If you’re looking for some fancy wining and dining and want to throw in some romance (who cares if it’s Valentines Day or not!), there are an abundance of great restaurants throughout Israel that will do the job. Here is our list of the top ten most romantic restaurants in Israel (with some hearty hat-tipping going to Hebrew rag Ha’ir). Get ready for some red roses and violins…
SEE ALSO: The most romantic spots in Israel!
Mel and Michelle, Tel Aviv
A great little Italian restaurant on Ben Yehuda street, this place might surprise you with its intimacy. With a small bar to get you in the mood, this place reeks of a superb, yet authentic atmosphere. Tel Aviv Pasta at its best! Not too cheap: a couple can end up splashing out 400 shekels very easily…
Address: 155 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv
Telephone: 057-4449999
Delal, Tel Aviv
Located in perhaps the most enchanting neighborhood of all Tel Aviv, Delal consists of not just a superbly romantic restaurant/bistro (mostly Mediterranean cuisine), but also a great little bakery. Step into the back courtyard to get cosy and romantic…for an average of around 300 shekels per couple.
Address: 10 Shabazi Street, Tel Aviv
Telephone: 03-5109292
Adora, Tel Aviv
Again we hit the streets of Ben Yehuda for yet another bistro restaurant with a great, romantic atmosphere. The simple things here are done perfectly, from the white napkins to the wine glasses. Not much change from 350 shekels for a couple unfortunately, but one of the most romantic places to eat in Tel Aviv.
Address: 226 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv
Telephone: 03-6050896
Shelo BeYaar, Kiryat Tivon
On the road between Haifa and Nazareth you can find some romance at Shelo BeYaar, which is located in the town of Kiryat Tivon. This is an authentic French restaurant in the middle of a forest, with a great menu, and a burning fireplace in the middle of the restaurant. What more could you ask for? Great value at 250 shekels for a couple.
Address: 1 HaShomrim, Kiryat Tivon
Telephone: 04-9831837
Knaipeh, Metulla
If you’re up in the northern region of Israel and fancy a drive up to the far northern tip, head for Knaipeh in Metulla. There awaits one of the finest hosts in Israel (owner Avram), with some awesome steaks, home-made hummus, and fresh, amazingly crunchy salad – plus some carefully selected locally produced wines. Avram will wine and dine you and make sure your evening is class. On cold evenings you can expect a roaring log fire. Prepare to part from 250-300 shekels if you’re wining and dining as a couple (Avram doesn’t accept credit cards).
Address: Metulla (call for directions)
Telephone: 054-2185530
Shiri Bistro, Rosh Pina
If you’re in the north, head for the small town of Rosh Pina. You will be charmed (as was Madonna a couple of years back!), and charmed further if you head for Shiri Bistro, a cute little French restaurant with amazing views out over the Hula Valley and the Golan Heights. It gets even more romantic if there’s snow (even rain!)…Expect to part with between 200-250 shekels per couple.
Address: 8 HaHalutzim, Rosh Pina
Telephone: 04-6937028
Witches Casserole and The Milkman, Golan Heights
Oh yes, a fine name for a cute little restaurant, up on Nimrod River in the Golan, overlooking Hula Valley, the Lebanese mountains and the northern Golan. The witch casseroles (salmon cuts, veal cuts, plus the house Lamb Casserole) make up a big part of the menu, accompanied by a variety of local cheeses and wines. Around 250-300 shekels should see some romance sparkle…and don’t miss our full review here.
Address: Nimrod, Golan Heights
Telephone: 04-6870049
Kucha, Golan Heights
No question about it, it doesn’t get more romantic than a cold, snowy night in the Golan Heights, with a hearty fire raging in a cosy little restaurant. Kucha is another great little find, and as it also has an adjoining guest house, you could just stop over after pigging out on some romance (or authentic Serbian cuisine). Not cheap: 350 shekels for a couple, plus, of course the guest house charge…
Address: Moshav Sha’al, Golan Heights
Telephone: 04-6984618
Zuni, Jerusalem
Most Jerusalemites will know of Zuni’s legendary balcony tables, the ones that are almost always taken, 24 hours a day. A great little place for some romance, plus some great fillet steak in brandy (if you’re coming for breakfast then try the English breakfast). Not too pricey, a couple will be able to romance themselves for 260 shekels.
Address: 15 Salomon, Jerusalem
Telephone: 02-6257776
Cavalier, Jerusalem
(UPDATE: Now CLOSED) The Cavalier in Jerusalem is a charming little French restaurant, with lots of cute little round tables, just for two. A nice little atmosphere here too, typical of a cosy night out in Jerusalem. Probably the most expensive of all the restaurants in this list, expect to spend around 500 shekels for a slice of romance.
Address: 1 Ben Sira, Jerusalem
Telephone: 057-9442899