Facing the sea in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Ajami, this family-run restaurant is famous for its festive atmosphere and is a favourite among locals and visitors. It’s common to hear the occasional birthday tune broadcast in Arabic; diners clap their hands in celebration before turning back to enjoy their food. Waiters zip in and out of the busy kitchen with a selection of tapas, including hummus, tahini, sliced and seasoned vegetables, and fried aubergine and cauliflower served with pitta bread.

Since branching out to the Jaffa Port, The Old Man and the Sea has become more than a meal, it is a complete theatrical scene. From waiters running around like whirling dervishes, to giant pitchers of fresh squeezed lemonade, and so many vibrant salads you won't even need a main course (though you must try the grilled chicken, fish and kebabs), a weekend brunch at the port is worth braving the long line. Don't fret, it moves fast, and the fare is worth it.

If you’re up for it, one of the tastiest street food experiences can be found at Carmel Market, a bustling, narrow stretch of stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, olives, herbs and spices, plus baked breads and sweets. The shuk (market) may be noisy, crowded and intense, but it’s also a feast for the senses. Filled with exotic colours, smells and music, it’s like taking children back to an age before lifeless supermarkets and shopping malls.

This Jaffa port institution offers a lovely waterfront atmosphere and some of the freshest fish around, but don't worry if your child doesn't eat fish. There are also chicken, meat and pasta available, as well as a kid's menu with a choice of schnitzel, hamburger, hot dog, kebab, and pasta with tomato sauce for 54 NIS, or about $15.

The Old Man and the Sea Restaurant in Jaffa (two addresses), founded in 1999 by Younes Ali, is a well-known spot that offers fresh Mediterranean food, a captivating sea view, and a unique atmosphere where different cultures come together to enjoy food. The menu includes fresh salads, fish, seafood, meat and a special deal that includes 18 different kinds of salads, warm oven baked pita breads, a lemonade jug, main course and coffee or tea. We recommend you end your meal with traditional desserts like Awameh pellets dipped in sweet syrup or a rich flavoured affogato.

A restaurant in Jaffa portrayals a new Middle East – where Arabs, Jews and tourists from all around the world come together to enjoy fish, seafood, meat, plenty of salads and hot pitas fresh from the tabun. In the background you can hear different languages mingling together and an Arabic birthday song played, as one of the unique traditional customs of the place, while the waiters serve dessert with fireworks for guests celebrating.

The Old Man And The Sea is a local staple in Jaffa, the southern and oldest part of Tel Aviv. Located by the port, its standout mezze starters (you get 25 taster dishes to start with) and fresh fish make it one of the most sought-after places to eat. Its no-frills dining offers the chance to live a little more like an everyday Israeli – manic service, homely cooking and one of the best spots on the Jaffa port.

For live music, it’s hard to beat Akbar, The Container, or Shaffa, while The Cuckoo's Nest and Beit Kandinoff are bars-cum-art galleries with a particularly fun atmosphere. Most bars offer Happy Hour deals, usually between 6 pm and 8 pm, which are an excellent opportunity to try some Israeli beer: Goldstar, Malka, and Maccabee are all popular. There are also a few notable high-end restaurants in Jaffa.

Then there was Ouzeria, chef Avivit Priel Avichai’s sunny new taverna-style dining room. She and her servers bring Mediterranean mezze like grilled sardines, roasted root vegetables with labne, crudo and ethereal half moons of beet ravioli that were among the best things I ate in Israel—and they splash shots of ouzo and vodka into tiny glasses and lead the dance party in between all the delectability.

Spend an evening feasting on salads and the freshest catch of the day at The Old Man and the Sea, a renowned establishment at Jaffa Port. Over 22 Middle Eastern salads are served at lightning speed, alongside warm Laffa bread and fish, meat or chicken prepared to your liking. Accompanied by breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, the restaurant is an idyllic spot for large groups and families.

For centuries, pilgrims to the Holy Land arrived by water and were greeted at the fishing port by the 1,000-year-old Saint Nicholas Monastery. Though most visitors now arrive via the airport, the old port still functions as it did a millennium ago. Each morning, fishermen chug out to sea and return after sunset with a catch best sampled at one of The Old Man and The Sea ’s outdoor tables.

