Israel’s Best Special Occasion Restaurants To Splurge

Israel has more than its fair share of delectable restaurants. When entertaining guests, seeking out places to please most likely end up needing to tick off many boxes. Here are our tried-and-true spots for indulgence and excellence that cater to every last detail.

Kitchen Market

Handcrafted by artisanal chef Yossi Shitrit, the gourmet cuisine at Kitchen Market is unexpected in its creativity and flavors. Situated in the Tel Aviv Port’s indoor market, there is also seating outside for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Mashya

Within the Mendeli Street Hotel sits this contemporary gem also helmed by Chef Yossi Shitrit. Expect palette-pleasing combinations and Moroccan touches.

Popina

This unassuming, intimate spot in the romantic Neve Tzedek neighborhood is run by Chef Orel Kimchi, who artfully combines ultra-creative food with the best local, raw ingredients for a unique dining experience. The best part? Chef Kimchi is always eager to customize dishes to guests’ needs, including multi-course tasting menus.

OCD 

This is a communal, fine dining experience in Jaffa is completely different from any other restaurant in Israel. You have to reserve seating well-in advance, as not only is OCD one of the most talked about indulgences in town, it also only seats a total of 19 people.

HaSalon

Chef Eyal Shani, the infamous mastermind behind many of Tel Aviv’s most celebrated eateries, is in his pure element at HaSalon (“the living room”). It’s only open Wednesday and Thursday from 19:00-24:00 every week, so be sure to plan ahead for this unique foodie option. HaSalon is the number one place to feast on local cuisine at its best.

Satya (Jerusalem)

Be prepared for an authentic onslaught of Mediterranean cooking with fresh seafood at chef Ilan Garussi’s beloved restaurant, Satya. His meticulous attention to detail and specialties make this Jerusalem hotspot a haven for foodies.

1868 (Jerusalem)

Aptly named for the year the building was built, 1886 is housed in the first stone building erected in Jerusalem outside the walls of the Old City. A favorite of dignitaries and celebrities, this intimate, fine dining restaurant offers impeccable, sensual food at the hands of Chef Yankale Turjeman. Start with a cocktail or enlist the help of the sommelier to choose from their 150 wines before moving on to their delicious seasonal offerings.

Muscat (Rosh Pina)

Located in Mitzpe Hayamim, a world-class complex that houses an organic farm, this classic meat establishment run by Chef Haim Tibi is a landmark staple of Israel’s northern landscape and feels right at home with the lay of the land. Chef Tibi expertly sources from the organic farm and the garden’s rich, seasonal harvests to provide ingredients for his flavorful concoctions.

Magdalena (Galilee)

This northern Israeli restaurant is entirely unassuming in its refined elegance. Chef Youssef Hana, one of the most promising Arab chefs in the country, concocts home-cooked specialties from the Galilean kitchens he was raised in with influences from Lebanon and the whole Mediterranean region.