Must-see restaurants in Israel & the Palestinian Territories

  • Anna

    Jerusalem

    On the upper floor of elegant Ticho House, Anna is a stylish spot for a coffee or an Italian meal. Nibble pastries, pizza bianca, linguine with mushrooms…

  • First Station

    Jerusalem

    This dining and entertainment complex, housed in a handsome 19th-century railway station, is an atmospheric place for a sit-down meal or a few beers…

  • Taizu

    Tel Aviv

    Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian flavours shine through the elements at this upscale 'AsiaTerranean' fusion restaurant, and a dinner here…

  • Machneyuda

    Jerusalem

    Is it New York comfort food, Italian fine dining or haute cuisine? This superb restaurant owned by three of Israel's most acclaimed chefs near Mahane…

  • Miznon

    Tel Aviv

    The vibe here is bustling, the prices are (very) reasonable and the staff is friendly and full of energy. And let's not forget the most important thing:…

  • Modern

    Jerusalem

    The main restaurant at the Israel Museum is as swanky as its setting demands, with a refined array of dishes: artichoke sofrito, stuffed ravioli and…

  • Abu Ashraf

    Nazareth

    This old-time coffeehouse is famous all over town for its katayef (sweet pancakes folded over goat’s cheese or cinnamon walnuts and then doused with…

  • Alto Dairy

    North Coast

    Creamy Tomme cheese, tangy blues and yoghurt thick enough to snap a plastic spoon are just a few of the delights of this all-goat-milk dairy, 1.5km south…

  • Pinati

    Jerusalem

    While locals swear by the hummus, served with pita and piquant garlic-chilli paste, this hole-in-the-wall's well-seasoned mains are also worth sampling:…

  • Old Man & the Sea

    Tel Aviv

    As classic as the Hemingway novel of the same name, this Old Man is still at the top of its game. Spacious enough for dozens of waiters to serve hundreds…

  • Ein El Wadi

    Haifa

    Dishes at this exemplary family restaurant are as authentic as its ancient stone arches. After a warm welcome, settle in for Lebanese and Palestinian…

  • Ma’ayan HaBira

    Haifa

    Founded as a butcher’s shop, a carnivorous theme endures in Ma’ayan HaBira’s menu of Eastern European soul food. Lined with old photos and Bavarian beer…

  • Nili Restaurant

    North Coast

    This well-run kosher restaurant offers almost every imaginable preparation of fish: homemade sushi, tangy ceviche, baked mullet and bream, or hunks of…

  • AlReda

    Nazareth

    In a 200-year-old Ottoman-era mansion, this atmospheric restaurant – the songs of the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum are on high rotation – serves…

  • Azura

    Jerusalem

    With slow-cooked comfort food, on kerosene burners no less, and efficient service, this Turkish-influenced kosher restaurant off Rehov HaEshkol St near…

  • Kalamata

    Tel Aviv

    A real Tel Aviv taverna, this cute restaurant, set in a 500-year-old house on the main tourist square, offers a predominantly Greek and Cypriot menu but…

  • Ha’achim

    Tel Aviv

    Ha’achim, meaning ‘the brothers’ in Hebrew, has a distinctly Mediterranean menu of hummus, labneh (thick yoghurt flavoured with garlic and sometimes with…

  • HaBayit

    North Coast

    Situated 4km up the hill from Ein Hod in Ayn Hawd, this family-run restaurant serves authentic Arab cuisine. Set meals include a huge variety of salads,…

  • Gal’s Bakery

    Haifa

    Loyal to traditional recipes from around Europe, Gal’s Bakery serves up poppyseed babka, cremeschnitte (custard slice), chausson aux pommes (apple pastry)…

  • Lev Smadar

    Jerusalem

    Carved out of a British hanger, this space was saved by the community and renovated into an intimate and sophisticated restaurant with a one-screen cinema…

