Must-Try Foods In Tiberias (Israel) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Tiberias, Israel

Tiberias, being one of the four holy cities in Israel, has a rich history that extends to its culinary traditions. Established in the 1st century CE, Tiberias has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries including the Ottomans, British, and the large Jewish community that settled there after the creation of Israel in 1948. Its food scene is a melting pot of flavors influenced by Middle Eastern cuisine, Jewish dietary laws, and the bountiful produce from the surrounding Galilee region. The proximity to the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) means that fish dishes are also a staple part of the Tiberian diet, especially the famed St. Peter's Fish.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Tiberias

1. Falafel - Veg: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, often served in a pita with salad and tahini sauce.
2. Hummus - Veg: A smooth spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic.
3. Tabbouleh - Veg: A vegetarian salad made of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Shakshuka - Non-Veg: A dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, often spiced with cumin.
5. St. Peter's Fish - Non-Veg: A popular dish made with fish from the Sea of Galilee, usually grilled or fried and served with various sides.
6. Baba Ganoush - Veg: A levantine dish of cooked eggplant mixed with onions, tomatoes, olive oil, and various seasonings.
7. Labneh - Veg: Strained yogurt that is thick and creamy, often served with olive oil and herbs.
8. Mujadara - Veg: A dish consisting of lentils and rice, and garnished with sautéed onions.
9. Halva - Veg: A dense, sweet confectionery made from tahini or seasoned sesame paste combined with sugar or honey.
10. Kanafeh - Veg: A traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry, or fine semolina dough, soaked in sweet sugar-based syrup, and typically layered with cheese or other ingredients such as clotted cream or nuts.

Top Famous Restaurants in Tiberias

1. Avi's Restaurant

   Address: HaGalil Street, Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Grilled St. Peter's Fish - Non-Veg

2. Big Ben Restaurant

   Address: Yigal Allon Boulevard, Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Shawarma - Non-Veg

3. Decks Restaurant

   Address: Gdud Barak Rd. Eastern Lido Beach, Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Grilled Meats (Kosher) - Non-Veg

4. Tanureen

   Address: Migdal Junction, Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Taboon-baked Flatbread - Veg

5. El Rancho

   Address: Kibbutz Lavi, Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Mexican Grill (Kosher) - Non-Veg

6. Little Tiberias

   Address: HaYarden Street, Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Fresh Fish and Seafood - Non-Veg

7. Shipudei Habustan

   Address: HaSanhedrin Boulevard, Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Israeli Kebabs - Non-Veg

8. Greg Cafe

   Address: HaYarden Street, Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Israeli Breakfast (includes eggs, salad, breads) - Non-Veg

9. Pagoda

   Address: Gdud Barak Rd., Tiberias, Israel

   Famous Dish: Asian Cuisine & Sushi - Non-Veg & Veg options