Top 5: Well-lit eateries in Tel Aviv

During this year's festival of lights, check out these Tel Aviv hot spots with especially good lighting.

Good lighting (photo credit: Wikicommons)
Good lighting
(photo credit: Wikicommons)
During Hanukka we are reminded that light gives us the power to see, and has the ability to purify. It’s when we shine a light on something that we gain vision and clarity and it’s the same light that clears the space for our spirituality.
In honor of Hanukka, Taste TLV is proud to shine a light on just some of the places that glitter every so wondrously in the white city. Places that we can savor the holiday season as a reminder to always surrounded ourselves with light and to experience love.
London Resto Cafe
For a breezy, relaxing dinner under a spectacular blend of natural and artificial lighting, London Resto Cafe on the boardwalk is a must. The outdoor seating on the beach overlooks the water, glowing under a full moon and stars, as well as the twinkling lights of the city. 
Massive parasols cover the tables, draped with softly lit strings of light. You can make a date-night out of the romantic beach setting or plan a girls’ night out for after-dinner drinks under the stars.
Recommended dish: French onion soup with pastry dough baked on top or the Hawaiian Burger, served with pineapple and a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
Diner’s tip: Hanukka season gets chilly, especially with the ocean breeze, so dress to stay warm in case you can’t get a seat by one of the outdoor heaters.
Herbert Samuel 111(03) 523-5055Sunday to Saturday 8 a.m.- 10 p.m.Mediterranean, burgers, seafood, cafe, fusionNot kosher
Joz Ve Loz
With high burgundy walls, dim lights, and the bare white candles placed on small tin dishes, the lighting in Joz Ve Loz makes the place delightfully haunting and magically mysterious. The eccentric vibe makes Joz Ve Loz a fixture in the city for local artists and hip indie types. 
This bohemian getaway hidden directly off of Yehuda Halevi is the enchanting stop during the holiday season, celebrating the mystery and miracles of Hanukka.
Recommended dish: The menu changes almost daily but if the Ramen Soup is on there, make sure not to miss it.
Diners Tip: If you’re so not hungry, Joz Ve Loz is a great place to stop in for a glass of wine and nosh on their mouthwatering homemade bread.Yehuda Halevi 51Sunday - Friday noon till 1 a.m.(03) 560-6385International/FusionNot kosher
Par Derriere
From its elegantly lit gorgeous garden setting to its impressive variety of rich wines, Par Derriere wine bar on King George Street is the perfect French getaway for Tel Avivians year round. Pretty sconces dot the walls while modern drop light fixtures dangle from the trees above. 
Candles and artistic lanterns rest on tables, giving the bar a chic, sexy vibe, reminiscent of the romantic streets of Paris.  This Hanukkah, treat yourself to a holiday inspired, whimsical evening at this truly unique Tel Aviv hotspot. Recommended Dish: Salmon skewers served atop rice noodles, with peanuts, black sesame, and teriyaki.
Diner’s Tip: Make sure you reserve a table beforehand or you may end up waiting in line (fortunately, it will be with a glass of wine in hand!).
King George 4, Tel Aviv(03) 629-2111Sunday - Thursday 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.Friday 8:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.Saturday 6 p.m. - .2 a.m.Wine barNot kosher
Yona
The spacious, industrial space at Yona and the expansive windows exposing the gleaming sun or moon glistening the Mediterranean Sea makes the atmosphere luminous any time of day. The airy vibe sets a mood for a laidback and refreshing meal.
Located in the beautiful Jaffa Port, a lovely Hanukka day could include a look into some of the quaint shops and handful of art galleries tucked around the old city, finishing off with a wonderful meal at Yona.
Recommended Dish: The layered salads at Yona come in vintage mason jars, they’re delightful to look and a refreshing treat. Diner’s Tip: Hand Factory at 15 Netiv Hamazalot is a quirky little art gallery just steps away from Yona that is highly recommended before or after your meal.Jaffa Port, Hangar 1(03) 774-2222Sunday - Saturday 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.Seafood, fusion Not kosher
Rustico
Rustico is all about choices within its simplicity. With two branches - one on the busy Rothschild and the other on quieter Basel - you can decide what noise level and atmosphere you want to dine in.  
Both spots are authentically Italian with a romantic and sexy vibe.  You can also choose to sit at a table, with dim lighting and candles, or you can find a seat at the bar, which gives a well-lit, all-encompassing view of the kitchen.  
The extensive wine selection matches the menu, giving you even more choices. This is a place to celebrate Hanukka with a loved one or a first date under the slow-burning lights of Italy.
Recommended dish: Sourdough bread to start, then move on to either the eggplant pasta or the four-mushroom pizza.
Diner’s tip: Make reservations if you want a table, although the bar is always crowded and a good place to meet people.
Basel 42; Rothschild 15(03) 602-6969; (03) 510-0039Sunday - Saturday noon - midnightItalian Not kosher
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