6 Best Restaurants in Haifa and the Northern Coast, Israel

Justly known far and wide for its excellent seafood, this Akko institution is near the lighthouse in an old Turkish building, where one room is furnished with sofas, copper dishes, and nargillas (water pipes). Everything on the menu is seasonal, and the fresh fish is steamed, baked, or grilled; delicious seafood soup is another fixture. Gravlax and Thai-style fish are also specialties, or try the baby calamari with kumquats and pink grapefruit or the Creole shrimp with five spices. Allow time to linger here—it's not your everyday fish fry. 

A Greek family business that's been passed from father to son since 1948, this popular waterfront seafood restaurant stands at one of the original 18th-century gates built by Pasha Ahmed el-Jazzar when he fortified the city after defeating Napoléon. Enjoy earthy hummus with pine nuts or eggplant salad spiced with sumac, as well as fish, shellfish, and grilled meats or beef Stroganoff. Here, the daily catch—often grouper, red snapper, or sea bass—is prepared simply, either grilled or deep-fried.

Sitting by the old port of Caesarea in Caesarea National Park, and with ample seating overlooking the bay, this cavernous restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood, caught right from the water below, though it also serves juicy steaks and kebabs. An excellent starter is the salad of grilled eggplant, hummus, and fried cauliflower. Crunchy pita rounds toasted with olive oil and local spices are served alongside. House specialties include baked red snapper topped with chopped vegetables and black mussels sautéed in garlic, butter, and wine. Still hungry? Creamy cheesecake or warm apple pie with ice cream will do the trick. This place is a favorite with tour groups.

Over the shabby doorway, a crooked sign announces that the fish is "fresh every day." That's all you need to know about this bare-bones, old-time favorite seafood restaurant. Take a seat at one of the 16 tables, each covered with rough white paper, and be treated to lots of what Israelis call salatim, or little dishes of roasted eggplant, fish roe, and homemade hummus. There's no menu in English, and no need for one, as only three dishes are offered: shrimp, calamari, and deep-fried fish. There's no dessert, just jangling-strong espresso.

If ever there was a beloved eating place in Haifa, Jacko's is it. Give the name to your taxi driver; they'll nod approvingly, gun the motor, and drop you at a nondescript building with a Hebrew sign. Since 1976, this family-run restaurant founded by a Turkish fisherman has been serving delicious seafood in a rowdy, informal setting with shared tables. The specialties at this lunch spot are fish and seafood sautéed in butter, white wine, and garlic. There are piles of soft-shell crab, mussels, and calamari served with a variety of sauces, large shrimp grilled in their shells, and Mediterranean lobster (in summer). Ask for the catch of the day. For dessert try the Turkish cookies.

At this tiny, kosher, seaside haven for fish lovers you can enjoy fresh and tasty fare indoors or on the terrace overlooking Netanya's famous promenade. The kitchen serves a wide range of excellent fish dishes, such as tilapia, cod, and gray mullet, grilled, baked, or sautéed. Entrées come with salad or roasted potatoes.