Top 7 Culinary Stops to Enhance Your Drive to Eilat and Back
Traveling to Eilat is a quintessential Israeli experience often marked by cramped cars, worn playlists, and the inevitable "Are we there yet?" from the backseat. For families especially, stopping along the way is no longer just a technical necessity but a key factor in ensuring a pleasant journey. Instead of settling for dull gas station snacks, travelers can enjoy a variety of culinary options in southern Israel that turn the trip into a flavorful adventure.
One recommended stop is Shmura 215, located near the entrance to the Pura Nature Reserve along Highway 6 South. Owned by former grape farmer Beni Gal, this roadside inn offers spiced coffee brewed in a traditional finjan, homemade cookies, and hearty sandwiches filled with shakshuka, omelets, or schnitzel. It provides a rustic, family-friendly atmosphere with scenic views.
Si Café at the Dvira junction between Beit Kama and Lahavim is part of a national chain known for upgraded rest stops with full kitchens and Italian coffee. Their menu includes baked goods, shakshuka, pasta, vegan dishes, and a special kids’ menu. Travelers can even pre-order pizzas for pickup to save time.
In Beersheba’s new Big complex, Jessica restaurant offers fresh, diverse dishes including vegan and children’s options, served in a modern space. It also features business lunch menus and cocktails for those not driving.
Further along, Kornmel Farm in the Negev desert is famed for its traditional goat cheeses and offers cheese platters, sandwiches, salads, and crispy goat cheese knafeh. Visitors can watch the milking process if arriving early and shop for local products.
At the northern Dead Sea’s Kalia Beach, Solti is a pop-up Greek-Mediterranean restaurant operating on weekends and holidays, serving tzatziki, moussaka, souvlaki, and more, all with breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and Moab mountains. Special events include live DJ performances.
About 45 minutes before Eilat, Neot Smadar is an organic community with a vegetarian restaurant and farm shop. It offers fresh breakfasts, salads, and fruit juices, plus a large garden and pond for children to play. Visitors can also tour the unique arts center and organic winery.
Finally, Yotvata Inn at the southern Arava junction is a must-stop culinary hub featuring a hot food bar with meat dishes, a dairy section with fresh baked goods and sandwiches, and a famous ice cream parlor boasting over 100 flavors. The site also includes a souvenir shop and an adventure playground for kids to burn off energy.
These seven stops provide a range of tasty, refreshing, and family-friendly options that can transform the long drive to Eilat into an enjoyable part of the vacation itself.
