The 16 Must-Try Restaurants in Akko, Israel

This isn’t just another hummus spot. Chef-owner Arin Abu-Hamid Kurdi, raised in Akko, shares her childhood flavors in this welcoming Mytoury. Her hummus is light and airy, crafted with less tahini and minimal baking soda when cooking the chickpeas. Ask the chef for recommendations or choose from various homemade dishes. Don’t miss the treedi, which features crispy pita topped with hot chickpeas, garlic, fresh yogurt, slivered almonds, and parsley. Legend has it that this was Muhammad’s favorite dish, and it remains a beloved classic in Akko for Iftar meals during Ramadan. While you’re there, check out On the Hummus Route, a book highlighting the finest hummus from nine Middle Eastern cities, featuring the chef. [$]

Uri Buri and chef Uri Jeremias are legendary throughout the country; he is affectionately known simply as Uri Buri. This no-frills fine dining establishment, which he opened in 1989, is renowned for serving perhaps the finest seafood in Israel, right by the ocean. The chef’s inquisitive nature rivals that of Le Petit Prince, making the culinary experience truly unique. He encourages diners to engage with the flavors, utilizing premium ingredients without unnecessary embellishments. Local favorites include sashimi salmon with wasabi sorbet and a seafood medley atop ptitim, or Israeli couscous. There are vegan options too. The tasting menu, at 220 shekels ($63), offers a delightful series of inventive dishes, quickly justifying its place on every list of Israel’s best restaurants. [$$$]

Housed in an ancient Ottoman customs building from 1210, El Marsa is nestled in the picturesque Old Port, where sparkling turquoise waters are visible from every seat. Chef Alaa Musa, who grew up in Akko and honed his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants in Sweden, partners with Marwan Sawaed to present a creative blend of traditional Arab cuisine and modern influences. Try the kibbeh, which features a delightful seafood stuffing instead of meat. Other highlights include mejadra rice topped with rich goat yogurt and fresh ceviche served with shanklish cheese, reminiscent of labneh. [$$$]

In Akko’s vibrant market, the Kurdi Spice Shop stands out as a charming spot to gather your spice essentials. Adorned with seashells and treasures from the sea, the shop showcases an array of sealed glass containers filled with robust spice blends. Owner Marwan Kurdi, who blends Kurdish and Danish heritage, speaks poetically about his spices, effortlessly sharing how to use each mix. Locals particularly seek out the ras el hanout, a blend of 12 secret spices including hints of cumin and coriander, and baharat, the allspice perfect for rice and meats. Don’t overlook the sought-after Madagascar cinnamon or the flavorful sweet paprika infused with sun-dried tomatoes, as well as the chai enriched with ginseng. [$]

No trip to Akko is complete without trying kanafeh, a delightful pastry with a crispy, stringy texture, filled with cheese and drenched in syrup. Locals overwhelmingly endorse this classic shop as the best spot for pastries, offering baklava, date-stuffed maamoul cookies, and circular kanafeh known as bird’s nests, alongside the must-try Istanbul, a rich ball of nuts. Everything is prepared fresh on-site, so take a moment to peek into the kitchen at the back before choosing some goodies to bring home for your friends. [$]

Nestled in the charming Turkish Bazaar, a quaint art market brimming with artisan shops, Maadali (meaning a cherished matron in Arabic) is a cozy Mytoury with a few tables serving authentic home-cooked Arab dishes, featuring excellent seafood and remarkable vegetable options. Emerging chef Adnan Daher handpicks ingredients from the local market, allowing diners to enjoy the incredible flavors inspired by his childhood kitchen. Don’t miss the waraq dwali (stuffed grape leaves), a true highlight. [$$]

In Akko, an Italian restaurant like Mercato might seem out of place, yet it fits seamlessly within the Turkish Bazaar, established in the late 1700s. This cozy and intimate Italian-Israeli Mytoury offers inventive dishes from the tabun (clay oven). The restaurant is run by brothers Omri and Noam Shahar, who expertly create meals featuring calamari, shrimp, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and comforting Italian dishes made from local ingredients. [$$]

