Although its roots aren’t Israeli, and even though other dishes can be considered Israel's national food, there is no other dish that has gained such widespread consensus as shawarma.
The surge in new stalls and restaurants opening across the country in recent years is accompanied by a rise in quality, a push for excellence and, above all, a vibrant conversation about shawarma.
Whether in WhatsApp or Facebook groups with hundreds of thousands of followers, people share tips and opinions on every place you can find thinly sliced meat in pita, laffa (large, thin flatbread with an Iraqi origin), baguette or on a plate - just pick your preference.
A taste of the Middle East
Shawarma’s story is in many ways also the story of the Middle East. It began in the Ottoman Empire and spread across the region and the world, with each area adding its own twist, through seasoning, accompaniments, method of serving and, of course, the meat and roasting style. Each region is convinced its version is the best.
From Turkey to Mexico, shawarma in its many forms has conquered the world and Israel along with it. Now, on one of our more ambitious missions, we’ve mapped some of Israel’s top shawarma joints from the north on the Lebanon border down to Eilat.
There are hundreds of dedicated spots, but here are the most notable. Of course we couldn’t cover them all, as there are simply too many worthy contenders. That’s where you come in: leave a comment and let us and our readers know your favorite.
A hobby of the contractor from the small village: Abo Hafid, Fassuta
Right on the Lebanese border is one of the country’s most intriguing spots, now safely open for visits with the end of the war in the north.
It started as a hobby by a village resident who, on his days off from work as a contractor, set up a single stand. Success turned it into a two-day operation, open only on Friday and Saturday.
Expect one cut of veal studded with pistachios and not much else. A minimalist place, no hummus - just meat, amba-spiced tahini and a few vegetable sides. Run, don’t walk.
Address: Fassuta 1, Fassuta
Nazareth’s star: Imad
Nazareth’s star - a hummus restaurant with a stellar reputation that also serves outstanding shawarma. Few locals resist turning into Nazareth’s main square to grab a juicy pita from Imad. On a plate or alongside hummus, it’s one of the area’s must‑try stops.
Address: 52 Tufik Ziad Street, Nazareth
Classic for football fans: My Shawarma, Eilaboun
One of the more pleasant and tasty places on our list. In the heart of this quiet village is a charming shawarma restaurant. They serve two meats - veal and turkey and offer a generous buffet of salads that make it a full meal in a sparkling clean space.
Classic for football fans heading to away matches in Sakhnin, but really for anyone in the north, whether passing by or coming specifically.
Location: Eilaboun
The shawarma capital: Emil, Ganam, Sabbah - Haifa
Haifa’s role as the shawarma capital may have been challenged in recent years, but its contribution to Israeli taste is undeniable. From the legendary “Champs‑Élysées” of shawarma on Haifa’s Yaffo Road, once a must‑stop on the way to the north or before football games in the city, to the old‑school restaurants preserving the family tradition of roasting passed on from father to son.
It’s hard to pick a standout shawarma place in Haifa, so we focus on three who share the same block.
Emil, the oldest and recently relocated, still goes for minimalism, with meat central to its charm. Ganam, praised by local restaurateurs, and Sabbah, with its own devoted followers.
No need to pick one. Instead, hop on the train to Haifa (Merkaz Hashmona station), walk five minutes between all three spots, and mix half‑servings in pita based on your appetite. Life is better when lamb fat is in your veins.
Addresses:
Emil: 68 HaMeginim, Haifa
Ganam: 19 Asfur, Haifa
Sabbah: 37 Allenby Rd., Haifa
A game‑changer: Albasha, 11, El Hadid - Daliyat al‑Karmel
For years, Haifa was widely seen as the national shawarma capital. That may always hold true, but what’s happening south of it, in Usfiya and especially in Daliyat al‑Karmel, is redefining the hierarchy.
Al basha, El Hadid and 11 are shining stars dripping in lamb fat, each with its fan base that swears it’s the best. And according to us, and many testimonies, the lamb roll at Albasha wins by a drop.
Albasha, Al Hadid, 11, Daliyat al‑Karmel.
Israel’s most talked-about shawarma: BBQ Mirage, Isfiya
This is arguably the most talked-about shawarma in the country right now. A horizontally rotating meat skewer grilled over coal has gone viral, drawing long lines daily from people who travel just to witness the spectacle.
This relatively new spot brought a fresh idea to the local scene: not only is the meat roasted horizontally over open coals, but the laffa wrap is folded and pressed onto the grill too, soaking up every drop of the juicy fat. Yes, it’s as delicious and exciting as it sounds.
Address: Highway 672, Isfiya
Causing traffic jams: Shauli, Rafi Batzhomet (in the junction), Sami Bakikar (in the square) — Hadera
Just south of Mount Carmel along Route 4, a small cluster of shawarma joints in Hadera demands inclusion in any comprehensive Israeli list.
The best known is Shauli, whose enduring recipe and two perpetually packed branches are notorious for causing traffic slowdowns. But Shauli is not alone. Rafi Batzhomet and Sami Bakikar are also beloved and highly respected spots worth your time.
