorite Bukharian traditional restaurants, known for its charcoal-grilled meats, including a delicately spiced kebab. Served with pickled onion and vinegar on the side, the flavors are perfectly balanced. Warm, family-style atmosphere, just be ready for a long line outside.
Address: 15 Mesilat Yesharim St, Tel Aviv
The safe bet: M25
Tucked inside HaCarmel Market, this meat restaurant is famous for its "Arais" (a kind of grilled pita stuffed with kebab mix), but the kebab dish itself is just as unforgettable. Skewered and made from freshly ground local beef, it’s full of flavor. The place is casual and great for a quick bite to go.
Address: 30 HaCarmel Alley, Tel Aviv
The generous one: Zika Skewers
An old-school family-run spot in Jaffa, with Zika, the head of the family, still manning the kitchen. Generous portions, great charcoal-grilled kebabs, and don’t skip the homemade salads and fries.
Address: 160 Yefet St, Tel Aviv
The next generation: Nivo Grill
Nivo is a second-generation spot founded by the son of Jan Olgun, former owner of Shawarma Mutfak. Nivo offers the family’s amazing Turkish lamb kebab, now alongside new dishes like Iskender kebab and shawarma. Served in pita, baguette or on a plate, with house-made fries.
Address: 2 Vital St, Tel Aviv
The crowd favorite: Mifgash Rambam
Located between Nahalat Binyamin pedestrian mall and HaCarmel Market, this spot blends nightlife and great food. Known mainly for shawarma, the menu sometimes surprises with dishes like an exceptional kebab. Best enjoyed with tzatziki, alongside beer, wine, and table service.
Address: 3 Rambam St, Tel Aviv
The Romanian: Adi Bar Romanesc
Not quite a bar and not quite a restaurant, this spot is a haven for garlic lovers, less ideal if you’re headed to a date. A hidden gem for Romanian food fans, where the kebab is served with an addictive garlic sauce you won’t be able to stop eating.
Address: 9 Menachem Begin Road, Tel Aviv
The legendary: HaBarbari
For decades, HaBarbari served grilled kebabs for the residents of Jaffa before closing his iconic spot. He later reopened at a gas station in East Rishon LeZion. Now retired, his descendants have taken over. The kebab, still grilled expertly over charcoal, remains one of the world’s best. Served with pita, grilled veggies, tahini, and amba.
Address: 6 Lishansky St, Rishon Lezion
The celebrity: Morris Grill Bar
Morris Bitton is a legendary figure in Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda Market, though he’s no longer based in the market itself. After COVID, he moved his skewer restaurant to a more modern space nearby, but the charcoal grill and Morris himself remain unchanged. The kebab is top-notch, and so are the rest of the skewers.
Address: 1 Heleni HaMalka St, Jerusalem
The veteran: Kebab Emuna
Since the 1950s, the chimney of this Old City Be'er Sheva eatery has filled the air with the scent of grilled meat. The recipe, unchanged for decades, is a closely guarded secret passed down from founder Shimon Emuna (known by the name "Shimon Kebabi"), who immigrated from Iran. Diners can select from a stunning salad bar to complete their pita.
Address: 58 KKL St, Be'er Sheva
