Restaurants in Israel & The Palestinian Territories
-
A
Pagoda
Taking the road north out of town it's hard to miss the Pagoda restaurant, so incongruous is the faux-Chinese temple and its glitzy red-and-gold interior, located right on the Sea of Galilee. If you keep kosher, the Chinese-Thai dishes are a step above what usually passes for Asian food elsewhere in the country. If you don't, be prepared for a very Israelised version of things with an unadventurous menu featuring sweet and sour chicken, Pad Thai and sushi. Definitely reserve a table in advance.
reviewed
-
Roots Restaurant
By far the most expensive up-scale restaurant in Gaza, Roots is where important people dine on steak au poivre and chicken cordon bleu, though, since alcohol isn't served, there's no washing it down with a good vintage of anything other than Coke. Owner Basil Eleiwa and partners sunk US$1.1 million into the place, which has a nice outdoor area for evening dining, and incorporates the Green Terrace Café, serving sandwiches, mezze and light lunches all day long in less formal surroundings.
reviewed
-
B
Eddie's Hide-A-Way
For more than 30 years Eddie has been hiding in the back streets of Eilat making really good steaks and turning out inventive dishes such as delicate Shanghai fish with spicy soy paste. Vegetarians are not excluded, with an excellent meat-free lasagne on the menu as well as soups, and a mouth-watering stuffed mushroom dish. The intimate dining room is great for romantic dinners, the sort of place you can easily sit over a bottle or two of wine. The entrance to the restaurant is on Elot Ave.
reviewed
-
C
Orna and Ella
Set inside a beautifully renovated Bauhaus apartment, with a stark white design and no musical distractions, this 15-year-old institution serves homey gourmet cuisine to locals and celebrities alike (Natalie Portman was recently spotted here). It uses the freshest ingredients brought straight from the market and everything is made from scratch. The menu changes weekly, but you can count on the seared salmon, smoked duck and great sweet potato pancakes. Don't miss the excellent pastries!
reviewed
-
D
Tishreen
Named after the month it was opened in 2004 (tishreen is Arabic for October) this sophisticated restaurant has an autumnal atmosphere with its straw-encrusted walls lined with antiques and wine bottles. Locals enjoying long lunches and late dinners order Mediterranean-inspired dishes from the mosaic-tiled wood oven which turns out 'aborigine (aubergine) stuffed with pesto and cheese' as well as excellent muhammar, an Arabic pizza topped with chicken and onion slices.
reviewed
-
E
Suzana
If you've just come out of a performance at the Suzanne Dellal Centre, and want to enjoy another Neve Tzedek favourite, head across the street to this elegant outdoor dining establishment. Here you'll get a fusion of European and Mediterranean dishes, including stuffed vegetables and Cornish hen. Enjoy your meal on the open deck in the shade of an enormous ficus tree. If you are here in the evening, take in views of lovely Neve Tzedek while enjoying a drink on the rooftop lounge.
reviewed
-
F
Diana
Mention to anyone that you are heading to Nazareth, they will invariably know little about the town, except that you must eat at Diana. Behind a rather unassuming façade, Arab chef Dokhol Safadi presents an incredible range of more than a dozen mezze dishes. Try and save room for the house speciality - spicy handmade kebabs with pine nuts - one dish will definitely suffice for a couple. Hugely popular with visiting Israelis, it's best to book ahead, especially on weekends.
reviewed
-
G
Tapéo
Once you've settled in and polished of a couple of tapas snacks you can almost imagine that you've been transported to Barcelona. And like a Spanish restaurant you can find huge crowds mingling and drinking pitchers of Sangria till well after midnight. The menu is laden with delicious treats, including sliced scallops, jumbo shrimp wrapped in noodles, stuffed empanadas and grilled eggplant. It's located among other upscale restaurants, around the corner from the Cinematheque.
reviewed
-
H
Salon Mazal
A combination bookshop, library and café described by one of the volunteers as 'a centre for spreading alternative knowledge.' The café strictly adheres to a vegan menu and changes according to whoever is on duty (and all profits go towards animal rights groups). Pop in at least for some free-trade coffee served with soy milk. Lectures are occasionally held here and they have plenty of brochures and information on local events of interest to activists.
reviewed
-
I
Hashmura 1872
The premier dining address in the German Colony, Hashmura 1872 does a range of pasta, chicken, steak and lamb dishes, but the speciality is seafood. Shrimp, carpaccio (thinly sliced raw fish) or squid starters cost around ₪39 to around ₪55, and salmon, bream or mussel mains are around ₪72 to around ₪80.
A glass floor reveals the extensive wine cellar in the historic 1872 basement, where there's also an atmospheric pub.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Ceilo
Chef and owner Adi grew up on the Italian food made in his mother's kitchen and has dedicated himself to bringing Jerusalemites pure Italian cuisine. It's not kosher and for once there are no fusion recipes. What it does offer is great food served in a cosy space painted in various hues of yellow. The palm hearts in cream sauce is a nice starter, while trout in lemon and crêpes is a popular main dish. Adi also has some creatively designed fruit desserts.
reviewed
-
K
Decks
We recommend a 24-hour crash diet before surrendering to the charcoal grill at this legendary steakhouse, where it really is possible to have five different animals on the table at one time. House favourites are the tender pieces of baby lamb, goose liver and filet mignon, slowly roasted on the hickory grill and served with locally grown vegetables. Desserts such as the crepe flambé with apple and cinnamon are truly gluttonous but worth saving room for.
