La Mer: Tel Aviv’s Classy Beach Bar That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
If you’ve ever walked the Tel Aviv promenade around sunset and spotted an airy white building with soft house music, clinking glasses, and people somehow looking both relaxed and expensive… you’ve probably found La Mer.
Tucked right into the sand between the Banana Beach and Charles Clore Park, La Mer is a restaurant-bar hybrid that hits a rare sweet spot: it’s upscale without being stiff, casual without being careless. Come in sandals or linen button-downs—either way, you’ll blend in.
So, What Is La Mer? Restaurant or Cafe or Bar?
La Mer is part beach bar, part brasserie, part Tel Aviv daydream. Open from morning till late at night, it transitions seamlessly from coastal café to sunset cocktail lounge to low-key party spot. It’s not the place for bottle service or thumping bass—this is more “rosé at golden hour” than “shots at midnight.”
The design is clean and Mediterranean: whitewashed wood, sea-blue accents, wicker lampshades, and giant umbrellas. You’re literally sitting on the beach. No glass wall. No stairs. Sand at your feet, breeze in your hair, view for days.
What to Expect at La Mer
-
Vibe: Beachy chic. Chill but not sloppy. Think DJs with good taste and tables full of mezze.
-
Crowd: Mixed—European tourists, stylish Tel Avivians, couples on dates, groups starting their night early.
-
Menu: Mediterranean fusion with seafood leanings. Prices are mid-to-high (think ₪65–₪95 cocktails, ₪80–₪130 mains).
-
Music: Live DJs in the evening, usually deep house or downtempo. Never obnoxious, always curated.
Must-Try Items
-
Tuna tartare on brioche toast – light, fresh, and beautifully plated
-
Octopus with chimichurri – charred just right, served with roasted potatoes
-
La Mer Spritz – their take on the classic, with elderflower and grapefruit
-
Watermelon & Bulgarian cheese salad – a summer staple done well
They also serve great coffee and breakfast, so don’t rule out a morning visit.
Best Time to Go
-
Late afternoon into sunset (4:30–7:30pm) is peak magic hour. The light, the breeze, the mellow beats—it all clicks.
-
Fridays get festive. Expect more buzz, early drinking, and harder-to-find tables.
-
Weekday lunches are surprisingly calm—ideal for meetings or solo laptop time with sea views.
Who It’s For
-
Friends meeting for cocktails before heading out
-
Couples wanting a no-effort romantic moment
-
Travelers needing a “we’re really in Tel Aviv” experience
-
Locals escaping their apartment with a laptop and a spritz
Pro Tips
-
Reservations are wise for sunset and weekends—walk-ins can get stuck at the bar or turned away entirely.
-
There’s no dress code, but beach casual with intention works best (yes to sandals, maybe skip the tank top).
-
Don’t miss the bathroom selfie mirror—yes, even that is photogenic.
-
Sit closer to the sand if you want a more relaxed feel, or near the bar if you’re hoping to people-watch.
Leave a Reply