The truly great delis are the kind you can’t leave empty-handed. That’s exactly the case with Tene - a new spot that has opened in Tel Aviv, offering carefully prepared ready-made dishes, brunch served almost all day, Israeli wines, and shelves stocked with everything you need for a great meal at home.
The idea behind the place is simple yet appealing: To create a single destination that brings together high-quality prepared food, brunch, wine, pantry products, and everything needed for hosting - or simply for eating well.
Behind the concept is chef Amit Kaufman, well known in the local hospitality scene thanks to his work with Ta’am Vatzeva. His connection to local agriculture and to the growers of the Hefer Valley is evident here as well - through the ingredients, the style, and the atmosphere that aims to bring a touch of the fields into the city.
A space that invites you to stay
Of course, this isn’t just a place to pick up food. The deli offers seating in a space designed in natural tones, with plenty of wood and greenery that create a calm, almost rural feel - a small break from the pace of the city. The venue spans two levels: The first floor is dedicated to coffee, pastries, and brunch, while the second floor showcases the deli itself, with a colorful display of prepared foods, wine shelves, and carefully selected pantry products. In the evenings, as the lights dim, the place takes on the character of a small neighborhood wine bar.
Prepared food - but at a high level
The highlight is, of course, the deli, featuring a wide selection of ready-made dishes intended to be taken home - or assembled into a meal on site. Among the offerings are sea bass fillet with lemon zest and thyme, salmon in miso and mirin, beef bourguignon, eggplant moussaka, roast beef sirloin, and fish patties in Moroccan sauce. Alongside them come colorful sides and salads such as tabbouleh, lentil and sweet potato salad, Asian root vegetable salad, fried eggplant, and stuffed grape leaves.
We had the chance to taste quite a few of the dishes - and the impression is of home-style food executed with precision and generosity. Even the packaging is thoughtful and aesthetic, the kind you can place directly on your table at home with minimal effort.
Brunch almost all day; in the evening - wine and bites
In addition to the deli, Tene also serves a brunch menu available almost throughout the day. Dishes include vegetable fritters with labneh, phyllo burekas with cheese and spinach, shakshuka toast on frena bread, brioche with avocado and a soft egg, or salmon brioche. Those looking for something more indulgent will also find a scrambled egg croissant with mushrooms and truffle - a rich combination that feels almost like a weekend breakfast.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the venue also opens in the evening with a smaller menu suited for wine. It features cheese platters, cheese arancini, crispy phyllo pastries, sea fish ceviche, and fish shawarma served with tahini and vegetables.
The goal is to create a place you can drop by for a short midweek outing - a good glass of wine and a small dish on the side.
The pricing aligns well with the quality and attention to detail: Brunch dishes range from NIS 48 to NIS 58 for individual plates such as avocado brioche or a club toast, while main dishes like sea bass fillet or miso salmon range between NIS 55 and NIS 98 per person, depending on composition and added sides or salads. The wine and dessert selection also offers relatively accessible pricing options.
Beyond the food, Tene’s shelves are filled with pantry products from Israeli producers: Breads by Kaufman Cohen, olive oil from Masik Magal, fresh pastas, jams, crackers, boutique ice creams, and a selection of local wines.
Alongside all these are also hosting items - serving dishes, tablecloths, candles, and textiles - allowing visitors to create a complete package for a home meal or a gift.
Ultimately, Tene manages to do something quite simple: Turn a visit to a deli into an experience. A place where you can sit for brunch, choose food for dinner, pick up a bottle of wine - and maybe even get a bit of inspiration for your next gathering at home.
Tene Tel Aviv - 1 Aba Ahimeir St., Tel Aviv. Kosher
Opening hours: Sunday–Tuesday 8:00–19:00, Wednesday–Thursday 8:00–23:00 | Friday 8:00–14:30