Gastronomy

Avi Biton takes first place with the new Club Marine in Herzliya, Haim Cohen revives a legendary Tel Aviv address, and Asaf Granit manages to create a line even for pita. From the burger everyone is praising to a cafe in Ashkelon that is all over Instagram — these are the 20 most talked-about restaurants, bars, and cafes of the month.

Three wine bars in the Sharon area and one in Kiryat Ono, new New York-style pizzerias, a cafe with a large menu of matcha drinks, additional skewer restaurants, the taco trend continues to expand, as does the 'dine and party' restaurant trend. Many new places opened this week, here is everything you need to know.

Imagine a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant where the final bill is merely a suggestion. You decide what you can afford to pay, and the staff accepts it without question. This model is gaining traction in luxury dining establishments worldwide, and the results are surprising even the owners.

The Jerusalem group that took over the location of Topolopompo continues to expand and is opening Zoti, a grandiose restaurant with an investment of millions in the space where Herbert Samuel once operated. Zoti continues the group's 'dine and party' concept, with a DJ playing every evening, a Mediterranean menu, and pricing that can be defined as absurd.

The contestants on "MasterChef: Dream Team" received a surprising challenge, and were asked to get into the head of Chef Eyal Shani and prepare a dish inspired by him. Eliav shone with an elegant execution, Bar prepared a dish that, according to the judges, was on the verge of perfection – and Eden brought a twist with a comforting soup. These are the recipes.

Tucked away in a 160-year-old complex in the Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, Casual Cafe is the heart of Jerusalem's bohemian scene. Offering specialty coffee, creative breakfasts, and a wine bar, it is a must-visit spot with a unique, relaxed atmosphere.

We arrived at Six Senses Shaharut following a one-time chef's dinner, but discovered a vacation that offers much more than culinary: a suite facing the Edom Mountains, food based on local ingredients, yoga in the desert, pools, a cocktail workshop, and above all, silence.

Granit and the Machneyuda group's "De Pita" honors shawarma with a respectable dish, but the meatballs in grape leaves are not to be missed. It is worth coming to Jerusalem just for them.

The 'Ha-Shachaf' restaurant in Tel Aviv attempts to recreate the atmosphere of legendary fish joints from the past. Despite high-quality dishes, the effort to capture the old-school spirit feels like a mere imitation.

Chef Gal Ben-Moshe, whose Berlin restaurant Prism held a Michelin star for six years, has been chosen to lead the culinary operations at the new The Byron hotel. The plans include a restaurant, a bakery-patisserie, a rooftop lounge, and a breakfast complex facing the sea.

The chef is launching his new restaurant complex at Dizengoff 99, and in the first stage, is opening its doors for breakfast and brunch. These are the dishes you can find at the place.

When the heat becomes unbearable, even dairy ice cream can feel too heavy. We've selected five of the best spots in Israel to cool down with a refreshing and delicious sorbet.

The food scene in the Gaza Envelope has changed since October 7: new coffee carts have become meeting places, memorials, and community hubs, telling the story of the region through food, nature, and local entrepreneurship.

Amidst the stunning landscape of the Alona settlements, we discovered a space of art and food: a beeswax candle workshop, a Fimo kingdom posing as sweets, and a cafe full of yeast delicacies.

Einav Azgari, one of the most beloved chefs on the local scene, is riding the wave of new deli-restaurants and bringing his knowledge and talent to Pranzo.

The Rooftop restaurant at the Mamilla Hotel presents a fresh culinary concept and an updated menu by incoming chef Itay Shalev, combining contemporary Israeli cuisine with international influences.

René Redzepi, who resigned from Noma five months ago following misconduct allegations, returns as creative director. The Copenhagen restaurant has reopened under new head chef Pablo Soto.

Renowned chef Itay Shalev has been appointed to the prestigious position at Jerusalem's Mamilla Hotel. He will lead the hotel's culinary operations, bringing his expertise to refresh the menus of its iconic restaurants.

Ashkelon, a city known for its culinary institutions, is undergoing a transformation. The new restaurant 'HaEtz' (The Tree) offers a modern dining experience, blending a Tel Aviv-style atmosphere with a diverse, high-quality menu.

The chef who disappeared a few years ago and finally returned, the restaurant-deli that recruited the well-known Tel Aviv chef, the Eilat rooftop restaurant like no other in the city, and the Ashdod kosher spot by the reality show-winning chef. These are the most talked-about restaurants of the month.

The trend of restaurateurs opening venues in boutique hotels is reaching new heights as top chefs and culinary groups storm the hospitality market. "An excellent restaurant is not just a service for hotel guests, it is a destination in itself," say the CEOs of Fattal.

Merkaz HaHummus HaAsli introduces hummus-flavored ice cream, Biga cafe chain launches a giant pancake, Shchuk restaurant serves fish sausages by Allan Talmor, Moshik Roth offers fresh truffles, Jerusalem hosts the Auto-Ochel festival, and La Tigre celebrates its 5th anniversary with a leopard-themed party. All the tastiest news of the week.

Chef Guy Peretz is investing tens of millions of shekels in two new "Salon Yevani" hospitality centers, including a huge complex at the Dead Sea that will offer a new summer menu and live performances.

During the launch of his food truck at the Ofer Bilu Center complex, beloved chef Israel Aharoni announced he will soon open a new restaurant in Tel Aviv's Florentin neighborhood, featuring an expanded menu and delivery services.

Following the overwhelming success in July, the Dan Hotels chain is expanding its culinary program across three of its Eilat properties. Throughout August, guests will enjoy dinners hosted by top chefs and iconic Israeli street food institutions.

Asaf Vered is used to intense service and precise plating, but at home he prefers a whole fish in the oven, good bread, and plenty of olive oil. In our conversation, he shares what will never enter his fridge, what mistake beginner cooks make, and how even a bun with meatballs can be a five-star dish.