5 Best Restaurants in Upper Galilee and the Golan, Israel

For a delicious dessert, stop by Abu Zaid on Majdal Shams' main street, which sells a type of orange-hued pastry called knafeh. Similar to baklava, it has delicious layers of gooey goat cheese covered in a flaky crust and peppered with pistachios. Ask for a slice from the large tray—one serving could be easily enjoyed by two. The to-go delicacy loses its charm when it cools down, so eat it while it's warm.

Fresh-baked sourdough breads, oil- and preservative-free pastries, and healthy whole wheat challah are the cornerstone of this bakery in the rural heart of the Galilee. Grab a seat on Friday morning in the backyard outdoor garden with the locals to taste stone-oven-baked Turkish-style cheese burekas, artichoke carpaccio with olives and sun-dried tomatoes, or a light dish of homemade granola and locally produced yogurt.

A few minutes' walk along the trail leading to the Banias Waterfall is the ancient flour mill and a stall where Druze villagers make their traditional pita bread (bigger and flatter than the commercial version). It's not only baked on the premises but also milled here. Pull up a rock, and for a few shekels you'll be served a large rolled-up pita with labaneh (yogurt cheese) and Turkish coffee.

This popular Old City eatery's upstairs dining room has benches and tables inlaid with Middle Eastern designs, walls painted the soft shade of blue found inside local synagogues, and colorful carpets from all over the region. The strikingly dressed owner and chef, Ronen Jarufi, makes each meal to order. Choose from a variety of Yemenite breads—lachuch, malawa, or jachnun are all good picks—and he'll top it with homemade cheese and his own hot sauce. The place also stocks evocative Jewish music and books on Kabbalah.

Professional photographer turned baker Adi Peretz shares his passion for doughs by churning out daily batches of savory breads, sweet brioches, and classics like iced carrot cake with walnuts and raisins. Pack your coffee and breads to go or eat a delicious egg-filled croissant sandwich before heading to one of the neighboring wineries.