Addresses:
Shauli, 49 David Shimoni St., Hadera
Rafi Batzhomet, 29 Komba St., Hadera
Sami Bakikar, Arba HaAgudot St., Hadera
A new Middle East: Abu Adam, Qalansuwa
Chef Abed Marai didn’t reinvent the wheel; he just buried it in the ground. The meat is slowly roasted in a pit that’s dug into the ground, lined with stones, and filled with hot coals.
The fusion of Turkish doner tradition with slow-cooking and smoking methods creates a “New Middle East” flavor. After roasting, Abu Adam’s veal-lamb mix, strongly seasoned, gets a final crisp, giving each bite an irresistible finish.
Jerusalem’s flagship: Aka
God gave Jerusalem ten portions of culinary greatness, but none of them went to shawarma. Despite being a food capital, Jerusalem has long lacked a standout shawarma scene.
While there are decent options in shopping centers, only one place stands out: Aka, tucked near the edge of the Mahane Yehuda market. It serves veal shawarma exclusively in a thin, special laffa with unique toppings, including vegan yogurt.
The result is a generous, distinctive dish. A few years ago, chef Avi Levy ran a brilliant shawarma spot called Mitzle, but it has since closed, leaving Aka the sole torchbearer for shawarma in the Holy City.
Address: 6 HaShikma St., Jerusalem
A rare find: Hamdi Shawarma, Abu Ghosh
Without being unkind, few places are as overrated food-wise as Abu Ghosh, a popular stop along the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem highway offering mostly mediocre fare. That’s what makes Hamdi Shawarma such a surprising and delightful exception.
Approaching its 10th anniversary, it offers an excellent skewer and fair prices, making it the standout food destination in this heavily touristed village.
Address: 30 HaShalom St., Abu Ghosh
The authentic choice: HaTurki (The Turk), Or Yehuda
In Or Yehuda, especially around Yehezkel Kazaz Street, choosing what to eat is no easy task. 'Hashakshuka Shel Effi' (Effi's Shakshuka), Balmo's Bourikas. But Haturki (The Turk) deserves special mention. Unlike other spots that aim for Turkish authenticity, this one is fully Israeli at heart. A massive turkey skewer, served in pita or on a traditional plate, makes it a local favorite.
Address: 2 HaRishonim St., Or Yehuda
A pilgrimage site: HaPina HaLevana, Doner - Yehud
Yehud may seem low-key compared to lively Or Yehuda, but it’s a heavyweight in Israel’s street food scene.
HaPina HaLevana is a pilgrimage site thanks to its generous portions (just try to finish the laffa), great service and most importantly, bold flavors anchored by a massive turkey skewer.
Nearby, Doner is also highly respected. With many Turkish-Israeli residents in town, this industrial-area joint draws on strong Turkish influences, especially in its veal-lamb skewer that channels pure Taksim Square nostalgia.
Addresses:
HaPina HaLevana, 7 Herzl St., Yehud
Doner, 15 Avraham Giron St., Yehud
The queen of the Sharon area: Jamil, Herzliya
Tzarum in Herzliya, or Tanaami in Kfar Saba, are both worthy, no doubt. But for the Sharon area’s top shawarma title, the crown goes to Eli Jamil’s place in the heart of Sokolov Street in Herzliya.
A giant turkey skewer, lines that move with impressive efficiency, and an unmistakably Herzliya vibe. The shop is even planning to try its luck soon with a new branch in central Tel Aviv.
Address: 20 Sokolov St., Herzliya
A trip to the ’80s: Hertzel, Jaffa
One of the oldest entries on this list, Herzel serves classic turkey shawarma alongside a nostalgic journey to the 1980s. There’s great kebab too, but shawarma is the main event here. It survived the light rail construction thanks to a loyal crowd that’s been with it for decades.
Address: 67 Jerusalem Blvd., Jaffa
Worth the wait: Turk Lahmajoun, Tel Aviv
Quietly and without much publicity, Turk Lahmajoun has become a sensation in central Tel Aviv, thanks to its strategic location and a loyal crowd that packs the place daily. The constant stream of customers keeps the salads and meats fresh, and the Turkish-style meat-stuffed lahmajoun offers a bold alternative that rivals nearly any laffa.
Address: 77 Nahalat Binyamin, Tel Aviv
Hard to ignore: Gerti — Pop-Up at Carmel Market, Tel Aviv
While this list typically highlights permanent spots, Ziv Gerti’s beloved pop-up deserves an exception. Trained by shakshuka legend Bino Gabso and further refined by his own studies in Turkey, Gerti mastered the art of unforgettable shawarma-in-pita. Although he mostly appears at events and pop-ups, often around Tel Aviv, his food is a rare treat worth tracking.
Location: Carmel Market, Tel Aviv
A must-visit, though not cheap: Mifgash Rambam, Tel Aviv
For many, this is Tel Aviv’s top shawarma. A single veal skewer, a carefully crafted pita, and generous portions make this one of the city’s most satisfying bites. Prices are above average, but the shawarma flavors from the team behind acclaimed restaurant HaBasta make Mifgash Rambam a must-visit, especially since it’s open on Shabbat.
