EL AL | Atmosphere

to discover the world of Haifa’s designers and creatives, painters, ceramicists, jewelers, and sculptors (haifacitymakers.com). Also, Wizner’s blog is a great source of information on the city’s cultural events and happenings (hey-fa-it.com). Foodie heaven Aside from its wonderful food markets, Haifa is home to one of Israel’s most delectable culinary scenes, with much-beloved decades-old restaurants, and new eateries and food bars mushrooming everywhere across the city. The range of options is dizzying, from gourmet restaurants to street food stalls – there’s something for everyone in this food lover’s paradise. Here are four recommendations well worth a try. Del Mar Probably the restaurant with the prettiest view, Del Mar is located in a century-old building on Yefe Nof street, from where the entire bay of Haifa is visible. Helmed by Chef Ido Melchin, the menu of this fish and seafood restaurant is as diverse as it is plethoric, and service is impeccable. Diners can enjoy such dishes as fish tartar, saffron bouillabaisse, calamari stuffed with labneh and goat’s cheese, grilled seabass with freekeh, pasta dishes, meat dishes, and more. Make sure you leave a spot for dessert – you won’t regret it! ( Del Mar). Knock Out Owner Igor Gorotzki fell in love with the smash burger on a trip to the States and decided he would bring it back with him to Haifa. Gorotzki’s new eatery is an ode to the American burger, as top-notch beef patties sandwiched between soft burger buns, are served with or without cheese, and a zillion other toppings. The fries, shipped over from Belgium, are totally superior, as are the crispy chicken sliders.

Knock Out I Photo: Asaf Karla Sketch I Photo: Micha Brikman

Del Mar I Photo: Anatoli Michaelo Mangal I Photo: Anatoli Michaelo Photo: Aya Ben Ezri

Where to stay Haifa has many accommodation options, including well-known hotels such as the Colony, the Schumacher, Dan Panorama, Leonardo Plaza, Villa Carmel etc., aside smaller boutique hotels and B&Bs. This past November, the Fattal hotel chain launched a new spot in the city’s German Colony neighborhood called Hotel Botanica. It offers 164 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, has a lobby and bar, a café, restaurant, VIP lounge, gym, pool with a view on the Bahai Gardens, a conference room, a rooftop bar, and a mini mall area (fattal.co.il). ■

Deserts are American and very decadent, and include giant s’mores cookies and milkshakes. Beverages include Dr Pepper and AriZona tea. ( Knockout Smashop; knockout_ smashop). Mangal This new kosher street food eatery has a top location and even better prices. Here, barbecued meats, fish, and grilled vegetables are served in pitta and laffa bread to hungry revelers until the small hours. The portobello mushroom pitta and cauliflower laffa are two Sketch Located beside Haifa’s Sammy Ofer stadium, this café serves homemade gelato in a décor that’s entirely in black and white. Everything here is in monochrome, from the tables and chairs to the ceiling and walls. The menu includes pizzas, pasta dishes, etc. Opening hours may vary according to match schedules ( sketch_haifa). great vegan options. (mangal-bbq.co.il).

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ATMOSPHERE DECEMBER 2022