Must-Try Foods In Mount Meron (Safed (Tzfat)) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Mount Meron, Safed (Tzfat), Israel

The city of Safed, also known as Tzfat, is located in the Northern District of Israel and is one of Judaism's four holy cities. It has a rich history tied to Jewish mysticism and spirituality, which has also influenced its cuisine. Over the centuries, Safed has seen a mix of cultural influences from Sephardic Jews who came after the expulsion from Spain, Ashkenazi Jews who arrived from Eastern Europe, and local Arab culture. This blend is reflected in Safed’s local dishes which often combine Middle Eastern flavors with Jewish dietary laws, resulting in a unique culinary heritage. Traditional ingredients include olives, cheese, wine, bread, fish, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Mount Meron, Safed (Tzfat), Israel

1. Falafel - A classic Middle Eastern vegetarian dish, falafel is deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas and spices.
2. Shakshuka - A popular breakfast dish, shakshuka consists of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and often spiced with cumin (vegetarian).
3. Hummus - This creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic is a vegetarian staple in the Middle East.
4. Borekas - Flaky pastries filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, or potato (vegetarian).
5. Labneh - Strained yogurt cheese that's often served with olive oil and herbs (vegetarian).
6. Stuffed Vegetables - Different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes filled with rice and herbs, and sometimes pine nuts and raisins (can be vegetarian).
7. Halloumi Cheese - A semi-hard, unripened brined cheese that can be grilled or fried, commonly enjoyed in Safed where cheese-making is an age-old tradition (vegetarian).
8. Kubbeh - Dumplings made from bulgur or semolina, usually filled with minced meat, pine nuts, and spices (non-veg).
9. Tabbouleh - A vegetarian salad traditionally made of tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, and onion, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
10. Baklava - A sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey (vegetarian).

Top Famous Restaurants in Mount Meron, Safed (Tzfat), Israel

Auberge Shulamit

Address: Rehov Yud Zayin 1, Rosh Pinna

Famous Dish: Moroccan Fish (non-veg)

HaAri 8

Address: Ha-ari St 8, Tzfat

Famous Dish: Lamb Kabab (non-veg)

Artisan Bakery of Safed

Address: Tet-Vav St 23, Tzfat

Famous Dish: Borekas and a variety of bread (vegetarian options available)

Tree of Life Vegetarian Café

Address: HaAri Street, Tzfat

Famous Dish: Vegetarian Pizza (vegetarian)

HaGoshrim Hotel & Nature Restaurant

Address: Kibbutz HaGoshrim, Upper Galilee

Famous Dish: Salmon Fillet (non-veg)

Elements Café Tzfat

Address: Jerusalem St. 87, Tzfat

Famous Dish: Fresh Salads with Homemade Cheese (vegetarian options available)

HaMeiri Cheese Dairy

Address: HaMa'ayan 1, Tzfat

Famous Dish: Fresh Local Cheeses (vegetarian)

Bat Yaar Ranch

Address: Biriya Forest, Amuka

Famous Dish: Grilled Chicken Breast (non-veg)

Betzet Beach Restaurant

Address: Kfar Betzet, Northern District

Famous Dish: St. Peter's Fish (non-veg)

Lahuhe Original Yemenite

Address: Arlozorov St 2, Tzfat

Famous Dish: Yemenite Lachuch with Tomato Salsa and Schug (vegetarian)