11 editor picks across Israel.
11 mediterranean restaurants worth the trip across Israel, editor-ranked. All cuisines in Israel.
Claro fills a restored 1886 Templar winery in Tel Aviv's Sarona quarter, an open kitchen led by chef Tal Feigenbaum with produce collected from farms daily.
OrderWhatever the market van brought in that morning; ask the server for the day's standout vegetable dish.
TipSaturday lunch runs without full service; the brunch and dinner sittings are the reliable slots.
Mashya inside the Mendeli Street Hotel is chef Bar Tsanger's dining room, a French-trained cook who names the Carmel Market and old Jaffa as his references.
TipMembers of the hotel group's VIPrima club get 10 percent off; breakfast and lunch run on separate hours from dinner.
Yaffo-Tel Aviv on Yigal Alon is chef Haim Cohen's dining room, pairing couture pastry with the classic Mediterranean plates that built his career.
TipWednesday splits into a lunch and evening service; the rest of the week runs one long sitting.
Suzana in Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv seats diners on a terrace under a big tree and a small rooftop deck, serving Middle Eastern classics like falafel and tabouli.
OrderFalafel and tabouli from the Middle Eastern classics, eaten on the tree-shaded terrace.
TipThe rooftop deck has only a few tables; ask for one when booking if you want the view over Neve Tzedek.
Ouzeria overlooks Tel Aviv's Levinsky Market with chef Avivit Priel Avichai's Greek leaning sharing plates and a bar built on ouzo and other anise spirits.
OrderA round of Greek style small plates with a carafe of ouzo to share at the bar.
TipThe bar seats 12 and pours several kinds of anise; it is the best spot for solo diners.
Dallal has run Mediterranean cooking from a restored Neve Tzedek building in Tel Aviv since 2007, pairing seasonal fish and meat with its own pastries.
OrderA fresh pasta or risotto special alongside a pastry from the Dallal bakery counter.
TipThe restaurant is closed on Sunday; Friday opens at 09:00 and Saturday at 10:00 for a long weekend lunch.
Puaa fills a Jaffa flea market storefront with mismatched vintage furniture, all for sale, serving a Tel Aviv area Mediterranean menu since 1998.
OrderThe shakshuka or a plate of grilled fish with the market vegetables of the day.
TipEvery chair and table is priced and can be bought; ask staff if a piece catches your eye.
Kalamata occupies an old stone building on Kedumim Square, plating Greek leaning Mediterranean food with a sea view over Old Jaffa's rooftops.
OrderGrilled seafood off the daily catch with a side of the Greek salad.
TipSunday service ends at 17:00; ask for a window table facing the sea when booking.
Pereh on Nahalat Binyamin in Tel Aviv is a chef-driven bistro from Aviad Peled and Uri Steinberg, baking its own bread and changing the seasonal menu daily.
OrderThe stuffed chicken wing, or whatever seasonal vegetable dish the kitchen is running that day.
TipThe kitchen bakes its own bread and ages fish and meat in house; the menu changes daily, so ask what is best.
A.K.A on Nahalat Binyamin in Tel Aviv is a three-room chef's restaurant, cocktail bar and wine bar with an open kitchen and octopus with rosti.
OrderThe octopus with rosti, or a seasonal small plate ordered facing the open kitchen.
TipGo up to the Sid and Nancy wine bar for more than 160 bottles, or book the aperitivo hour for 20 percent off the menu.
Vermuteria on Nahalat Binyamin in Tel Aviv is a Spanish tapas bar from Avi Kashi and chef Michael Gartopsky, serving pan con tomate and grilled octopus.
OrderPan con tomate, fried padron peppers, or the grilled octopus with olive oil and garlic.
TipBook on Ontopo for the corner table at Nahalat Binyamin and Gruzenberg; it fills most evenings.
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