You can always tell when Israel’s Independence Day has arrived because the streets and parks attract even more people than usual. Families go all-out for the feast, cooking and devouring meat of every kind along with a variety of salads and pitas to match. Here’s a round-up of the ultimate places to get the best selection of specialty foods that are a cut above the rest.
1. Hook
From the crew behind Truck De Luxe, the city’s most decked out American barbecue spot, Hook has been a place to order the best meaty goods for a long time. Finally, they have opened a pop-up on Dizengoff Street so you can get ready for your feast with spare ribs, burgers, boutique sausages, and bacon. (They have regular bacon and lamb bacon.) Hook yourself up here with some prime meats.
113 Dizengoff St, closed on April 18
2. Sarona
Sarona, the pristine indoor market known for its huge selection is opening a pop-up, called Barbecue Market, specially for the holidays. It will be open the whole week (April 15th-19th). From bread spots and meat spots to stores stocking countless accessories for the big barbecue, this is the place to be. On Yom Ha'atzmaut, a one-day pop-up called Shipoodeez will take over Sarona. There will be music and festivities, and you can pick up meat and other pre-prepared food on skewers and also get your salads and wine to join the party. Lots of vegetarian skewers are available – even fruit!
Sarona Market, 3 Kalman Magen St
3. Havat Zuk
Hidden away in Ramat Aviv is Havat Zuk, one of the best local places to eat farm-to-table. They also have a delicatessen offering the best selection of meats around, from Wagyu beef and organic chicken to a plethora of vegetables straight from Zuk Farm, as well as condiments, wine and snacks. In addition, they have homemade sausages and will deliver directly to your house. True farm-to-table culture reigns here, along with explanations and guidance that can’t be found anywhere else.
5 Moshe Perlok St, Ramat Aviv
4. Meatmarket
It used to be that to get good meat at the Carmel Market; you needed to navigate through the alleys to find the tastiest choice. But then Meatmarket stepped in and upped the carnivore game. Chef Yaron Kestenbaum, along with lawyer and butcher Yaniv-Bar Nur, shook up the shuk three years ago when they opened, a clean and modern boutique butcher in the middle of the Carmel Market. When you’re done, stop into the little vegetable stall across the way for plantains, yucca, and other hard-to-find vegetables in the city, or stop in to M25, the no-frills restaurant (by the same owners) 25 meters away for a full-on meat feast.
Bottom of Carmel Market
5. Delicious
Be ready to let yourself go on a nostalgic trip to America as this shop carries all the amazing American treats that you have been dreaming of. From Ritz crackers to Life cereal and rice crispy squares, it’s all here. But this nostalgic spot behind Shuk Tzafon is known for its meat and its generations of expertise. From smoking meats to curing them and showcasing prime rib and other goodies, locals will tell you this place is well worth a visit.
18 Raoul Wallenberg St, Ramat Hachayal
Now grab that meat, crack out the coal, and head over to one of these perfectly patriotic picnic spots.