In the heart of Old Jaffa, between the Zodiac Alley and the Flea Market, you will find one of the city’s most enchanting venues: Beit Kandinof. This is more than another restaurant. Set inside a historic stone building with high ceilings and thick walls, the space feels frozen in time and hosts rotating exhibitions by Israeli artists.
The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed, with soft music, natural light filtering through the arches during the day and a smiling team that welcomes guests as though inviting them into their home. There are private rooms for events, a spacious central dining area and a pleasant bar for enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine.
The menu changes with the seasons and is based on local produce, including vegetables from nearby markets, fresh sea fish and bread baked on site. Breakfast and brunch are especially popular with regulars, featuring five exciting small starters, fish shawarma on soft crème fraîche, eggs Benedict on brioche and panna cotta with quince and spices, which some diners describe as a heavenly experience.
At lunch and dinner, the menu expands to include fish, seafood and meat dishes such as seared octopus, seafood bisque and linguine with short rib. The cooking is precise, with delicate and creative touches. Desserts remain classic, with a rich Basque cheesecake and dark chocolate mousse, while the wine selection is carefully chosen.
There is a clear effort to provide warm, professional and personal service, with close attention to the small details.
Standards are high. The prices are not cheap, but they are far from the city’s most expensive. Sharing dishes is recommended, both to sample more of the menu and to make the meal more affordable. Afterward, you can finish the experience with a walk through the stone alleys, the Flea Market and along the sea.
