Israeli Food Scene Highlights Pink Chocolate Shawarma, Cube-Shaped Croissants, and Red Tuna Specials

This week in Israel's culinary scene features inventive food trends including pink chocolate shawarma and cube-shaped croissants with pistachio, chocolate, and raspberry fillings, priced at 17 shekels each, launched by the Metuka chain celebrating 30 years. In Tel Aviv, the COOKIE GIRL pop-up by pastry chef Adi Barak offers unique treats like chocolate chip cookies with pink chocolate shawarma shavings and a Dubai chocolate cube costing 180 shekels, operating Wednesdays to Fridays.

Lucky Chicken's branch in Kfar Yona has become kosher, making its popular crispy chicken accessible to kosher-observant residents of northern Sharon. Meanwhile, the Kerem wine bar in Jerusalem, under chef consultant Rafi Cohen, has introduced a summer menu featuring dishes like tempura zucchini with Greek yogurt, tuna sashimi, and grilled fish, with prices ranging from 14 to 86 shekels.

Ototo restaurants in Rehovot and Gedera are celebrating red tuna month throughout July with special dishes such as Nakaochi (tuna eaten directly from the fish's spine with a spoon), Toro yakitori, and a Bluefin collection including chutoro sashimi and akami nigiri. On July 21, Nonno in Herzliya will host a keto-themed dinner by chef Omer Miller, featuring dishes like keto buns with shredded meat and eye egg, beef tartare with bone marrow, and a keto tiramisu.

S.Pellegrino's Chef’s Table project in Tel Aviv will revive iconic Israeli restaurants for one-night events from July 26 to 28, including Chef Tsahi Bukshester’s Pink Trowel, Rafi Cohen’s Rafael dishes, and Erez Komarovsky’s restaurant, with meals priced at 490 shekels per guest. Additionally, the veteran Danish Bar in Tel Aviv celebrates its 11th anniversary with comfort food and special events from July 19 to 25.

Jerusalem’s 02 restaurant is running its annual "Days of Fish" menu from July 14 to 23, featuring red tuna tartare, crispy fish, and grilled sea bass. The Sharon region will host several free culinary festivals this summer, including World Cup finals viewing, art and culinary events for children, mini chef workshops, and a Candy Land festival with edible art from July through early August.