Cafe Eyla, located at Shenkin Street 28, is one of those rare cafés that manages to embody the very spirit of its neighborhood. Shenkin has always been a synonym for Tel Aviv cool — a blend of fashion, creativity, and an urban rhythm that is both stylish and unpretentious. Cafe Eyla fits seamlessly into this fabric, offering not just coffee and pastries but an entire mood. From the moment you sit down at one of its understated street-side tables, you feel connected to the city in a way that is both energizing and relaxing.
The coffee alone would be reason enough to stop by. Served in warm amber-toned cups with matching saucers, the cappuccinos arrive with thick, velvety crema and just the right touch of artistry in the foam. They are strong yet balanced, a perfect anchor for conversation or quiet reflection. Next to them, the pastry plate steals the spotlight: a slice of airy cheesecake that feels as though it could float off the fork, paired with a Danish crowned by a glistening slice of caramelized orange. A dusting of powdered sugar completes the presentation, giving the pastry the look of something crafted as much for the eyes as for the palate. The combination of flavors — tangy citrus cutting through buttery layers, rich creaminess softened by the lightness of the cake — is deeply satisfying and feels carefully considered.
But what truly elevates Cafe Eyla beyond a good coffee stop is its atmosphere. The space radiates that effortless hipster energy Tel Aviv is so well known for. The crowd is eclectic yet cohesive: young professionals tapping away at laptops, creatives sketching or writing, couples lingering in quiet conversation, and locals pausing from errands to soak in the buzz of Shenkin Street. The soundtrack of the café is a mix of espresso machines hissing, laughter, and the distant hum of scooters and passing cars. It’s not quiet, yet it’s never overwhelming — the perfect backdrop for lingering over a second coffee or losing yourself in thought.
There is also something about the way Cafe Eyla invites you to slow down. While the city outside rushes forward, here you are encouraged to take your time. The simple but thoughtful presentation of the food, the comfort of the seating, and the natural flow of people-watching from the terrace all conspire to keep you seated longer than you intended. It is the kind of place where conversations stretch, where a casual afternoon can easily turn into evening, and where you leave with the sense that you’ve tapped into something essential about the Tel Aviv lifestyle.
Cafe Eyla at Shenkin 28 is not just a café; it is a slice of neighborhood culture. It thrives on small details — the handmade feel of its pastries, the unhurried service that allows you to relax, and the hip yet genuine crowd it attracts. It’s a place where coffee becomes an experience, where food doubles as art, and where the spirit of Shenkin is not just visible but tangible. Whether you’re there for a quick espresso, a sweet indulgence, or simply to be part of the hum of Tel Aviv’s most iconic street, Cafe Eyla makes you feel at home in the heart of the city’s creative pulse.
