3 Best Restaurants in Eilat and the Negev, Israel

This whimsically decorated café in the Old City is a breath of fresh air in every respect. Eclectic, funky decor with wooden tables and splashes of color are the backdrop for the tasty dishes served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's a smashing Israeli breakfast for two featuring house-made bread, smoked salmon, and fresh-squeezed juices. Lunch is equally fetching, with a delicious haloumi (a firm Greek cheese) salad as a star choice. At night the vibe changes, and the small bar mixes up basic cocktails with flair to go with tapas-style dishes like bruschetta with juicy, thinly sliced steak and preserved lemon. Try one of the thick shakes, like an indulgent combination of dates, candied pecans, and coconut milk. There are nice choices for vegan diners as well, and you can hear live music Monday and Tuesday evenings.

One of the best tapas bars in Eilat has a relaxing atmosphere, thanks to leather-backed booths and tastefully subdued lighting. The bar, quite lively on weekends, offers some of the most accomplished bartenders in the city. As for the tapas, you can't go wrong with the goose liver and pears on brioche. You can also choose between your favorite cuts of meat, or opt for the locally raised lamb ribs or the foie gras marinated in a red wine sauce.

At this authentic Italian restaurant, the flavors of Tuscany star on a menu offering fish, meat, seafood, and handmade pasta. The casual dining room and outdoor patio fill up fast, so it's best to call ahead for a table. Try the Trio (entrecôte, beef fillet, and goose liver in red wine sauce) or the spaghetti de mer with shrimp, calamari, and mussels in olive oil and white wine seasoned with sweet chili and herbs.