The Levinski market was established when the Greek and later Turkish immigrants settled in Florentine neighborhood in 1920's. In 1960's the immigrants from Iran added some spice, literally, to the Levinski market.
Although it is called a market, it does not look like Shuk HaCarmel. It is rather a five-block stretch of spice, nut and dried fruit shops, bakeries, fish stores, delicatessens and cafes.
Chaim Raphael Delicatessen
Founded in 1958 by Chaim Raphael, a Holocaust survivor from Thessaloniki, Greece. This lovely and well regarded delicatessen started out as a small grocery store. Today they sell a nice variety of items like: cured olives and meats, gourmet cheeses, stuffed grape leaves and peppers, marinated veggies and much more.
Har Sinai Nut Shop
Opened 38 years ago by the Har Sinai family.
There is so much charm and color on this great stretch of the street.
Fresh halva.
Nuts, spices, seasonings and grains.
A wonderful variety of dried fruits.
Time to relax and sip some freshly brewed coffee.
In the middle of it all, there stands a beautiful Beit Knesset, Eliahu HaNavi, a Sephardic synagogue. It was built in 1940's and at one time it was managed by Yossi Gabai, one of the founders of Tel Aviv.
We bought a lot of wonderful spices at Pereg, a well known spice producer in Israel. Interestingly, Pereg originated at the Levinski market in 1906. The saleslady spoke English and advised us on the best spices for chicken, rice and salads. My poor husband ended up lugging around a huge bag filled with pounds of eight different types of spices, and a few jars for our friends.
Levinski Market runs through Levinski street, beginning at the corner of HaAliya street.
It is open Sunday - Thursday - morning through evening.
On Friday it closes in the early afternoon
Closed on Saturday
Joanna
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