Israel’s 11th Restaurant Conference Highlights Culinary Shift to Periphery and Rising Demand for Kosher Food

The 11th Israeli Restaurant Conference took place on July 2, 2026, at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv, marking a pivotal year for the culinary sector amid war impacts and major business exits. The event gathered hundreds of industry professionals including leading chefs such as Haim Cohen, Eyal Shani, and Raz Shabtai, alongside business executives like Asaf Fattal and Adi Englander. The conference was organized by Ilan Yaron, CEO of SE, and Tomer Mor, CEO of "Strong Restaurateurs Together."

A central theme was the saturation of Tel Aviv’s culinary market and the growing opportunities in Israel’s periphery. Haim Galis, CEO of Big Group, emphasized the success in transforming Sarona Market and noted the challenges of working with restaurateurs compared to fashion brands. He forecasted increased profitability for ventures outside the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, highlighting a lack of professional food service operators between Herzliya and Rishon Lezion. Lawyer Amit Gross supported this outlook, predicting rising demand for restaurants in peripheral regions.

The conference also addressed the sensitive topic of kosher certification and operating businesses on Shabbat, particularly in Big Group’s commercial centers. Galis defended pluralism and freedom of choice, stating, "As long as I am an Israeli resident, I will fight for freedom of choice," amid applause.

Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2025, there has been a notable return to tradition and increased demand for kosher food, according to Ahava Turgeman, CEO and owner of BBB. She hinted at an upcoming acquisition. Adi Englander expressed anticipation and pressure ahead of Kiso Hospitality Group’s planned stock market listing.

The conference also honored industry achievements: Haim Cohen was named Chef of the Year 2026, "Moshbuz" restaurant from the Golan Heights won Restaurant of the Year, Raz Shabtai received Michelin Chef of the Year for his kosher Miami restaurant "Mottra," and food blogger Nadav Bornstein was recognized as Food Blogger of the Year. Rising star Shiraz Tsoklo was named Discovery of the Year. Tomer Mor concluded by outlining the sector’s focus on technological innovation, labor shortages, and strengthening community cooperation as key to the industry’s future.