Eating in Israel: a food lover's guide

Israeli food is a revelation. Breakfast buffets at hotels are legendary: fresh salads, hummus, labneh, eggs every way, pastries, fruit, and strong coffee. Eat well at breakfast — you'll need the fuel for a day of walking.

Must-try foods: Shakshuka (eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce), falafel from a street stand in the Old City, shawarma (sliced lamb or chicken in pita), knafeh in Nazareth (warm cheese pastry with syrup), and fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice from any market vendor.

Dietary notes: Most hotel restaurants are kosher, meaning no pork and no mixing of meat and dairy at the same meal. If you're used to butter on your bread at dinner, you may find margarine instead at a meat meal. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are widely available. Israel is surprisingly vegan-friendly — Tel Aviv has more vegan restaurants per capita than any city on earth.

Lunch: Usually on your own. Budget 40–60 NIS ($11–17) for a generous street food lunch. Your guide will recommend spots near each day's sites.