3 Best Restaurants in Israel

Tel Aviv may be home to more than its fair share of Japanese eateries, but this outpost of a world-renowned Japanese brand stands out not only for its quality, but also for its impeccable service and stunning setting. The menu is a blend of traditional Izakaya and modern European cuisine, paired with sake, wine, or an impressive selection of cocktails. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, few spots in Tel Aviv attract a more discerning crowd of gastronomes. Dinings is on the third floor of one of Israel's most exclusive hotels, The Norman. 

In a gas station (and next door to the restaurant Agenda), this place is perfect for beachgoers craving sushi. The name means "port" in Japanese, and Minato does a brisk takeout business, serving sashimi and nigiri as well as a variety of tempura dishes. You can also eat in at the long sushi bar and watch the chefs' knives flash in front of you. Try the temaki, a cone of seaweed filled with rice, vegetables, and the fish of your choice.

This distinguished Japanese restaurant is consistently ranked among the best in a city with no shortage of sushi. The expansive bar is the restaurant's centerpiece, and the surrounding tables are filled with all sorts of locals, from extended families enjoying an early meal to young people who arrive in clusters later in the evening. Onami presents a large variety of tastefully presented Japanese dishes, including agedashi tofu (fried and served with a sweet soy sauce), that can be combined with sushi or sashimi.