Must-see restaurants in Israel & the Palestinian Territories

  • Cafe Lucia

    Tel Aviv

    Every neighbourhood should have its own Cafe Lucia. Known for its breads and pastries (the owners also operate the Lachmanina Bakery), its shady street…

  • Al Aqqad

    West Bank

    This is a classic sawdust-on-the-floor Nablusi eatery just a short walk from the main gate into the Old City. Staff speak little English but will happily…

  • Hôtel de Ville

    Tel Aviv

    A smallish gastro bar that packs a big punch, Hôtel de Ville opened in 2018 and has gained a reputation as one of the best new places to eat in TLV. Chef…

  • Mandarin

    Haifa

    Hidden away behind busy HaNassi Ave, this chain cafe serves a hotchpotch of East-meets-West recipes – with varying success. Offerings range from pad ka…

  • Casbah Cafe

    Tel Aviv

    One of the most popular cheap eateries in the hip neighbourhood of Florentin, Casbah is run by the same people behind the equally cool Hoodna Bar, just…

  • Taj Mahal

    Ein Bokek

    In a Bedouin tent (no air-con!) outfitted with rugs, pillows and low couches, Ein Bokek's best restaurant serves Middle Eastern grilled meats (kosher),…

  • Movieing

    Tel Aviv

    Movieing feels like a quintessential Tel Aviv cafe. Packed with good-looking people, it has everything a local caff needs – fab breakfasts with poached…

  • Boaz

    Ramallah

    Across the road from La Grotta, close to the Old City and down the hill from Al Manara, Boaz is a hole-in-the-wall kebab house with a few plastic tables…

  • Fu

    Tel Aviv

    A staple of north Tel Aviv, Fu is predominantly a sushi restaurant that also serves some of the best noodles in town. Right near the fashionable corner of…

  • Bana

    Tel Aviv

    A stylish restaurant on the corner of Nachmani and Yehuda HaLevi Sts, Bana has a vegan buffet serving seasonal dishes. With its ideal location and modern…

  • Fat Cow

    Tel Aviv

    Serving up one of the meatiest burgers in town, Fat Cow unashamedly caters for carnivores: the butcher’s knives displayed on the walls next to the heavy…

  • Pronto Resto-Café

    Ramallah

    It's no longer the only place to get pizza in Ramallah, but it is easy to see how Pronto has survived since 1997 in a city where many restaurants barely…

  • Zeit ou Zaatar

    West Bank

    Situated in the lobby of the Al Yasmeen Hotel, Zeit ou Zaatar is worth noting because of its excellent range of both Palestinian and Levantine dishes,…

  • Landwer Café

    Tel Aviv

    Fantastic for kids, this branch of the Landwer chain, next to Gordon Swimming Pool and Tel Aviv Marina, has plenty of space for families to chill…

  • The Bakery

    Tel Aviv

    Run by the same company that own the popular Brasserie M&R, the Bakery is a smallish cafe with a similar French atmosphere. More than a regular coffee bar…

  • Moshiko

    Jerusalem

    Jerusalemites are fans of fast food, and they're always happy to join 'best snack in the city' debates. When they do, this place on pedestrianised Ben…

  • Onza

    Tel Aviv

    Onza taps into the buzz of the Jaffa flea market with its lively atmosphere of music, cocktails and gourmet food. Influenced by the Ottoman-era…

  • Shtampfer

    Israel

    Named after one of the founders of the city of Petah Tikva, Shtampfer is located in the centre of town and attracts a lively multinational crowd, which…

  • Cafe Popular

    Tel Aviv

    Popular not just by name, this spot is also one of Tel Aviv's trendiest new cocktail bars, where DJs spin until late. Set on the ground floor of a new…

  • Taqueria

    Tel Aviv

    Popular with young Tel Avivians, Taqueria is a down-to-earth Mexican joint with very reasonably priced tacos and burritos, plus probably the best nachos…

  • Gelateria Siciliana

    Tel Aviv

    This branch of the popular ice-cream chain offers some much-needed Italian ice cream on those hot and humid summer days. More than an ice-cream shop, it…

  • Vaniglia

    Tel Aviv

    A popular boutique ice-cream parlour, Vaniglia has branches in Sarona, the Old Railway Station and Ibn Gabirol St. But our favourite is this one with a…

  • Room Service

    Tel Aviv

    It’s impossible to miss this large restaurant on the corner of Dizengoff St and Nordau Blvd with its antique furniture outside. The menu is standard…

  • Square

    Bethlehem

    A lounge-style place on the opposite side of the square to Peace Center, Square is a good spot for an early evening beer with a view of the Church of the…

  • Josef Burger Bar

    Jerusalem

    Grab a stool at the small bar and chow down on an Angus beef patty – yep, just the patty. Buns optional. The meat is bought fresh from Mahane Yehuda…

  • Al Diyar

    Haifa

    This large, family-focused restaurant is a hit with Haifa's Arab community. It serves a familiar range of Middle Eastern classics – huge spreads of…

  • Giraffe

    Tel Aviv

    Robustly flavoured pan-Asian dishes including dumplings, noodles and sushi rolls are served at this bustling branch of the popular local chain. The food…

  • HeHavit

    Mitzpe Ramon

    'The Barrel' serves hefty portions of fresh salad (10 kinds), steak, burgers, schnitzel, sandwiches and pasta dishes in a pub-like atmosphere and is the…

  • Bordo

    North Coast

    With indoor and outdoor tables, this reliable cafe busily prepares pizzas, salads and omelettes – which seem like a mere side dishes next to their…

  • Benedict

    Israel

    The Herzliya branch of this popular Tel Aviv all-day breakfast joint is as liked as its inner-city equivalents. Diners can fill up on eggs Benedict,…

  • Tapuah S'dom

    Ein Bokek

    Just south of Sky Blue Mall, this small restaurant offers sea views from some of its tables. Main dishes include beef, kebab, chicken, fish and pasta, and…

  • Amburger

    Upper Galilee & Golan

    A good family choice for burgers (45NIS to 63NIS), steaks, lamb chops and other meaty dishes, most of them made with aged Golan-raised meat. Also has…

  • Gelateria Siciliana

    Israel

    This local branch of the Tel Aviv gelateria hits the spot with its sheer array of flavours of ice cream and sorbet, plus cookies and chocolate brownies…

  • Mama Cafe

    Nazareth

    Decorated with colourful photos by local artists, this mellow cafe and cake shop serves sandwiches, fresh-squeezed juices and homemade baked goods,…

  • Pasta Basta

    Jerusalem

    This carb-loading canteen in Mahane Yehuda Market isn't well signposted, but you'll catch sight of penne, fettuccine and fusilli being energetically…

  • BBQ Meat & Grill

    Jerusalem

    Kosher fast-food joint in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, good for a quick pre- or post-Western Wall visit. Serves schnitzel, burgers, falafel and hummus…

  • Kebab Al Shaab

    Jerusalem

    Going on half-a-century of serving delicious kebabs in a pita with hot peppers or on plate with yoghurt. No signage makes this place tough to locate; it's…

  • Zamn

    Ramallah

    The hippest spot in Ramallah for locals and expats alike, Zamn is a fun place for a morning croissant and coffee or a lunchtime sandwich. Walk down Dar…

  • Visitors Centre Food Court

    Dead Sea

    Stalls serve falafel, shawarma, sandwiches, salads and cold beer. At the cafeteria a meal costs 65NIS (55NIS for vegetarian), including a drink. Situated…

  • Mansfield Cafe

    Jerusalem

    Cafe in the Israel Museum serving salads, sandwiches, as well as pastries and good espresso. You can eat here without paying museum admission.