In the south of Israel you can find a great mixed cuisine, located on beautiful routes or in front of fascinating view. Here are some cullinar recommendations for your trip to the negev of Israel
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Like many other areas in Israel, in the Negev and southern Israel too, one can enjoy all types of cuisines – both local and international. Fresh seafood and fish in the coastal towns of Ashdod and Ashkelon is a must, as well as lighter beach meals along the beautiful shores.
Here are some recommendations for the various restaurants across the Negev’s cities, towns, villages and farms.
Recommended restaurants in Southern Israel
Cramim
One of the area’s little hidden treasures, is Cramim restaurant. located inside the small, quiet village of Sgula, Cramim is surrounded by grassy planes, fish ponds and calming greenery. Offering a variety of dishes ranging from light salads to meat and seafood, Cramim is a local hidden treasure worth exploring.
Idi Dagim
If seafood is your meal of choice – make sure you visit Ashdod’s famous fresh seafood restaurant – Idi Dagim. Somewhat of a local establishment, this longstanding restaurant has been at the forefront of the southern shores eateries for over 30 years now, priding itself on the freshness of its seafood products. The website is unfortunately in Hebrew, but there are phone numbers and contact details, as well as mouthwatering photos to help you decide.
Linda
A warm recommendation also goes to Linda, a Mediterranean restaurant in Ashkelon, offering fantastic food and a young, hip, happy atmosphere to go with it.
Sami and Susu
For more local and culture-specific food, try the following two options – Sami and Susu – a recommended grill bar in Be’er Sheba, serving tradition Romanian dishes. Located inside the Beer Sheba market, it’s a great local jewel, definitely worth a try.
Yakuta
Another fantastic and highly recommended traditional restaurant is Yakuta. Moroccan dishes galore, a fresh array of salads, meats and cuscus; this place is the local’s choice. In a place like Israel where good food is not hard to come by, that is the biggest recommendation.
Naot Farm
Located on the Wineries Route, is Naot Farm, one of the area’s main culinary attractions. Serving a variety of homemade goats cheese, as well as quality meats, this superbly located restaurant is a must for anyone travelling down south on Road 40. Children will enjoy wandering around the farm, while you take in the breathtaking scenery, best viewed over a glass of good wine.
Hadassar
A final recommendation goes to Hadassar – Living naturally, a deli, organic shop and cafe all combined, in the beautiful Incense Road quarter in Mitzpe Ramon. A relaxing atmosphere and an array of fresh organic food and local wines await you. It’s a real special desert treat, so don’t miss it.
Chez Eugéne
This chef restaurant in a boutique hotel offers a stylish alternative to ordinary food in the south of Israel. At Chez Eugéne you can dine on Mediterranean and Western dishes made from local produce in a modern setting while drinking fine wine made from local vineyards.
Hakatzeh
Locals love this famous place in Mitzpe Ramon. Here you can sit in the patio and enjoy a traditional home-style Middle Eastern menu. On the menu you will find classics such as hummus, salads, tabuleh, labane, couscous and meat.
Pundak Neot Semadar
This roadside inn in the Arava is part of a Kibbutz so all the products are locally grown and made in the Kibbutz. The restaurant has a beautiful garden and serves homemade vegetarian meals and refreshments using organic produce. They also have a shop where you can buy their local products such as jams and dried fruits, as well as artworks and crafts made by the kibbutz members.
