2 Best Restaurants in Beersheva, Eilat and the Negev

This whimsically decorated café in the Old City is a breath of fresh air in every respect. Eclectic, funky decor with wooden tables and splashes of color are the backdrop for the tasty dishes served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's a smashing Israeli breakfast for two featuring house-made bread, smoked salmon, and fresh-squeezed juices. Lunch is equally fetching, with a delicious haloumi (a firm Greek cheese) salad as a star choice. At night the vibe changes, and the small bar mixes up basic cocktails with flair to go with tapas-style dishes like bruschetta with juicy, thinly sliced steak and preserved lemon. Try one of the thick shakes, like an indulgent combination of dates, candied pecans, and coconut milk. There are nice choices for vegan diners as well, and you can hear live music Monday and Tuesday evenings.

If you need a break from traditional Middle Eastern food, head to Grandpa Gepetto, tucked into an alleyway off a small shopping mall. The dark, cavelike room features gourmet sandwiches served on fresh focaccia bread, with fillings ranging from stir-fried goose breast to chicken breast with pesto. All of them have whimsical names like Mad Cow and Chicken Little. The restaurant offers English-language menus and an excellent beer selection. For an after-dinner drink, ask the hostess about Bar Basaba (Grandpa's Bar). She'll take you around the corner, unlock an unmarked door, and lead you into the coolest bar in Beersheva, hidden in the courtyard between office buildings. There you'll find local Negev beers on tap and, for the homesick, select American beers in bottles.