5 Best Restaurants in Lower Galilee, Israel

In a magnificent 19th-century mansion with a Thousand and One Nights atmosphere, this eatery matches its magical setting with excellent Arab cuisine, including interesting salads and kebabs, as well as dishes with Indian and European influences. Pesto and grilled vegetables stuffed in a chicken breast is a good choice, as are the vegetarian dishes. Don't pass up dessert.

Ranked among the region's best Arab restaurants, Diana doesn't fail to impress. Owner Duhul Safadi is most famous for his kebabs and lamb chops, but the fish and seafood dishes are all equally wonderful. The plant-filled terrace and sophisticated dining room would not be out of place in Tel Aviv.

At lunchtime this popular establishment on the eastern shore bustles with tour groups, but it's a fine dinner option, too. Famous for St. Peter's fish, it has added sea bream, trout, and gray mullet to the menu, as well as entrées such as quiche, pizza, pasta, and salads. In fine weather, sit on the large outdoor terrace, and take in the view across the lake to Tiberias. Watch for the signs for "Kibbutz Inn Ein Gev."

Try the unbeatable Arab pastries at this bakeshop. The place serves wonderful bourma (cylindrical pastries filled with whole pistachio nuts), cashew baklava, and great halvah. Don't confuse this spot with Mahroum Bakery: look for the Arab pastries, not gooey Western cakes.

The tile floors, stone walls, and dim lighting at this restaurant and bar named after a month on the Muslim calendar are the perfect setting for the Middle Eastern menu. Known for the wood-burning oven from which fresh breads emerge, this restaurant is big on kebabs and eggplant stuffed with pesto and cheese. Alcohol is served, too.