Address: 3 Rambam St., Tel Aviv
A bite to remember: Elias, Tel Aviv
One of Tel Aviv’s newest shawarma spots, Elias gained recognition in no time. Owner Avi Elias, a butcher by trade, started grilling meats during the COVID lockdowns and quickly found his calling. Every day he puts up a skewer of veal, Denver cut, and entrecôte, served with minimal toppings in pita or laffa. His slogan, “Elias, shawarma you’ll remember”, rings true.
Address: 4 Soncino St., Tel Aviv
Kosher and trailblazing: Mutfak, Tel Aviv
Recently, under new ownership, Mutfak has become kosher and is being closely watched by the local food scene. It earned its reputation with authentic Turkish doner, a standout Iskender dish, and distinct flavors that set it apart.
Address: 110 Shlomo Rd., Tel Aviv
Cinderella tale: Avram's Grandson, Gerale - Rishon Lezion
In Rishon LeZion’s old industrial zone, two top shawarma contenders stand out. The Avram's Grandson started as a pop-up and eventually cracked the formula: turkey and veal skewers, post-grill seasoning and a finishing touch of toasted pine nuts create a dream-worthy bite. Just nearby, Gerale is the city’s favorite, known for its freshness, abundance and warm service.
Addresses:
The Avram's Grandson: 7 Barshevsky St., Rishon LeZion
Gerale: 1 Binyamin Shmotkin St., Rishon LeZion
Most Turkish in Israel: Babacim, Bat Yam
This may be the most authentically Turkish shawarma joint in the country. A tiny, unassuming spot near the Bat Yam boardwalk, Babacim serves up Turkish classics: lahmajoun, pide, Adana kebab and, above all, doner in its purest form.
Whether in pita, on a plate or in the Turkish Iskender version, with torn bread, shawarma cuts, grilled tomato and onion, yogurt and spiced butter, this place honors the beloved dish.
Address: 1 Rothschild St., Bat Yam
Busiest branch: Shimoni, Gan Yavne
Shimoni Shawarma is now a large chain, but the branch near Gan Yavne, located at a Dor Alon gas station off Route 4, stands out as one of the busiest and most popular. Freshly baked laffas, rotating fresh salads, fries and massive, flavorful skewers draw travelers to stop just for a bite.
Location: Dor Alon gas station
A knockout win: Rosh Ha’ir, Garbuli - Ashkelon
In the regional shawarma competition against neighboring Ashdod, Ashkelon wins in a knockout. Rosh Ha’ir has become a city legend, operating from the same old city center spot with passion and skill. It’s known for generous portions and nonstop lines.
Also noteworthy is Garbuli, which has grown from a small shop into a mini-chain across the south. Two massive skewers, overstuffed pitas and Ashkelon-style warmth make it one of the region’s most popular spots.
Addresses:
Rosh Ha’ir: 31 Herzl St., Ashkelon
Garbuli: David Ben Gurion Blvd., Ashkelon
Took the city by storm: Ibo, Be'er Sheva
A surprising new arrival has made its way to the top of Be'er Sheva’s shawarma scene. While the city boasts several solid options in shopping centers and commercial hubs, Ibo quickly won over locals.
Originally launched as a kosher southern branch of Tel Aviv’s Mutfak, it later broke away to forge an independent path, proudly embracing Turkish roots. It has since become a preferred destination for shawarma lovers in the region.
Address: 10 Beit Eshel St., Be'er Sheva
A charcoal-grilled attraction: HaMasbia, Dimona
If someone tells you there’s no decent shawarma south of Be'er Sheva, or nowhere worth stopping on the way to Eilat, set them straight. HaMasbia in Dimona is both a great stopover and a daily favorite for locals.
With another branch in Be'er Sheva, what sets this place apart is its grilling method: shawarma cooked over charcoal, delivering deep, rich flavors that are hard to find elsewhere. Add solid side dishes, friendly service, and a house-baked baguette (the recommended wrap), and you’ve got a winning combination.
Address: 283 David HaMelech St., Dimona
A surprising contender in the Gaza border region: Shunk, Sderot
Shunk is a relatively new but promising player in the Gaza border area. Sderot, known for producing major figures in Israeli public life and culture, hasn’t always stood out on the food map. Shunk changes that. With a chicken skewer and a veal-lamb doner-style skewer, it delivers a standout shawarma experience beloved by locals.
Address: 32 Herzl St., Sderot
A local institution: Kahlon Shawarma, Netivot
Unlike Sderot, Netivot is a street food powerhouse, home to many successful eateries and a rich culinary culture. In the shawarma world, Kahlon, marked by its bright orange logo, is already a legend. This is classic turkey shawarma like in the old days, and the constant line throughout the day says it all.
Address: 3 Yosef Samelo St., Netivot
Famous thanks to a silly gimmick: Momi Shawarma, Eilat
Momi Shawarma gained national recognition for its admittedly silly gimmick which went viral: a deep-fried pita.
But underneath the hype is genuinely good shawarma that hits the spot for locals and tourists alike. Located deep in Eilat, far from the main tourist strip, it’s well worth the drive if you’re craving a comforting southern-style bite.
Address: 318 Sheshet HaYamim Blvd., Eilat