This boutique hotel, established by the renowned Uri Buri, is housed within two ancient buildings that underwent an eight-year restoration. Since reopening, it has revitalized the local hotel scene. Even if you’re not a guest, a visit is worthwhile to experience a diverse Akko breakfast at the hotel restaurant. The family-style meal unites guests around a seasonal spread, including salads, homemade jams, fresh cheeses, warm pita with za’atar, pastries, and various omelets (including a vegan option using chickpea flour). The hotel also boasts a stunning terrace with city views, a wine cellar for events, and an exquisite hammam. For the ultimate foodie getaway, consider a package that includes a room, massage, breakfast, and dinner at Uri Buri. [$$]

This restaurant boasts one of the finest views in Israel. Whether from the dining room or the outdoor terrace, guests can take in the stunning sea, with sunlight glistening on the dock where boats sway gently in the waves. The menu highlights traditional local cuisine, featuring dishes like fried calamari, various shrimp preparations, hearty meat dishes, and an array of mezze that fills the entire table. [$$]

If you want to spark a conversation in Israel, just ask where to find the best hummus. Many will point you to Said, one of the oldest Mytouries in the historic quarter of Akko. By 6 a.m., the restaurant is alive with patrons eager to enjoy Said’s thick, warm hummus, which is both rich and pleasantly light. The local way to savor hummus is called lenagev, where you wipe the hummus with an onion petal or pita in a circular motion. Just be prepared to wait your turn! [$]

This beloved hummus spot is a local favorite. Led by Souhila al-Hindi, whose family opened the restaurant in the 1960s, the kitchen serves up the finest meats and hummus toppings. What truly sets this place apart is the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Despite the busy kitchen producing countless plates, al-Hindi ensures only the best olive oil graces her dishes. [$]

This charming kosher café and shop is nestled within a fruit orchard at Kibbutz Shomrat, about 2 miles from Akko. Run by Ariel Mazan, a dedicated dairy farmer, Alto is passionate about the health benefits and flavors of goat cheese. They serve a cozy daily breakfast, along with sandwiches, quiche, and a wide selection of cheeses and yogurts to take home. Call ahead to arrange a tour and explore the cheese-making process firsthand. [$]

Chef Michael Gertofsky traded the fast-paced life of Tel Aviv for a bistro where he can utilize the bounty of Galilee. Thus, Michael Bistro was born in Liman, a moshav (cooperative farming community) around 20 minutes from Akko. It’s a must-visit restaurant for food enthusiasts, known for consistently exceeding expectations. With its rustic charm and a menu that showcases seasonal Galilean flavors, you’ll savor authentic baladi dishes. Indulge in lamb sweetbreads with sunchoke puree cooked on a Josper grill, handmade pasta, or fresh calamari a la plancha, all beautifully presented. [$$$$]

There’s no need to argue over the best dining spot in the market, as each place has its own delightful appeal. For falafel, visit this cozy stall, famous for what locals affectionately call “golden balls.” With their distinct amber color, these crispy delights are mild yet textured, offering a satisfying crunch. Grab a serving to enjoy while you admire the beautiful Armenian ceramics at Paul Elias nearby. [$]

Step into this enchanting garden set within a stunning courtyard that houses an ancient fortress-turned-restaurant. Roots is the brainchild of a Jew, a Muslim, and a Christian, offering kosher and contemporary Levantine cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients and premium meats. Dine amidst lush greenery, grand arches, and exposed brick walls. Consider the mini arais (crispy pita triangles stuffed with lamb), beef carpaccio garnished with greens and balsamic, mini kibbeh, and a vibrant assortment of mezze dips and salads. [$$$]

This charming coffee and spice market stall is operated by Deeb Bader, a skilled coffee roaster known for his unique take on traditional black coffee infused with cardamom or hawaij, a Yemenite blend of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. He sources coffee beans from around the globe, offering a wide variety. Enjoy your morning brew while exploring the market, or take home some beans. And make sure to grab a generous bag of his za’atar, which is truly worth its weight in gold. [$]