Israeli Restaurants Boost Early Evening Aperitivo Menus to Combat Cost of Living

Israeli restaurants have seen a significant rise in early evening aperitivo menus, which have become a popular solution to the country’s high cost of living. According to data from the "Ontopo" website, there has been a 50 percent increase in restaurants offering aperitivo menus this year, alongside a 20 percent rise in early evening reservations. Traditionally slow hours between 5 and 7 p.m. are now bustling, especially with younger crowds seeking lighter, affordable dining options after work.

The aperitivo concept, originating from Italy centuries ago as a light meal with alcoholic drinks to stimulate appetite before dinner, has been adapted in Israel to fit local tastes and economic realities. This trend has largely replaced the previously popular American-style happy hour. Restaurateurs report that nearly every restaurant now offers some form of aperitivo menu.

A notable example is the upscale Tel Aviv restaurant "Treisar," which typically requires a substantial budget for a full meal but now offers a special aperitivo deal of four bite-sized dishes for just 44 shekels. Owner and chef Aner Ben Rafael Forman explained that while these deals may not be highly profitable individually, they attract new customers and increase overall traffic during previously quiet hours. The strategy encourages patrons to order additional items like wine or main courses, making it worthwhile in the long run.

The aperitivo trend is not limited to Mediterranean cuisine. The Thai restaurant "Molam" offers five dishes for 440 baht (about 39 shekels), with portions larger than typical aperitivo bites. Outside Tel Aviv, the concept is also growing, with places like "Silo" in Holon offering a two-hour aperitivo buffet with unlimited refills, emphasizing value for money to attract customers.

Industry insiders expect this trend to continue expanding across Israel, providing a smart way for restaurants to fill empty seats and for diners to enjoy quality food and atmosphere without overspending. The aperitivo menus have become a culinary lifeline amid economic challenges, blending affordability with a premium dining experience.