Must-see restaurants in Israel & the Palestinian Territories

  • Jaafar Sweets

    Jerusalem

    It's a hypnotic sight, watching pieces of bright-orange, syrup-soaked kunafeh (soft cheese topped with shredded pastry) carved from a huge tray. Kunafeh…

  • Fresh Kitchen

    Jerusalem

    Craving a protein hit, vegan brunch or juice stop? This stylish but casual kosher restaurant on the pedestrianised mall has you covered. Healthy recipes…

  • Dallal

    Tel Aviv

    For one of Tel Aviv's best brunches, head here on Saturday between noon and 6pm, when the garden tables are full of locals noshing on organic egg dishes,…

  • Berlina

    Jerusalem

    Jerusalem is a haven for kosher eaters, who often can't eat the meat in less kosher-friendly cities around the world. Luckily Mahane Yehuda's newest meat…

  • Nordic Café

    East Jerusalem

    The relatively chic and cosy Scandinavian-themed Nordic Café is a perfect place to stop for a coffee, fresh juice cocktail, pretty pastries or freshly…

  • Dire

    Jerusalem

    Just off bustling Jaffa Rd, Dire is always a treat. Delicious vegetarian and meaty Ethiopian dishes are served on platters of injera (spongy teff-based…

  • Greco

    Israel

    With its authentic Greek menu, immaculate linen tablecloths, traditional live music and atmosphere of a taverna, Greco has quickly become one of the…

  • Eucalyptus

    Jerusalem

    Biblical cuisine isn't all unleavened bread, dates and nuts. Chef and owner Moshe Basson has used ancient Israeli cuisine as his starting point to create…

  • Shtroudl

    Haifa

    Shtroudl combines the sweet-toothed savvy of Germany and the Middle East, dishing up desserts in surrounds reminiscent of an eccentric aunt's summer house…

  • Caffit

    Jerusalem

    This Parisian-style cafe with small tables lined up on German Colony's main thoroughfare has been popular with locals and the cosmopolitan set for the…

  • Puaa

    Tel Aviv

    The thrift-shop-chic decor is truly authentic here – every piece of furniture and every decorative knicknack is for sale. In the midst of the flea-market…

  • HaKosem

    Tel Aviv

    One of the friendliest falafel stalls in town, HaKosem (the Magician) is a popular snack stop on the corner of King George St. Aside from its trademark…

  • Café Bezalel

    Jerusalem

    Stop by Café Bezalel for a relaxing pick-me-up and a taste of local produce. Centrally located on a quiet side street, Bezalel offers strong coffee and…

  • Avra

    Nazareth

    'Avra' means 'good atmosphere' in Greek, and that's exactly what this cafe-restaurant has, along with delicious Greek and Palestinian dishes and a…

  • Georgie

    Jerusalem

    No fried nuggets and quarter pounders here, just fast food Israeli style. Choose your meat, including salmon as an option, or vegetable (courgette,…

  • Tree of Life Vegetarian Cafe

    Upper Galilee & Golan

    If you’re in the mood for something healthy – chickpea flour and vegetable quiche, for instance, or açai berries with fruit, granola and chia seeds – LA…

  • Ktzeh HaNahal

    Sea of Galilee

    From the outside you’d never guess that this unassuming restaurant serves up a sumac-accented Lebanese feast. After a parade of 11 mezze, you might want…

  • Savta

    Tel Aviv

    Just south of Rabin Sq, this cheery, chequerboard-floored kiosk slings hearty sub-style sandwiches with quality ingredients. Hip, friendly workers craft…

  • Al Amin Sweets & Bakery

    East Jerusalem

    Al Amin Bakery brings Jerusalem together to literally break bread. On any given day Palestinians, Israelis, Ethiopians, Filipinos and tourists of all…

  • Al Mihbash

    East Jerusalem

    Perch on an overhanging balcony table for a feast of Palestinian-style dishes, from fish kebabs and falafel to stuffed chicken, along with enough…