  • Al Aqsa

    West Bank

    This tiny eatery next door to the Al Kebir Mosque in the Casbah is unanimously considered to produce the finest kunafeh in the Palestinian Territories…

  • Meatshos

    Golan Heights

    Renowned for its flavoursome steaks, chops and hamburgers (250g to 750g), made from Golan-raised, 1½-year-old calves and lambs. Also serves vegetarian…

  • Sultan Sweets & Cafe

    Israel

    Decorated with musical instruments, this jaunty cafe with a soundtrack of Arabic pop is a relaxing place to puff on a nargileh (water pipe) or tuck into…

  • Dalida

    Tel Aviv

    One of Florentin’s finest, Dalida is named after and inspired by the former Miss Egypt and iconic '60s singer who, like the food here, blended Arab,…

  • Abu Shukri

    Jerusalem

    Abu Shukri is so popular that it's spawned imitators around Jerusalem. The standard platter includes a bowl of rich, smooth hummus – topped with chickpeas…

  • Ali Caravan

    Tel Aviv

    If hummus is a religion, then Ali Caravan could well be its Mecca. This tiny restaurant near Jaffa Port offers a limited menu of three hummus choices:…

  • Abu Kamel

    Jerusalem

    Tucked into a cave-like corner of the Muslim Quarter, just off the Mouristan Market, Abu Kamel serves some of the city's best hummus, topped with pine…

  • HaBokrim Restaurant

    Golan Heights

    Opened in 1989, this veteran meatery is famed for its mouth-watering Golan-raised steaks (sirloin and entrecôte) and hamburgers, and also serves fish,…

  • Sarwa Street Kitchen

    East Jerusalem

    Sarwa Street Kitchen is a chill place to loiter with a quiet coffee, juice, meal or beer. The kitchen offers a range of freshly prepared dishes, from…

  • Tamara

    Tel Aviv

    Indulgent but delicious, Tamara, near Gordon Beach, is the best frozen yoghurt in town (and there are a few to contend with). Enjoy your cup plain or…

  • Tamara

    Tel Aviv

    Like its other branch on Ben Yehuda St, Tamara offers the best frozen yoghurt in Tel Aviv. Located on the corner of Rothschild Blvd and Nahalat Binyamin…

  • Arte

    Tel Aviv

    No ordinary ice-cream shop, Arte sells bona fide gelato in the heart of the Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Market. Run by chefs Stefania Pagani and Marco…

  • Restaurant Fish

    East Jerusalem

    With uniformed waitstaff and white tablecloths, the Restaurant Fish is refined for a bus-station-adjacent spot. Tasty calamari and shrimp (fried, grilled…

  • La Vie Cafe

    Ramallah

    Tucked away on a quiet street just 10 minutes' walk from Al Manara, this place has a diverse menu of pasta, pizza and sandwiches, with much of its produce…

  • Port Sa'id

    Tel Aviv

    The mothership for inner-city hipsters, this restaurant-bar next to the Great Synagogue is decorated with a library of vinyl records on wooden shelves and…

  • Zozobra

    Israel

    Much more than a noodle bar, Zozobra is based on the concept of top Israeli chef Avi Conforti and his love of Eastern cuisine. It offers the usual papaya…

  • Al Ayed

    East Jerusalem

    Hands down, the best lamb kebab sandwich for the money in Jerusalem. The falafel and hummus and other specialities like barbecue chicken with salads and…

  • T’mol Shilshom

    Jerusalem

    Whether you settle into the book-lined interior or the shaded courtyard, T'mol Shilshom is one of Jerusalem's most relaxing brunch spots. This friendly…

  • Ishtabach

    Jerusalem

    Ishtabach, like other places on this bustling street on Mahane Yehuda's outskirts, is a crowded, hip and lively nighttime spot, but nowhere else offers…

  • Ouzeria

    Tel Aviv

    Popular with locals of every age and style, this exuberant corner restaurant in the Levinsk Spice Market precinct is busy every night, but is absolutely…

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