228 Best Restaurants in Israel

In an old stone house with a delightful back garden, 1868 is Jerusalem's most innovative, exacting kosher restaurant, on par with the city's best. Chef Yankele Turjeman combines the flavors of the city with high-quality ingredients and exquisite cooking techniques to create an unforgettable dining experience. Most of the fruits and vegetables are organic, and the menu changes monthly to incorporate the best of the season. If it's on the menu, don't miss the charcoal-grilled veal sweetbreads, served with steamed slices of baguette and pickled onion. The duck is spectacular, served with fruits of the season. The whiskey selection is endless, as is the list of local Israeli wines. Cocktails are beautifully balanced and are also served alongside tapas versions of the menu at Zuta, a jewel box of a cocktail bar at the back of the restaurant.

This relaxed and friendly unique fish restaurant perfectly encapsulates modern Tel Aviv, combining an urban hipster atmosphere with the catch of the day and an abundance of fresh flavors, using all local ingredients. The seafood is phenomenal but there are many vegetarian and vegan highlights on the menu, including a purslane salad which will brighten up your evening. The atmosphere is informal yet chic and you’ll be mesmerised by the view into the exposed kitchen, where a skilled team are preparing plate after plate of fantastic food. It's worth ordering the grilled corn just to see it being cooked over the coals, although the taste will top all expectations. Try the fish sausage, which is far superior to any hot dog you could get. 

When dining at this stellar restaurant, you may wonder how you got so lucky: there's the knockout view of the Mediterranean from the stone terrace, olive-tree-shaded setting, and wonderful Catalonian-accented dishes prepared by Adelina. Cooking is done in the huge silver tabun oven as Spanish music drifts across the dark wooden tables. Try the paella marinara packed with shellfish, roast sirloin with bacon and tarragon, or broccoli cannelloni in a creamy pepper sauce. Move on to knafe (a local pastry) with pistachio ice cream. The eatery is about 8 km (5 miles) east of Nahariya.

Just off Manger Square, Afteem draws locals and tourists alike for its falafel, hummus, and chicken platters. Grab a falafel sandwich for just a few shekels, or order a sit-down meal in the arched, cave-like interior. There are meat, veggie, and vegan options, as well as Taybeh beer, local wine, and fresh fruit juices. Afteem also stays open late for night owls.

This upscale hotel is an elegant 19th-century limestone building with cane furniture, Armenian ceramic tiles, and a delightful courtyard. The Mediterranean menu is very good, with twists on local favorites such as avocado-stuffed kubbeh or an Oriental mazza of local salads, as well as tourist-friendly fare that includes the hotel burger and Wiener schnitzel, harkening back to the hotel's German roots. There's nothing quite as delightful as a light lunch or afternoon tea in the cool lobby lounge, at the poolside restaurant, or on the patio under the trees, making for a well-earned break.

This charming inn takes its name from the original Hotel Shulamit, where the 1948 Armistice Treaty was signed. The home-smoked meats and fish are unique and worth trying, as are the seasonal soups, seafood dishes, and the elegant array of desserts. If you can't bear to leave, the inn has three French country--style guest rooms.

This Viennese-style second-floor garden café in a guesthouse for pilgrims is a refined retreat from the chaos of the Old City markets down below. Lunch and dinner are available, and the deep burgundy walls, wooden tables, and classical music make this a lovely wintertime spot for light fare or dessert. Ask at reception about visiting the rooftop for a small fee: the views of the Old City are gorgeous.

Jerusalem is famous for its Kurdish kubbeh soup, made with softball-size meat-and-semolina dumplings, and Azura is the perfect place to try this classic dish. Tucked away in a plaza off the Machaneh Yehuda market, the cavelike kitchen is packed with massive pots simmering on kerosene burners. Try the velvety beet kubbeh soup, or the tangy hamusta soup made with lemon and chard. Delicious hummus is made daily, and on some days the oxtail stew has the pungent flavors of the market. If weather permits, grab an outdoor table to watch groups of old Iraqi men drink coffee and play backgammon on the benches nearby. The restaurant closes when the food runs out, so don't arrive too late.

On a quiet alley off the main East Jerusalem thoroughfare, this white-tablecloth restaurant in a hotel by the same name has long been popular with journalists, NGO workers, and local families, who flock here for pizzas from the olive-wood-burning brick oven and Palestinian favorites. High wooden ceilings, stone walls, and a simple outdoor garden create a lovely setting perfect for groups of any size. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer along with the tasty mansaf, a regional lamb dish cooked in yogurt; or the mulukhiya, an earthy vegetarian stew served over rice. Save a little room for the complimentary Arabic sweets and hot tea served at the end of the meal by friendly waiters.

One floor contains a gallery where local Palestinian paintings and posters are on exhibit and for sale; above it is a well-lit restaurant with giant windows. Breakfast features Arab mainstays like hummus and man'ousheh bread baked with aromatic zaatar, and main courses range from traditional offerings like shishbarak dumplings to more Western offerings such as fettuccini Alfredo. Try local Palestinian wine and beer, or order from a wide bar selection.