  • Doniana

    Akko

    Excellent grilled fish and seafood and stunning Mediterranean views make this restaurant a great option for a romantic meal. Meat lovers can order a…

  • Christ Church Cafe

    Jerusalem

    Decorated with Bible quotes, this cafe near Jaffa Gate nurtures a cosy, collegiate atmosphere and is usually brimming with excitable residents of the…

  • Darna

    Jerusalem

    Aromatic and delicious dishes from Morocco – including plenty of tagine and couscous choices – are served in atmospheric surrounds at this long-standing…

  • Tishreen

    Nazareth

    The wood-fired oven at this well-loved restaurant, adorned with antiques and wine bottles, turns out Arab- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as…

  • Mamilla Rooftop Restaurant

    Jerusalem

    Not keen on bumping elbows with fellow diners in the Old City hummus restaurants? This sleek rooftop brasserie is a refined place to retreat. Meals (all…

  • Bardak Pizza & Beer

    Jerusalem

    Bardak is famous in Jerusalem not just for its pizza and wide selection of beers, but also for its pizzas 'dedicated' to the city's various neighbourhoods…

  • Village Green

    Jerusalem

    Cleanse your palate at this kosher cafe serving up nourishing veggie and vegan dishes like soups, quiches and DIY salads (from beetroot and leaves to more…

  • Cafe Nordoy

    Tel Aviv

    Supercool Nordoy will send your tastebuds on a trip. From cheese platters and an expansive vegetarian menu to fish and meat, everything at this classic…

  • Allegro Bistro

    East Jerusalem

    A cheaper, more rounded offering than the cheese-and-wine restaurant above it, Allegro is a charming cafe in the Notre Dame complex serving pizzas, hummus…

  • Family Restaurant

    Jerusalem

    A Middle Eastern grill and hummus restaurant that ticks all the boxes. As the name suggests, you'll see families galore crowding out this canteen-style…

  • Al Diwan Restaurant

    East Jerusalem

    It feels pricey if you've been snacking on street food all day, but the restaurant at the Ambassador is one of East Jerusalem's best places to eat. Puffy…

  • Yemenite Falafel Center

    Jerusalem

    The Yemenite Falafel Center is a small takeaway shop that serves up some of Jerusalem’s best along with a dollop of traditional Yemenite Jewish flavours,…

  • Cafe Menza

    Jerusalem

    Stylish and sophisticated Menza bustles day and night with customers ordering from its extended (non-kosher) menu that includes cornbeef sandwiches, beef…

  • Crave

    Jerusalem

    Mixing culinary influences with strict Jewish dietary laws isn't easy, but thanks to the chef-driven edgy ambition here kosher has never tasted so good…

  • Argento Empanadas at the Market

    Jerusalem

    When you've satisfied your falafel and hummus cravings, head to Argento for homemade Argentinian empanadas. Argento’s Argentinian-Israeli chef cooks up…

  • Pepito's

    Jerusalem

    Pepito's brings a taste of South American street food to Mahane Yehuda Market. An ode to Israelis with South American roots – and to the just…

  • Lina Restaurant

    Jerusalem

    In the running for best Old City hummus and falafel joint, Lina's moreish hummus – usually glistening with olive oil – is among Jerusalem's best. There…

  • Teller Bakery

    Jerusalem

    Whole wheat, with raisins, braided, mini – all your challah needs are satisfied at this well-known bakery that also supplies upscale Jerusalem hotels…

  • HaAgas 1

    Jerusalem

    HaAgas 1 is the place to go for travellers seeking organic veggie, vegan and gluten-free twists on Middle Eastern favourites, like veggie kibbeh, a bulgur…

  • Brasserie M&R

    Tel Aviv

    Somewhat officious maîtres d’ orchestrate the service at this hugely popular cafe-brasserie opposite Rabin Sq. The art deco–inspired interior is très…