reviewed
-
L
Brasserie M&R
Up there with the most popular Tel Aviv restaurants, this French restaurant is busy all the time - stop by around 03:00 on a Tuesday and wonder at the crowds. The big leather couches, mirrors, brass fittings and brusque service will make Parisians feel at home, while the oysters, steaks and paté will please even the most sophisticated palates. It's quietly known as a meeting place for local celebrities, but still maintains a neighbourhood atmosphere.
reviewed
-
T’mol Shilshom
This bohemian cafe has its own literary subculture and popular following. Regulars here tend to be poets, writers and journalists who come not only for the excellent soups and sandwiches but also to swap stories and listen to impromptu acoustic concerts. This is also a good place to ask the staff about cultural events in town. It can be a little tricky to find: go through the arch on Yoel Solomon St, turn left and look for the black and white sign.
reviewed
-
M
Last Refuge
If you're planning on a seafood dinner while you're in Eilat, locals and returning Israelis have been wholeheartedly recommending this cosy but kitsch fish restaurant for over 20 years. Try the catch of the day grilled over the charcoals or the spicy crab speciality, or tuck into seafood soups a Bostonian would be impressed with. Order ahead for specials such as lobster; in fact, ring ahead anyway, especially if you want a table on a Friday night.
reviewed
-
N
Haksa
Enjoy delicious home-style grill dishes such as meatballs with aubergine and couscous at this friendly restaurant in the industrial zone. There are no real vegetarian options but the owner will happily bring out salad, hummus and oven-hot pita if you ask. The library in the next room has every Marxist/feminist/anti-globalisation handbook there is translated into Hebrew, but also some English magazines that can be read on the couches out the back.
reviewed
-
O
Barud
‘Barud!’ is a word that Israelis call out when an explosion is to be denoted, kind of like ‘Timber!’ Middle East style. The name belies the dazzling (non-kosher) Sephardic cooking. Meatballs with eggplant is a speciality, as well as pastalikos (a pastry with pine nuts, minced meat and onion; 49NIS). Owner Daniella Lerer is also very proud of her fruit-based moonshine, which is surprisingly good. Live jazz is played once or twice a week.
reviewed
-
P
Kadosh
There are a lot of great cafes in Jerusalem and Kadosh is one of the best. The ambience is ‘French bistro’ and the wait staff and regular customers are all very engaging. Meals are made from scratch so you can be sure that the sandwiches, lasagne, quiche and baked goods are tasty and fresh. Ask about their specials; the salmon bruschetta (32NIS), stuffed mushrooms (34NIS) and ravioli aubergine with goat’s cheese (49NIS) are all excellent.
reviewed
-
Q
El Gaucho
Set inside a stone building, this delicious-smelling steakhouse imports everything from Argentina, including the beef, charcoal and all the decorations. If you starve yourself for a couple of days you could try the house speciality, a 1kg steak or the El Gaucho platter (salchicha, sausage chorizo and three empanadas). If you really can't handle all this meat, scan the menu for pasta and fish dishes; there are even a few vegetarian options.
reviewed
-
R
Moses
This popular burger place stays busy well after midnight, especially on weekends. You can eat outside on the deck overlooking beautiful Rothschild Blvd or sit in the air-con interior. Moses serves some of the best hamburgers in Tel Aviv: a plump, 200g mixture of seasoned lamb and beef served with tangy sauces and toppings, or you can choose from a selection of appetisers and sandwiches. After midnight the price of a burger and fries drops.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Donianan
Raising the bar for dining experiences in Akko, this upscale restaurant impresses with its beautifully presented appetisers and selection of fresh seafood meals. The grilled fish is the obvious choice but you could also try calamari, mussels or crab. Meat lovers may prefer the tender, marinated steak, complemented by a Golan wine. The restaurant enjoys spectacular views from its location atop the ramparts, next to Galileo restaurant.
reviewed
-
S
T'mol
This bohemian café has its own literary subculture and popular following. Regulars here tend to be poets, writers and journalists who come not only for the excellent soups and sandwiches but also to swap stories and listen to impromptu acoustic concerts. If you get bored staring at your food you can pluck a book off a shelf. This is also a good place ask the staff about cultural events in town. Is a gay-friendly meeting place.
reviewed
-
Bistro
This family-run restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. They serve food all day but it's at its best in the morning when you can try a set breakfast that includes an omelette, freshly baked bread, five types of dip and juice. Lunch and dinner is a fusion of French and Italian dishes with a soupçon of Sephardic (try the excellent kuba soup). It's located in the centre of the village at the main intersection.
reviewed
-
T
Bialik Café
A unique café, this place is larger than most, with high ceilings and diner-style seating. The food ranges from excellent to amazing, and if you aren't too hungry they offer the same dishes in tapas-sized portions (for half the price). Try the salmon and teriyaki tapas or the entrecote (beef) skewers. They have free wi-fi access, live music most nights and a 'happy hour' from 16:00 to 22:00 that sees discounted drinks.
reviewed
-
U
Guy
There's no view but at least it's an escape from the groups of package tourists that tend to take over the waterfront restaurants. Family-run Guy is popular with locals who dig into a menu which is supposedly Morrocan-inspired but actually runs the gamut from chopped liver to Iraqi kibbeh (burghul - cracked wheat). It's obvious a lot of love goes into the house speciality, a delicious array of stuffed vegetables.
reviewed