Israel’s Galilee region is known as Israel’s food bowl. It’s home to some of the world’s best hidden kosher culinary experiences. From sampling artisanal cheeses, to experiencing authentic Druze cuisine, or learning about what it takes to become the next kosher master chef, Israel’s north has a buffet of options with something for everyone.
The five favorite kosher culinary destinations that you can enjoy as a solo traveler or with the family were selected by Jewish National Fund-USA’s Western Galilee Now Tourist Information Center.
The Alto Dairy Café is in the heart of the Galilee, on Kibbutz Shomrat, with a picturesque view of rolling orchards. It’s the perfect destination for blending scenery with delicious food – you can dine indoors or outdoors. It offers fully kosher menu of dairy delicacies, including locally sourced cheeses, handmade desserts, and artisanal small batch coffee.
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The Jullius Distillery at Kibbutz Hanita is for wine or liquor enthusiasts who want a behind-the-scenes look at how schnapps gets made. The environmentally friendly distillery won the Excellence Award in the field of wine, beer, and alcohol production at the 2021 Israeli Cuisine Awards Ceremony. It offers alcohol tastings, meals, and distillery events.
Safta Maha is in the Druze village of Hurfeis. Guests are welcomed directly into Maha’s home, where there’s an open view from the terrace, to enjoy authentic Druze breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Guests also learn about the Druze culture as Maha shares her life story and explains what it was like growing up in a Druze community.
Lior Lev Sercarz
Jewish National Fund-USA’s Galilee Culinary Institute (GCI by JNF) aims to redefine culinary education both in Israel and around the world. GCI by JNF will offer a 12-month community immersion and intensive culinary arts program designed for students to acquire a combination of practical culinary skills – and an application of themes driving the food industry today. Students will leave GCI by JNF with a practical culinary skillset on which to launch their own food focused careers. GCI by JNF’s chief culinary officer and co-founder is Lior Lev Sercarz. Visitors can also visit the campus and take optional, single-day courses. Classes are set to begin in 2023.
Hadaral’e Restaurant, a farm-to-table dinner destination in the Western Galilee, offers a candlelit setting and wooden furniture. Hadaral’e’s menu features some of the best local dishes around — fresh fish, quality meats, and fresh vegetables hand-picked by the restaurant’s chef. Hadaral’e is also accommodating toward dietary restrictions and has a variety of vegan and gluten-free dishes available.
For more information, go to galileeculinaryinstitute.com or email nhoffman@gcibyjnf.com.
