No matter your dietary preferences, Israel offers something delicious for everyone to enjoy. From traditional Jewish dishes to contemporary Israeli fare, Israel is an incredible culinary melting pot!
Hummus: Don’t miss Machne Yehuda hummus; across the street you will find Yudaleh serving up similar tasty cuisine.
1. Port Said
Port Said in Hudson Square is one of three eateries owned and run by Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani. Like his other restaurants, including HaSalon and Miznon in Manhattan, Port Said provides Middle Eastern fare with modern flair (such as roast beef carpaccio served with ratatouille and hot spices). Baron says she won’t display an Israeli flag or pictures because her customers don’t constitute “targeted audiences”. Rather, she fears this may lead to boycotts similar to what happened against Bed Stuy juice bar which was eventually closed down after neighbors saw flags or Israel-related images on walls in Bed Stuy juice bar which had posted flags or images and walls decorated by neighbors saw flags or pictures depicting Israel-related imagery on walls displaying flags or Israel related images on walls containing images depicting Israelis or flags displayed within her walls.
Shani’s vast vinyl collection and eclectic music program elevate the experience, while her cuisine stays true to Mediterranean roots. Try her famous lima beans msabbcha–cooked green beans covered with tahini and garlic; or her one-piece baked cauliflower head served with cream sauce and thick salt coating.
Port Said occupies a 4,000-square-foot space at the corner of Hudson and King streets in what real estate agents refer to as Hudson Square and features an open layout that allows diners to peer into its kitchen. While its other NYC restaurants boast cozy, intimate settings, Port Said is more casual and spacious; guests can linger over meals while sipping cocktails and wine from its extensive list. As with its predecessors, its price point remains accessible; with almost nothing costing more than $20.
2. Ouzeria
Eyal Shani’s Restaurant in Tel Aviv is an amazing culinary adventure and must-visit destination. Renowned among Israel’s best eateries, it fuses casual Spanish tapas bar concepts with Greek ouzerias for an unforgettable dining experience reminiscent of Levinski market and Athens tavernas; guests can enjoy high-end cuisine and cocktails while listening to an energetic soundtrack which oscillates between Eastern and Western rhythms and old and new mixes of Mediterranean folk music.
Port Sa’id, an upbeat Middle Eastern hotspot located within Carmel Market is another must-visit dining spot in Jerusalem. Offering authentic Israeli specialities like grilled eggplant and chicken liver along with delicious cocktails and wines. This cozy sidewalk dining experience draws young crowds who come here for authentic dining experience.
At Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda area lies this unpretentious restaurant which has quickly become a favorite with food lovers. Hummus and Turkish eggplant stuffed with ground beef and pine nuts are two must-try dishes while service is friendly and authentic.
This Brooklyn-style cafe in Tel Aviv is one of the best spots for healthy dining while visiting. Their lunch bowls are delicious, and their vegan offerings include delicious options like their amazing sabich. And for dessert? Don’t miss their semi frozen creme brulee dessert that has an unusual texture.
3. Cafe Noir
Cafe Noir Restaurant in Tel Aviv provides a warm and cozy ambiance, delicious meals and fine wines in an exceptional ambiance. Voted one of Israel’s top restaurants, its charming atmosphere makes Cafe Noir an ideal setting to share a delicious meal with family or friends. Their extensive menu boasts both Mediterranean- and French-influenced fare for everyone’s pleasure!
Restaurant was opened in 1997 and remains one of Tel Aviv’s highest-rated dining spots today. Co-owners Rafi Bader and Gideon Eliyahu strived to combine European culinary tradition with Tel Aviv clientele’s tastes to form an engaging dining experience for its loyal clientele, boasting superb service, delicious cuisine and an impressive wine selection. It has garnered much acclaim due to its outstanding staff, outstanding menu offerings and stellar wine collection.
Recently, this restaurant has expanded its service and added a robata grill to their repertoire, which allows the chefs to prepare delicious sushis and other Asian dishes quickly and conveniently. Furthermore, their new menu offers more grilled meat and fish options.
Lehamim Kosher Bakery in Tel Aviv offers delicious sweet and savory breads, including their world-famous babka and flavorful sabich sandwiches. Open 24/7, Lehamim’s Friday morning crowd makes for a lively experience; their staff is welcoming, clean, and their atmosphere inviting.
4. Santa Katarina
Israel’s culinary scene has blossomed rapidly in recent years, offering a range of eateries spanning from hole-in-the-wall cafes to fine dining establishments. You’ll find Yemenite, Moroccan, Tunisian and French fare all within its city streets or along beachfront boardwalks or in more urban neighborhoods – and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface!
Pastel (when art and cuisine collide) can be found within the Herta and Paul Amir building and offers Levantine-style dishes from chef Gal Ben Moshe with an artistic flare. Their seasonal menu focuses on vegetables and seafood for maximum freshness – all served in an ultra chic setting complete with bar.
While visiting Israel, be sure to try their legendary homemade tehina; an indispensable staple in every Israeli kitchen and rich, smooth and different from the tahini you may be used to back home.
Santa Katarina stands out by adding basbousa, a Middle Eastern sweet cake composed of cooked semolina or farina. While typically this dessert would be doused with simple syrup, Santa Katarina adds refreshing pine or cedar flavors from their special ingredient called Mastic from a tree extract derived from its resin; additionally it is often included as part of Turkish dessert halva found throughout markets and restaurants alike.
