Safed Restaurants
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| − | During the ‘50s and ‘60s, [[Safed]] was known as the Bohemian capitol of Israel. People would come to Tzfat from throughout Israel to enjoy Friday nights at local nightclubs and to stroll around the Artists Quarter. There were few kosher eateries in Tzfat during those days. Today, with the proliferation of observant residents and tourists who prefer to eat at kosher eateries, there is a wide variety of restaurants in the city from which to choose. | + | During the ‘50s and ‘60s, [[Safed]] was known as the Bohemian capitol of Israel. People would come to Tzfat from throughout Israel to enjoy Friday nights at local nightclubs and to stroll around the [[Artists-Quarter-Safed|Artists Quarter]]. There were few kosher eateries in Tzfat during those days. Today, with the proliferation of observant residents and tourists who prefer to eat at kosher eateries, there is a wide variety of restaurants in the city from which to choose. |
== Kashruth == | == Kashruth == | ||
Revision as of 20:32, 20 March 2012
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| מסעדות בצפת | |
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| Eateries in Tzfat | |
| Description: | |
| Range of Tzfat venues for kosher dining. |
During the ‘50s and ‘60s, Safed was known as the Bohemian capitol of Israel. People would come to Tzfat from throughout Israel to enjoy Friday nights at local nightclubs and to stroll around the Artists Quarter. There were few kosher eateries in Tzfat during those days. Today, with the proliferation of observant residents and tourists who prefer to eat at kosher eateries, there is a wide variety of restaurants in the city from which to choose.
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Kashruth
Organizations which grant kashruth certification will not provide this certification to establishments which serve both milk and meat meals since mixing meat and milk is forbidden according to the Jewish laws of kashruth. In addition, in order to receive a certificate of kashruth, eateries must remain closed on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. All restaurants in Tzfat are kosher. Each eatery serves either milk-based dishes or meat-based dishes or, in the case of falaffel stands, “parve” -- no milk and no meat. There are no restaurants open to the public on Shabbat though visitors can order meals at the Ron and Rimonim Hotel in advance and arrive at the hotel to eat on Shabbat.
Certifications
The Tzfat Rabbinute is the officiating body for most Tzfat eateries and is considered a reliable kashruth-supervising authority by most religious Jews. In addition, some restaurants have a special “mehadrin” certification, indicating that their level of supervision is believed to be on a higher level. A few Tzfat eateries carry the supervision of the Jerusalem-based “Badatz Yerushalyim” or “Eda Haredit.”
Restaurant Options
As the population has grown and tourism has expanded, the number of eateries in Tzfat has grown. There are elegant restaurants, simple venues which serves either milk or meat dishes and quick-food spots with falaffel, schwarma, pizza and schnitzl sandwiches.
M Bagel
The M Bagel shop on Jerusalem Street offers real New York-style bagels with a variety of spreads and salads. Customers can buy a plain bagel to go or select from amongst the wide variety of toppings which include cream cheese, lox, tuna salad and other options. The shop also offers hot drinks and, in the summer, ice drinks. Prices are moderate.
Schnitzelria
The “Schnitzelria” chain, which now has branches throughout Israel, originated in Tzfat. The Snitzelria serves small bite-size snitzel pieces which are prepared with a variety of different tastes such as Chinese, Italian, French and Greek. They are laid out in a fresh baguette with hummos, the customer’s choice of vegetables and a choice of sauces. The Tzfat Schnitzelria is located under the bridge on Jerusalem Street.
Lachuch
Lachuch is a Yemenite dish which is often called a “pizza.” The lachuch of Tzfat operates on Alkabetz Street in Tzfat’s Old City Safed Old Jewish Quarter, just below the Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue. The dish is made as a pancake, using a yeast-based whole wheat flour dough which is lightly fried in olive oil with a scattering of vegetables, herbs, spices and a grating of authentic Tzfat Cheese. Lucky visitors can hear the stand’s owner, Ronen, deliver Words of Wisdom on which he sometimes discourses as he prepares the lachuch.
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a small vegetarian/health food restaurant which is located in the Old City’s central square, Kikar HaMeginim. The restaurant serves soups and filling dishes which are based on cheeses, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Isadora Cafe
Locals and tourists sit together in the courtyard of the Isadora Cafe which is located in the Artists Quarter next to the Khan of the White Donkey. The cafe serves a variety of hot and cold drinks along with sandwiches and other vegetarian fare. The shaded courtyard is a favorite spot for people who come to enjoy the Khan’s evening concerts and other activities.
HaAri 8
HaAri 8 is located on HaAri Street, on the first floor of the Carmel Hotel near the Ascent Institute of Safed. The restaurant offers an extensive meat menu along with home-baked breads, Israeli salads, soups and house-sandwiches. The restaurant serves wines, beers and select alcoholic drinks.