Culinary Journey Up North: Exploring Basta Restaurant in Nof HaGalil

Who doesn't love taking a trip up north? The springs, the hiking trails, and the unique landscapes in every single region. But I personally have a special fondness for the post-hike restaurant—the place you arrive at, sit down opposite the table, and immediately think about ordering the entire menu. Precisely because of this feeling, I decided to recommend a different restaurant across the country every week.

A New Culinary Direction in Nof HaGalil

We kick off the column with the Basta restaurant in the industrial zone of Nof HaGalil. The venue, which formerly operated on a pita-and-skewers concept, recently transformed into a meat restaurant featuring premium bone-in cuts, smoked meats, and even special culinary events. This transformation is spearheaded by a new chef, Joseph Mansour from Nazareth, an alumnus of the Keshet 12 cooking reality show "MKR Israel" (The Winning Kitchen).

Chef Mansour, who leads the refined culinary line, has crafted a menu based on high-quality meats, open-grill roasting, whole cuts, and smoked specialties. Among the highly recommended cuts are the Black Angus entrecote, beef fillet, and the crown jewel: a melt-in-your-mouth lamb saddle. Alongside the open grill, Mansour introduced a unique smoking apparatus whose enticing aromas are impossible to miss.

Smoked Delicacies and Handcrafted Focaccia

The smoker is located right outside the restaurant, slow-roasting cuts of asado and brisket for hours. The handmade pita that previously defined the venue's identity has been replaced by handmade focaccia baked in an Italian stone oven, which also serves as the base for the restaurant's signature smoked meat sandwiches.

The stuffed kibbeh served on a bed of tzatziki is nothing short of perfection, not only due to its exceptional flavor but also because of the meticulous and unique presentation style.

Must-Try Dishes on the Menu

Several standout dishes are absolute musts for anyone visiting the venue:

• Burrata Basta Salad: A refreshing and rich starter combining Italian cheese with fresh local ingredients.

• Pauper's Cut (Shaytel) Basta: Served over a bed of fried potatoes, this tender dish allows the rich meat juices to drip onto the spuds, making them exceptionally crispy and infused with smoky flavor.

• Gourmet Burgers: For burger enthusiasts, Basta offers generously proportioned, high-end chopped burgers.

Additionally, the venue hosts private events upon advance reservation. For those looking for a quick bite during midday, Basta offers affordable lunch specials featuring focaccia stuffed with smoked meats.

Basta Restaurant, Nof HaGalil Industrial Zone (behind the Food Center). Open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM.