One thing you need to know about Israel on eating is that it is EXPENSIVE! I was shocked when reading Lonely Planet the first time. How is a meal from “mid-range” restaurant about the same price as a night in a hostel? It’s so expensive, so it’s better to be prepared.
The Cost of Dining in Israel
If you are from East Asia, you will be used to the idea that the cost your accommodation for 1 night will buy you 3-10 meals. Right? So $30 should buy you 3 to 10 meals because a normal meal is usually $3 to $10. But in Israel…. a Big-mac is $15! Shawarma, $15! Why? I don’t know!
You can use Numbeo.com to check how expensive Jerusalem is comparing to your city. This is how I would categorize the cost of dining in Israel
- Cheap Eats: Less than ₪20 OR $7
- Mid Range: ₪50-₪100 OR $20-$40
- Expensive: More than ₪100 OR $35
Cheap Eats
With a backpacker’s budget, you’ll be stuck with hummus, falafel, Cofizz, Cofix etc. These things will cost you less than ₪20 for a meal. ($7) I found “Eight” burger, a burger for ₪8. But the usual price will be ₪20 or more.
- Hummus Said
Price Range：Hummus (half portion) ₪8
- Eight Burger
Price Range：A small burger for ₪8! (this price is not common at all)
- Cofizz
Price Range：Everything is for ₪5! (or ₪6 )
- Cofix
Price Range：Everything is for ₪5! A salad is for ₪15
Mid-Range
If you want to eat more proper food. Things like kebabs, shawarma, burgers etc, expect to spend around ₪50-₪100 ($20-$40) for a meal…… so yes, Israel is very expensive!!! You can get these things at 70% off in Jordan!!
Price Range：₪30-70
- Avi’s Restaurant in Tiberias
Price Range：Appetizer ₪25-40, Main Dish ₪60-₪90, Dessert ₪30
Expensive
My definition of an expensive restaurant is near the range of $35 (₪100). But even this is not really considered “expensive” for locals. But again, poverty is a social problem in Israel, so you don’t need to feel too bad about how you think about these prices. Not everyone affords to eat in fancy restaurants. But you don’t need to eat in fancy restaurants to be happy.
Let me show you some good restaurants :
- Uri Buri
Price Range: Apprizer ₪40, Main Dish ₪60-₪80, Dessert ₪14-₪38
- Anna Italian Cafe
Price Range: Main Dish ₪60-₪90, Dessert ₪40-₪50
Go for Business Lunch!
One way to save money is to have a big lunch in Israel! On Sundays to Thursdays (not Friday!!!), you can find business lunch in some restaurants. You can expect a good deal, perhaps 30% less than the usual price.
I tried business lunch at Kukiza in Tel Aviv, it was very good! 2-course meal with a drink From 49NIS ($18)!
Menu Samples
If you are curious about prices, you can take a look at these samples! In general, Jerusalem is the most expensive place in Israel!
