The Ultimate Meat Sandwich Guide: Where to Find Israel's Best Bites
Discover Israel's booming meat sandwich scene, from New York-style pastrami in Tel Aviv to colossal pulled beef pitas in Netanya and hidden deli gems.
Meat sandwiches have recently taken the culinary scene by storm, moving far beyond traditional burgers and shawarma. While Israel has long lacked the iconic, overstuffed cornded beef sandwiches found in New York delis like Katz's, a vibrant street food revolution is changing the game. From Tel Aviv to Netanya, dedicated eateries are elevating the humble meat sandwich into a true art form, offering everything from slow-cooked brisket to mouthwatering pastrami.
B12
B12 is a temple for exceptional burgers and steaks, but it also stands out as one of the finest destinations for meat sandwiches in the city. The menu features an impressive collection of six distinct sandwiches, each a masterpiece in its own right. Highlights include the classic Philadelphia ribeye with melted cheddar and chimichurri mayonnaise, a timeless BLT, and the adventurous "Omri" sandwich, which combines smoked beef brisket with tender chicken thigh. Located at 12 Karlebach St, Tel Aviv, it delivers an unapologetically bold culinary experience.
MOB Deli
MOB Deli serves as a rare beacon of authentic hot pastrami in the Holy Land. The signature hot pastrami sandwich features beef brisket marinated for days and smoked for hours, served warm on rye bread with mustard mayonnaise, red onion, and a crisp pickle, echoing classic New York deli traditions. Beyond the pastrami, the menu boasts a stellar Reuben sandwich loaded with cheddar and sauerkraut, as well as a smoked lamb sandwich with chimichurri. Find it at 49 Allenby St, Tel Aviv.
Zorba
Tucked away on the outskirts of Netanya in a sleepy neighborhood, Zorba is an absolute phenomenon centered around its colossal pulled beef sandwich. Despite being served in a pita rather than traditional bread, this gargantuan creation features ribeye slow-cooked for seventeen hours until meltingly tender. Piled high with confit garlic, tahini, chimichurri, amba, and fresh vegetables, it is widely considered one of the best meat sandwiches in the country. Located at 76 Yosef Busel St, Netanya, it draws massive daily crowds.
EatMeat
EatMeat is the most modest establishment on this list, operating out of a humble space that has drawn loyal crowds for over a decade. Specializing in thinly sliced entrecote steak served inside a massive frena bun with caramelized onions and house sauces, it represents the quintessential Israeli street food sandwich. Diners can also customize their orders with roasted mushrooms or a fried egg. Located at 68 King George St, Tel Aviv, it remains a beloved local institution.
Joseph Joseph
Hidden inside the Derech HaBayit mall near the Vitkin Junction on the Coastal Road, Joseph Joseph functions primarily as an exceptional butcher shop rather than a restaurant. However, it serves one of the most surprisingly satisfying meat sandwiches on the go. The creation combines brisket and smoked goose pastrami with lettuce, tomato, pickle, chipotle, and Caesar sauce. It is a wonderfully chaotic yet delicious pitstop for travelers driving between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
