Recommended Restaurants

“Red” in Hebrew, “Adom” stands probably for the passion put into the orders. From great bisque crab soup to excellent T-bone lamb.

And make sure not to miss the spaghettis, served in their bronze pans.

All in a 19^th century stone building which was part of the very first Jewish colonies outside the old city of Jerusalem.

Jaffa st. 31, Jerusalem.

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“Danny the Digger” rating:     

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars; Ranked #7 in Jerusalem restaurants

Mapa.co.il rating:  8.6 of 10 ; On “2012 recommended restaurants” list.  

Foddor’s: Not reviewed. 

Frommers rating: 2 of 3 stars.

Rest.co.il rating: 4 of 5 stars.

A cultural and gastronomic institution that was branded when located at the end of Hillel st.

Now in a hidden spot near King George st., but still trendy and appealing to good looking Jerusalemites.

The menu itself is eclectic, inventive, and sophisticated.

King Geroge st. 41, Jerusalem.

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“Danny the Digger” rating:      

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars; Ranked #13 in Jerusalem restaurants.

Mapa.co.il rating: 9.5 of 10; On “2012 recommended restaurants” list.

Foddor’s: Reviewed.

Frommers rating: 2 of 3 stars.

Rest.co.il rating: Not listed.

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It is in the heart of an unappealing shopping center in Beth-shemesh, and without a recommendation, there is NO CHANCE you will just run across it.

But the recommendation was real – it is really a good Italian and fish restaurant!. Managed by Itsik, a native of Beth-Shemesh, who, after working for years in the kitchen of others (mostly chef restaurants in Tel-Aviv) decided to open his own place.

A major unique service that FRESCO also provides is gluten free optional menu, much thanks to the owner’s sister.

Rabin st. 15, Beth-Shemesh.

ILS 70-140.-

Opened in 1995 at the renewed Tel-Aviv port, “Mul-Yam” (“in front of sea”) is a superb Sea food concept gourmet restaurant. Perhaps the best one in Israel.

Managed by Chef Yoram Nitzan, every dish a pleasent surprise, with much creativity and talent.

But forget my testimoney, just open “Les Grandes tables du monde“. Its 2003 issue listed “Mul-Yam” as one of the top 120 resturants in the world. To this day it is the only Israeli restaurant listed in this  this magazine.

Hanger 23, Tel-Aviv Port

ILS 200-500.-

Another younger sister to the superb “Herbert Samuel” gourmet restaurant, Tapas on “echad (=1) Haam” street is open only in the evening.

Its joint ownership of chef Yonathan Roshfeld and business man Adi Strauss (“son of”), makes Tapas a very trendy dinner spot, which means booking a chair requires patients, or connections..

27 Ahad Haam st., Tel-Aviv

ILS 200-250.-

A chef restaurant named after its location (corner of Yavneh and Montefiore streets in Tel-Aviv), Yavneh Montefiore is the younger sister to the famous “Herbert Samuel” gourmet restaurant.

Both are directed by master chef Yonathan Roshfeld.

Having a similar kitchen, the eating experience is somewhat close to the one in “Herbert Samuel” (which means EXCELLENT!), yet for slightly less cost.

Montefiorie st. 31, Tel-Aviv

ILS 200-250.-

Despite the sign above this sabich joint, warning you that sabich is addictive(!), the crowds keep piling in front of it, waiting patiently to get their doce.

Sometimes, but only sometimes, the crowds are right!.

Cousin of the famous Falafel in pitah bread, Sabich is a dish of thin fried slices of aubergine, a hard boiled egg, a variety of salads, all. In a fresh pitah bread, and some will add a mango based sauce (“Amba”. I don’t care for it).

What’s the big issue? Try it and you’ll understand as well..

Frishman st. 42, Tel-Aviv

ILS 20.-

Owned and managed by the known chef Rafi Cohen, Rafael is probably among the top 5 restaurants in Israel.

Based on Rafi’s childhood memories of his Moroccan grandmother cooking in Jerusalem, Rafael’s kitchen blends very successfully local traditional and French cuisine.

King David Tower, Hayarkon st. 87, Tel-Aviv

ILS 200-400.-

Located by Ma’alot in the upper western Galilee, and viewing a nice small local lake, Hadarale, by the words of its chef (Sivan Amsalem), is a “French Bistro with a touch of local Mediterranean flavor”.

My biggest pleasant surprise was its fish. Will never forget the family Seder night we had at Hadarale on Passover of 2011.

Monfort lake, near Ma’alot.

ILS 200-250.-

The best Arab kitchen cuisine in Israel!

Owned and ran by Hussam Abbas, despite its busy junction location, not to mention its unappetizing interior design,  the food itself is simply – A M A Z I N G!.