Part of the ultra-chic Renoma boutique hotel, Bar 51 has become one of the hottest spots on the Tel Aviv food scene since opening in 2019. Everything here is on trend, from the hip, laid-back staff to the postindustrial design and the small plates of creative, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine made for sharing. Snag one of the coveted seats at the bar and watch the kitchen team work their magic as you tuck into showstopping dishes such as the zucchini pappardelle with blue crab, or the signature lemon-infused roasted kohlrabi. Let the sommelier create a wine pairing to go with the dishes of your choice and it'll be a winner.

This venerable pastry shop and café run by Itzik and Keren Kadosh is known for its array of airy croissants and inventive pastries, with an annual focus on doughnuts made during the Chanukah season, filled with fruit-based creams and topped with handmade confectionary.

This whimsically decorated café in the Old City is a breath of fresh air in every respect. Eclectic, funky decor with wooden tables and splashes of color are the backdrop for the tasty dishes served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's a smashing Israeli breakfast for two featuring house-made bread, smoked salmon, and fresh-squeezed juices. Lunch is equally fetching, with a delicious haloumi (a firm Greek cheese) salad as a star choice. At night the vibe changes, and the small bar mixes up basic cocktails with flair to go with tapas-style dishes like bruschetta with juicy, thinly sliced steak and preserved lemon. Try one of the thick shakes, like an indulgent combination of dates, candied pecans, and coconut milk. There are nice choices for vegan diners as well, and you can hear live music Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Locals flock to Café Yehoshua at breakfast, lunch, and dinner for its Israeli take on American diner food. The menu includes everything from tahini pancakes to spaghetti tossed with shrimp. A laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere and a location just a few minutes' walk from the prime minister's residence make it a great spot for quality people-watching in one of Jerusalem's quaintest neighborhoods. In good weather, the rooftop dining area lets you enjoy the fresh air. Evening is a great time to stop by for a drink and a bite-size burger.

Despite being one of the city's best-known restaurants, Chakra still feigns anonymity: its name is nowhere in sight. It draws a lively thirtysomething crowd of hip Jerusalemites who appreciate the tasty fare from the open kitchen. The tables are arranged around the striking semicircular bar, and the patio enjoys a park view. Daily specials enhance the expansive menu, which changes every three months. Some good starters include focaccia, calamari with labane, or black tiger shrimp with chili. Try the sea bream, grilled to perfection on a mound of mashed cauliflower and wild mushrooms. The well-stocked bar includes Israeli boutique beers and bitters, along with a list of expertly balanced cocktails.

Helmed by one of Israel's most highly regarded veteran chefs, Ran Shmueli, Claro is one of those spots that has it all. The farm-to-table Mediterranean menu changes daily, featuring only the freshest seasonal, locally sourced produce, and the building, originally constructed by the German Templers in 1886, makes the experience unforgettable. The rustic yet sophisticated ambience complements the beautiful dishes, a perfect balance of classic Mediterranean cuisine and innovative Israeli flavors.

Locals rejoiced big time when this casual kosher spot opened, bringing with it a menu of creative street food (not to mention Jerusalem’s best artisan bread and meat purveyors). It's all complemented by craft Israeli beers and signature cocktails in a vibrant and loud "America in Israel" atmosphere. Get the duck fries, sliders, and a range of options on the "taco bar" menu, and then chomp in disbelief that the food is so delicious and kosher at the same time.

Built on a pier extending into the Sea of Galilee, this family-run restaurant has breathtaking views from seats indoors and outside. This airy, casual spot with wooden tables and metal chairs is something of an institution, and locals keep coming back for the delicious meats—sizzling steaks, succulent goose liver, or long skewers of veal and vegetables, grilled slowly over hickory wood. The bluefin tuna carpaccio, caught by the manager's brother, is a delicacy. Save room for dessert, as all dishes are homemade.

The Galilee Hills make a perfect pasture for livestock—in this case, goats—and here you can taste the fresh output of Ein Camonim's dairy, one of the best in Israel. The all-you-can-eat menu includes a platter of about three dozen goat cheeses, a selection of home-baked breads, a variety of fresh salads, and house wine. There's a half-price menu for kids. The specialty shop next door sells the dairy's cheeses, olives, and other homemade products. The eatery is 20 km (12½ miles) southwest of Tzfat, 5 km (3 miles) west of Kadarim Junction.

Chef Moshe Basson, repeated winner of international couscous contests, has mined the kitchens of older Jewish and Arab women to revive nearly forgotten recipes and ingredients. Grab a seat on the outside patio, adjacent to the Old City walls on one side and overlooking the picturesque Hutzot Hayotzer artists colony on the other. The appetizers are all tasty, but try the crepelike pastilla filled with duck confit and pumpkin jam, or the extraordinary stuffed mallow leaves (instead of the more conventional grape leaves). Two exquisite mains include traditional makloubeh with chicken and rice, and the clay-baked lamb with okra. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, and there are a few tasting menus if you want to try it all. Finish with unusual desserts and herbal tea. If you're in the mood, ask Basson to share some of his culinary lore. 

