3 Best Restaurants in Mount Meron, Upper Galilee and the Golan

The town of Maalot-Tarshisha is home to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim families, and they rub elbows while dining at Aluma Bistro. Decorated with artifacts from Provence, the burgundy-toned dining room buzzes with locals in search of an extraordinary meal. Young Arab chef Alaa Sweetat weaves seasonal French and traditional Galilean styles into a tapestry of taste. Inquire about the daily specials, which may include seasonally foraged vegetables and a fresh catch of the day.

Fresh-baked sourdough breads, oil- and preservative-free pastries, and healthy whole wheat challah are the cornerstone of this bakery in the rural heart of the Galilee. Grab a seat on Friday morning in the backyard outdoor garden with the locals to taste stone-oven-baked Turkish-style cheese burekas, artichoke carpaccio with olives and sun-dried tomatoes, or a light dish of homemade granola and locally produced yogurt.

This kosher restaurant's colorful dishes highlight Galilean delicacies, in particular the rich Israeli breakfast with homemade jams or grilled baby eggplant with tahini. For a light lunch try the plentiful salads, especially the halloumi cheese and sautéed mushrooms served over romaine lettuce. The sun-filled gallery inside the café fills the walls with color and showcases the works by artists from the local special needs community (who also receive part of the café's profits).