An insider's guide to the best restaurants in Haifa

Opposite the city's sports arena, Vivino is a complex that includes an Italian restaurant, a deli and an events venue. The menu is a combination of Italian classics and contemporary Italian dishes.  On the menu, you’ll find pizza, pasta, focaccia, risotto, Italian-style meat dishes, seafood dishes and artisan Italian ice cream made in house. They have a large range of vegan and vegetarian choices and gluten-free items as well.  

The cocktail menu is elaborate and diverse and the people are carefree and friendly. With both in play, Tzafririm has masterfully created the perfect formula for making new encounters a simple task to complete. Located on the Moriah-Carmel axis, Tzafririm is constantly teeming with people dancing the night away to pop and hip-hop sets.

Located in the developing entertainment district in Haifa’s lower city tier, Hanamal 24 has one goal in mind: to produce a perfect fine dining culinary experience. The restaurant combines gourmet food, rural Italian design and an ambience of abundance drawing inspiration from Tuscan piazzas. Not only is chef Guy Avital producing iconic Italian specialties like lamb ragout tortellini and rosemary gnocchi, he’s brought in French classics like cream of onion soup and Coquilles St. Jacques to round out his menu. With a list of Europe’s finest wines to top it all off, let yourself sink into this European melting pot.  

Rola continues to surprise with its authentic Arab cuisine, a juxtaposition of spices and flavors that compliment each other, and the hummus, bound to please the most experienced of gastronomes. The richness of flavors here will woo you while the attention to detail and creativity in every bite make this place a favorite among locals and visitors alike.  

Chang Ba is a cozy Thai street food restaurant founded by Eitan Lipschitz and Lior Golan, along with the founders of the excellent Bella in Beit She'arim. Here you’ll find street food with prices suited for every pocket and fresh seasonal flavors that always surprise. Try the Som Tam (green papaya) salad and the green curry in coconut milk with broccoli, eggplant and basil.

Venya Bistro is a high-end restaurant located in the port of Haifa, sandwiched between the water and the hustle and bustle of the city. Venya opens at 17:00 during the week, making it the perfect place for a (very) late lunch, or an early to late dinner. On the weekend, you can stroll in for a relaxing meal at noon. Venya incorporates food influenced from all around the world and different cultures. These range from the south of France to Palestinian cuisine. Venya prides itself on fresh ingredients that are locally sourced from around the country, as well as local Israeli wine to be savored. The restaurant is a mere five-minute walk from the central bus station, meaning it is a must when you decide to take a day trip to Haifa.

Styled after an authentic beer cellar, Libira Brewpub has a warm and intimate atmosphere that’s contagious. The home pub of Libira's microbrewery eats, sleeps, and breathes beer. Its focal point is a sparkling tap hosting six freshly brewed, rich-bodied drafts straight from the keg. You can taste the hard labor in every pint as the brewers use traditional methods that steer clear of pasteurization and filtering. The pub offers a diverse selection from Bavarian wheats and German lagers to porters and bitters. Can’t decide what to drink? Get the beer sampler and try them all. Libira also offers pub fare to accompany your beer.   

There’s nothing better than sitting at a café that overlooks the ocean and provides front row seating to the best view of the Baha’i Gardens. Café Strudel, located in Haifa’s quaint German Colony, offers customers a rich and varied menu: breakfast, lunch, meat specialties and some a selection of fresh fish. Save room for dessert, because Strudel holds true to its name—baking up delectable post-meal treats and a hot and cold beverage menu for the Templar ages.  

With a literal translation of “beer fountain,” Ma’ayan Habira located in downtown Haifa is a nightlife-crawler’s oasis. Expect it to be busy, and jump inside with the lively crowd that’s certain to keep you satisfied. Tuesday nights are great times to visit, when live bluegrass bands frequent the venue and entertain for hours on end.