Ask any local about their favorite place to eat and they will direct you toward this family restaurant tucked into a small shopping center. The menu has a hearty selection of pastas, pizzas, seafood, and meat dishes, all with a contemporary Middle Eastern touch. It sits opposite Kibbutz Ma'ayan Baruch. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends when the place is packed with locals.

Expertly hidden inside one of Tel Aviv's loveliest boutique hotels, The Drisco, George and John has a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The menu is modern Israeli—that is, Mediterranean with a Middle Eastern twist. Expect innovative dishes that are not only beautifully presented, but also cooked to perfection, such as the lime- and jalapeno-infused amberjack sashimi with Israeli caviar, and egg noodles with blue crab. The wine list is extensive and features some unusual choices, so don't be afraid to ask the excellent sommelier for a recommendation.

This tiny restaurant and wine bar, just a clutch of round tables on an alley just off Carmel Market, draws its inspiration from the market's fresh offerings (the name is Hebrew for "market stall"). The choices change daily, and the kitchen is well-known for dishing out organ meats you might not see much back home. For the less adventurous, the seafood and pork options are sure to be fresh and aesthetically appealing. Try also the white pizza with black truffles when in season. The paella with bacon, sausage, shrimp, and mussels is about as non-kosher as it gets for a place whose chef refers to the nearby market as the "Holy of Holies." 

Vintner Adam Sternbach and his father Adam make wines in the Ella Valley and serve tastings and thoughtful snacks on a grape-vine covered patio. Tables set out on barrels overloook rolling hills. You can also order a picnic basket to go, as long as you return the reusable containers. Gadi makes cured meats; the cheeses and bread come from local makers. On Fridays and Saturdays, the winery is open to the public, but calling ahead is recommended.

This Tunisian hole-in-the-wall offers pillowy hand-rolled couscous, slow-cooked stews, and zingy tuna and egg sandwiches, served outside on tiny tables or packed up to go. There is no menu, just whatever owner Motti Hadad is cooking in the closet-size kitchen.

Two of Israel's best-known culinary personalities, Amos Sion and Uri Yarmias, opened this restaurant to create a first-rate yet affordable dining experience. It occupies a beautifully restored stone building in the ancient harbor, and large windows everywhere maximize the sea view under a wooden pergola. The chef puts an Israeli spin on Mediterranean-style cooking, turning out such tantalizing appetizers as calamari with lemon and hyssop leaves on sheep-milk yogurt, and sliced sirloin in aged balsamic vinegar with Cambozola cheese and pistachios. Main dishes include an aromatic fish stew made of red mullet, spinach, and Swiss chard, and grilled barbuni (sardine-size fish). The wine room holds the chef's private collection. A children's menu is available.

Walking through the door of this understated but elegant dining room you hear the energetic hum of good conversation. Set inside the immaculate Ritz-Carlton Herzliya hotel, Herbert Samuel boasts an upscale but accessible kosher menu, with strong Mediterranean influences that change every season. Staples include the nine-variety tomato salad, lamb chops, and the daily catch from the adjacent marina. Leave room for the luscious house-made, dairy-free desserts. An open kitchen is on full view and is a must-see for anyone who loves to cook. The extensive wine list and refreshing cocktails are professionally created.

The restaurant at this boutique hotel serves modern brasserie fare, throwing in a few unexpected Asian twists along the way. The seasonal menu changes regularly but you can always find impressive Mediterranean--Asian fusion dishes like sea bream fillet with lemongrass cream. The impeccable service, well-prepared food, and interesting wine list compare very favorably with the city's top restaurants. The dining room is in a lovingly restored home on Montefiore Street in the heart of historic Tel Aviv. White walls, potted plants, slatted wooden blinds, and the silver-plated sugar servers selected by co-owner Ruthie Brouda evoke old-world colonial days. 

Consistently ranked among the country's best burger places, Iwo's was founded by a butcher and serves expertly grilled patties on pillowy rolls. Black-and-white-tiled walls evoke American diner traditions, but this is a sleeves-up, self-service destination. You can top your burger with sunny-side-up eggs, crispy bacon, grilled onions, and a rainbow of sauces. The veggie portobello option is just as good, and there are several salads as well. It's a great place to start or end an evening with a burger and a beer.

This is where Jerusalemites go to have a loud, raucous good time and eat great Israeli food all in one fell swoop. It's all about the twists on local meat dishes, especially the meat-stuffed ravioli and asado risotto. Be sure to check out the hidden bar, Jacko's Son, behind the "fridge of Tequila bottles." It's tough to score a reservation, so call way in advance.