6 Best Restaurants in Lower Galilee, Israel

Big Ben Pub

$$

You can't miss Big Ben, just at the top of the boardwalk; this casual spot is practically a landmark. An outdoor terrace with seating overlooks the promenade, and inside, a beautiful antique wooden bar features eight beers on tap. There are more tables indoors, too. The menu covers all the bases: pastas, fish and meat on the grill, chicken schnitzel and fries for the kids. The friendly vibe at this large place is what draws people back: the food is not always the best.

Pagoda

$$

This faux-Chinese temple has an outdoor patio overlooking the lake, and across the road is a maze of more intimate rooms entered through a garden. The kosher menu of various Asian cuisines and some international favorites is identical at both places, so pick your favorite and try the Thai soups (such as the tasty hot-and-sour soup), the lamb spareribs, or strips of beef with peanut sauce. There's a sushi bar, too.

Gedud Barak St., 1420807, Israel
04-671–0800
Known For
  • pan-Asian menu
  • sushi bar
  • kosher restaurant
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat. No dinner Fri., Reservations essential

Rene

$$

An impressive brick building and a terrace with lovely views of the Sea of Galilee are great draws. The dairy and salad menu of this bistro, bar, and café has a fine selection of breakfast dishes, salads, pasta, calzones, sandwiches, quiche, and desserts. Locals rave about the cheese blintzes with sweet cheese and raisins. There is music most evenings, plus air-conditioning and a full bar.

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Ronen Italian Kitchen

$$

With a menu in English, Arabic, Italian, and Hebrew, Ronen Mansour serves a nice Israeli breakfast, and in the afternoon and evening you can order pasta, pizza, fish, and meat dishes that appeal to everyone. The restaurant is clean and simple, with murals of Italy decorating the walls. Delivery is available to local hotels.

HaGalil St., 1641137, Israel
04-646–6630
Known For
  • crowd-pleasing menu
  • delivery to local hotels
  • great Italian menu

Tishreen

$$

The tile floors, stone walls, and dim lighting at this restaurant and bar named after a month on the Muslim calendar are the perfect setting for the Middle Eastern menu. Known for the wood-burning oven from which fresh breads emerge, this restaurant is big on kebabs and eggplant stuffed with pesto and cheese. Alcohol is served, too.

HaBsora St., 16000, Israel
04-608–4666
Known For
  • friendly service
  • delicious Middle Eastern menu
  • inviting dining room

Yali’s Coffee Shop and Restaurant

$$

This quiet, modern café is a good place for a meal anytime. The menu features pasta, pizza, and salads as well as breakfast items. There is outdoor seating, but ask for a table inside near the window to enjoy the Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and people-watching.