Local cuisine is rich and diverse, shaped by culinary traditions brought by immigrants from many countries around the world. Numerous restaurants, small eateries, and cafés offer a wide variety of dishes. Menus are usually available in Hebrew and English, and sometimes also in Russian.
As a rule, restaurants are open from morning until evening without a break during the day. Only fresh ingredients are used in cooking—meat, fish, poultry, and fresh vegetables. Portions are generally large, so it is recommended to order one portion of vegetable salad for two people. Many restaurants offer a “business lunch” starting from $25 per person. Typical prices: salads and appetizers from $15–$20, main courses from $25 to $40, beer from $7 to $10, coffee or tea around $5.
Almost all food products in Israel are kosher, meaning they comply with Jewish dietary laws, which prohibit certain foods such as pork and some types of seafood. In addition, dairy and meat dishes must be prepared and served separately, so restaurants and cafés usually specialize in either dairy or meat dishes only. Nevertheless, there are also a small number of non-kosher shops and restaurants.
In accordance with Jewish dietary laws (kashrut), meat dishes are not served for breakfast in hotels, and dairy dishes are not served for dinner. Breakfast is typically served buffet-style and includes various types of cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, butter, fresh vegetable salads, olives, eggs, canned and salted fish, rolls, jam, tea, and coffee. Dinner, also served buffet-style, usually includes a variety of salads, soups, meat, chicken or fish dishes, side dishes, and dessert. In some 3-star hotels, meals are served as set portions.
Note:
Most shops are open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, while stores in large shopping malls operate until 9:00 PM. On Fridays and on the eve of Jewish holidays, opening hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. On Saturdays, large stores reopen in the evening after the end of Shabbat.
Israel is well known for its jewelry and high-quality cut diamonds. The Israel Diamond Exchange is one of the largest in the world.
A wide selection of high-quality cosmetics based on Dead Sea products is available. In recent years, Israeli wines from numerous wineries have gained worldwide recognition.
Many shops offer VAT refunds (18%) on certain goods such as jewelry, souvenirs, watches, cosmetics, and more, for purchases exceeding $100. VAT refunds can be obtained upon departure at all border crossings and at Ben Gurion Airport at “Change Point” counters located in the check-in hall to the left of Entrance No. 32 and in the Duty Free area, upon presentation of a special receipt issued by the store.
It is customary to leave a tip of about 10% of the bill in restaurants and cafés.
In taxis, the fare is paid according to the meter, and tipping is not required.
It is customary to tip guides and drivers (about $2–3 per day per person for group tours, and $20–30 or more for private tours), as well as hotel porters ($1–2).