Israeli Cafes and Restaurants Expand Menus with Innovative Plant-Based Options

Israeli cafes and restaurants are increasingly expanding their menus with diverse plant-based options, transforming vegan cuisine from a niche offering into a mainstream culinary trend. Ahead of World Vegan Day, several major culinary chains and local establishments are launching new plant-based menus, collaborations, and special pop-up events.

The Mimi Nono restaurant chain recently expanded its menu with a new series of vegan dishes developed in collaboration with restaurateur Ilail Yahav, founder of the vegan eatery Goodness. The new selection includes eggplant shakshuka with cashew cheese, spinach and cashew cheese khachapuri, and a vegan chocolate dessert with Amarena cherries, designed to appeal to both vegans and flexitarians alike.

Meanwhile, Café Greg is launching a dedicated vegan menu as a pilot project at its Pardes Hanna branch. Head Chef Elad Amsalem developed dishes that incorporate plant-based meat and chicken alternatives into classic café favorites, such as vegan pulled-meat pastries, tortillas with shredded plant-based chicken, and quinoa and lentil salads.

Dairy giant Gad Dairies is partnering with over 20 cafes and coffee carts across Israel to feature menus based on its almond-based Feel Gad line. Venues such as Cafe Nocturno in Jerusalem and Bread Station are offering plant-based interpretations of classic comfort foods, including almond yogurt tzatziki and vegan cream cheese pastas.

Adding an international flair, the Casa Maya rooftop on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv is hosting a two-night vegan Japanese pop-up by Chef Omer Tal. The special menu features plant-based creations utilizing fermentation, charcoal grilling, and traditional Japanese techniques, such as smoked avocado with tempeh and lion's mane mushroom schnitzel.