Another iconic establishment is this fish joint, offering fresh and delicious dishes on the marina at the Jaffa port. The Old Man and the Sea restaurant is looking at the blue sea and offers the absolute best place to watch an orange sunset (Jaffa orange!). If one of you is celebrating his birthday by chance, don’t forget to mention it to one of the waitresses and wait for your surprise.

For a more refined and delicious take on this concept, I like Manta Ray, a beautiful oceanside restaurant that takes the salad game up to a whole new level. The waiter brings you over a barcart teeming with dishes like beets and fried goat cheese or fried zuchinni with rich tzatziki and you point at the ones you want and they’ll bring you freshly made versions.

Located in Jaffa by the port, this gem of a restaurant serves up unlimited salads. From the moment guests sit down, they are greeted with round one of the traditional house salads (think: Israeli salad, eggplant, cauliflower, carrots, etc.) accompanied by laffa bread, pita and various dips. The kicker is that all of these salads are constantly replenished.

So if you're gluten free in Israel, you never have to worry about being hungry or feeling unsatisfied at the end of a meal, even if you "just eat salad." If you're looking for the Salad Experience to end all Salad Experiences, then The Old Man and the Sea is your place. For a set price you get an entree with somewhere between 18-23 different salads.

With a variety of salads and fresh squeezed lemonade as starters, you might not require a main course at the Old Man and the Sea restaurant (though it’s wise if you try their kebabs and grilled chicken). You can always occupy one of the tables outside the premises to get better sea views. So what other dishes can you expect at this restaurant?.

Located right on Old Jaffa Port overlooking the boats and the Mediterranian is one of the most fun food experiences in Tel Aviv. Show up and get the famous tasty 20 side dishes for 50 shekel a person, the sides are unlimited!. You can order a main dish but let us warn you the portions are EXTREMELY generous so split with a friend!

Tel Aviv's old railway station, located between the beach and Neve Tzedek, has recently been transformed into a popular destination with cafes, shopping and trendy restaurants and bars. Check out Vicky Christina**, a popular outdoor tapas restaurant, and the Secret Garden** (the Bustan), one of Tel Aviv's most exclusive bars.

This restaurant has only been around for 21 years, yet ask any Israeli what’s the best place for fish – and they’ll probably point you in its direction. If you live in Tel-Aviv, you’ve been there, and if you’re not – your family stopped here on some trip. There’s seafood alright, but the specialty here is the simple fish.

Enjoy a traditional Mediterranean feast at this iconic seafood restaurant in Jaffa. Feast on a variety of freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection, while taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Tip: You can make a meal out of just the amazing appetizers!

The food was really good (but over priced) and the location is great, right on the beach. The service was awful though and the waiter tried to add a 22% service charge to our bill without even asking first. Would not go back, for that reason alone.

Another place with a good rep (from guides and personal recommendations) down in the port is The Old Man and the Sea restaurant. It was high on our hitlist but unfortunately we didn’t have time to go. There’s a fish and chip shop too.

● Meat Bar - not far from elegant Rothschild Boulevard you’ll find Meat Bar, a top-tier restaurant that serves beef carpaccio, gourmet burgers and NY-style steaks that will have you salivating before you even take a bite.

Old Man and the Sea– While I always assumed this famous spot known for its sharing plates would be a cross contamination nightmare, I have heard nothing but wonderful things for their attention to dietary needs.

This Sea food Arabic restaurant is located in Kedem St., in southern Jaffa. There is another branch on Jaffa Port, but I think that the original on Kedem St is superior. Get ready for lots of food!

In Jaffa, spend your evening at a waterfront restaurant like The Old Man and the Sea for a quiet dinner with a stunning view. Or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll along the ancient port.

In the Flea Market: ‘Puaa’, ‘Onza’, ‘Italkiya In the Flea Market (or Italikiya BaPishpeshim)’, ‘Pundak Deluxe’ and ‘Café Yaffo’, which has a great breakfast buffet on Fridays.

Both times I visited Tel Aviv my first meal was at The Old Man & The Sea. The salads - all 23 of them - are incredible and it remains one of my all-time favorite restaurants.

With its old-world charm, Jaffa is home to Old Man and the Sea, where an array of mezze and grilled fish await. Meanwhile, Alfie’s Bar is perfect for an intimate evening.

Sit outside and soak up the ambiance of the locals and tourists promenading around the harbour, whilst you devour your feast.