Traveling in Israel? Then you need to know about these pit-stop diners
From an upscale pizzeria in the distant north to an Italian restaurant in Kibbutz Sarid and a designer sushi bar in Caesarea, and from an ornate café in Emek Hefer to a seafood restaurant in Sderot: we've traveled the country to find some of the best eateries around, all with one thing in common – they're located at gas stations.
Gas stations have had something of a facelift in recent years, becoming oases that house everything a driver's heart could desire. Many of them have also added restaurants to their premises, which serve high-quality food. So don't be surprised if on your next pit-stop you come across chef's platters, seafood, Asian salad and fancy steaks.
To get you started, here are a few of the roadside eateries most worth visiting across Israel.
Nero Express
This pizzeria is owned by Nir, who along with his wife Na'ama turned their culinary hobby into a business that is known throughout the Galilee region for its home-made pizzas prepared in-house using high quality dough.
Aside from the classic pizzas that everyone knows, a supplement of NIS 12 can get you special additions such as spicy tomato sauce, tomato sauce with cream, grilled cream, halloumi cheese, blue cheese and Sainte Maure cheese.
You can even order pizza made from pesto flour for an extra NIS 5 per tray.
Why should you go?
Because where else would you find a pizzeria in a gas station that prepares Italian pizza with 100 percent mozzarella, as well as sauce and dough prepared on the premises?
Kosher? Yes
Address: Maayan Baruch Junction, Gan Hatsafon (Dor Alon gas station on Route 99), Tel: 1700-555103
Lala Café
An Italian meat restaurant for all the family, where you can enjoy rolls baked on the premises (NIS 13), salads, sandwiches, pasta options such as gnocchi with Roquefort cheese (NIS 57), creative pizzas such as the mushroom and truffle oil option (NIS 52) and a range of meat dishes.
Why should you go?
Because you won't find another place with a pastoral view, artistic flooring and a huge menu like Lala has.
Kosher? No
Address: Kfar Baruch Junction, Kibbutz Sarid, Tel: 04-644 4030
Minato
A designer sushi bar where you can watch the dishes being prepared.
Why should you go?
Because of the huge choice (60 options in total) of sushi, sashimi, nigiri and other Japanese delicacies, and because of the massive choice of sushi combo options on offer (NIS 61 – 135).
Kosher? Yes
Address: Hamenofim 8, Caesarea, Tel: 04-636 0812
Ella Patisserie
A café that serves a breakfast-brunch which includes ornate salads, antipasti, home-made granola, focaccia baked in a stone oven, whole-flour rolls, omelet, freshly squeezed juice and coffee.
In addition, there is also a selection of pastries, cakes and patisserie deserts that can be bought and taken home, along with an evening menu of healthy meals.
Why should you go?
Because traveling one minute from Route 4 will take you to a boutique café with beautiful cutlery and the atmosphere of a local patisserie.
Kosher? Yes – dairy
Address: Nahal Alexander 5 (Park Taasiyot Emek Hefer), Sonol gas station, Tel: 04-654 6155
SINS Grill and Seafood
A small and homely grill and seafood restaurant with two brave owners. It's the perfect place to eat breakfast and brunch, and offers first courses, salads, grills, meat dishes. But the highlight of the restaurant's offerings is its mixed seafood platter.
Why should you go?
Because you won't find a sheep ribs dish at NIS 71 anywhere else, nor a hamburger for NIS 30 and a filet steak for NIS 91
Kosher? No
Address: Ashkelon junction (Paz gas station), Tel: 08-675 7027 (24/7)
Just Hummus
Here you can enjoy a special "sabich" hummus dish, which includes hummus, of course, along with a hard-boiled egg, aubergine, amba and a little chili, all covered in velvety tehina. On the side you get a diced vegetable salad, pitas and pickles. It's a scarily big dish on first viewing and yet no one will leave a single bite behind.
Why should you go?
Because the locals believe that Just Hummus's sabich dish is addictive, and because above the chef's worktop there is a giant mirror which lets you watch him prepare all the food.
Kosher? Yes
Address: Arba Street (Paz gas station), Katzrin, Tel: 04-655 9606
