It wouldn’t be fair to call this a mere hummus place. Chef-owner Arin Abu-Hamid Kurdi was raised in Akko, and in her cozy restaurant she shares the food she grew up on. That includes a particularly light and airy hummus, the result of using less tahini than most, and less baking soda when cooking the chickpeas. Ask the chef to guide you or opt for any of the home-cooked dishes. Just be sure not to miss the treedi, a dish of crusty pita slices covered with hot chickpeas, garlic, fresh yogurt, slivered almonds, and parsley. According to legend, this was Muhammad’s favorite food, and it continues to be a classic dish in Akko homes to eat during Iftar, the sunset meal that breaks the fast after Ramadan. While you are there, peruse On the Hummus Route, a book the chef is featured in, which showcases the best hummus from nine Middle Eastern cities. [$]

The whole country has heard of Uri Buri and Uri Jeremias, the legendary white-bearded chef who has become synonymous with his famous restaurant; fans know him simply as Uri Buri. He opened this unpretentious fine-dining restaurant back in 1989, providing possibly the best seafood in Israel right in front of the ocean. The chef’s curiosity, which rivals that of Le Petit Prince, makes the food stand out. He is always questioning guests’ palates while using top-notch ingredients without unnecessary adornment, letting diners focus on the balance of flavors. Locals love dishes like sashimi salmon with wasabi sorbet or the mix of seafood atop ptitim, Israeli couscous. Vegan options are available as well. The tasting menu, priced at 220 shekels ($63), gives you course after course of surprisingly creative plates, quickly revealing why this restaurant is on every best Israeli restaurant list. [$$$]

El Marsa is in an ancient Ottoman customs house dating back to 1210 located in the stunning Old Port. No matter where you sit, the turquoise water sparkles through the window. Along with partner Marwan Sawaed, chef Alaa Musa, who grew up in Akko before working at several Michelin-starred restaurants in Sweden, offers a nuanced cuisine of homey Arab food mixed with modern twists. Discover dishes such as kibbeh stuffed with a medley of seafood in lieu of meat. You can also enjoy mejadra rice with a heap of goat yogurt, or ceviche straight from the sea with a side of shanklish cheese, which resembles labneh. [$$$]

Any visitor to Akko must indulge in some kanafeh, a crunchy, stringy pastry mixed with cheese and dripping with sweet syrup. Locals (nearly) unanimously agree that this old-school shop is the best place for pastries like baklava, date-filled maamoul cookies, circular tangles of kanafeh called bird’s nests, and the must-try Istanbul, a dense, sticky ball of nuts. Everything is made fresh in-house, so sneak a peek through the kitchen door in the back before picking up some treats to take home for your friends. [$]

Located in the whimsical Turkish Bazaar, a little art market packed with artisan shops and eateries, Maadali (which refers to a beloved matron in Arabic) is a tiny eatery with a few tables that serves home-cooked Arab food, including top-notch seafood and stellar vegetable dishes. Rising chef Adnan Daher sources all the ingredients from the surrounding market. With the young, creative talent heading the show, all you have to do is sit back and take in the incredible tastes from his childhood kitchen. The waraq dwali (stuffed grape leaves) are a must. [$$]

This boutique hotel, founded by the legendary Uri Buri, sits inside two ancient houses, which were combined over the course of an eight-year restoration. Since completion, it has breathed new life into the hotel scene in the area. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, it’s worth taking a tour and to try a diverse Akko breakfast at the hotel restaurant. The family-style feast brings all the guests together for a spread that changes according to the season. It features salads, homemade jams, fresh cheese, home-baked pita with za’atar, pastries, and various omelets (including a vegan option that swaps eggs for chickpea flour). The hotel includes an amazing terrace overlooking the city, a wine cellar for special events, and a stunning hammam. For the ultimate foodie escape, book a package including a room, massage, breakfast, and dinner at Uri Buri. [$$]

This restaurant has one of the best views in Israel. From the dining room or the outdoor terrace, you can really appreciate the sea, with the sunlight highlighting the dock where boats shift gently in the surf. Food is traditional and local. The menu features dishes like fried calamari, many different renditions of shrimp, meat dishes, and bountiful mezze that take up the whole table. [$$]

If you want to start a conversation with anyone in Israel, ask about the best place to eat hummus. Many will tell you about Said, one of the oldest restaurants in the ancient quarter of Akko. As early as 6 a.m., the restaurant is already buzzing, with people eager to swirl onions in Said’s thick, warm hummus, which is rich but not too heavy. The local custom for eating hummus is lenagev, to wipe the hummus in a circular motion with an onion petal or pita. Just be ready to wait in line to do so. [$]

This adorable kosher cafe and shop is located on a fruit orchard at Kibbutz Shomrat, roughly 2 miles from Akko. The family-owned operation is led by Ariel Mazan, a dairy farmer who is passionate about the health benefits and taste of goat cheese. Alto offers a comforting daily breakfast, plus sandwiches, quiche, and a huge variety of cheeses and yogurts to take home. Call to schedule a tour and get to know the cheese-making process from the inside. [$]

Chef Michael Gertofsky left the non-stop pace of Tel Aviv to open a bistro where he could cook from the fruits of the Galilee. The result is Michael Bistro in Liman, a moshav (cooperative farming community) about 20 minutes from Akko. This is one of Israel’s destination restaurants, a place that food lovers know will always live up to expectations. The pastoral vibe and the seasonal Galilean menu give you a true taste of Northern Israel, with lots of baladi (local and authentic) dishes. Discover lamb sweetbreads with sunchoke puree from the Josper (a Spanish charcoal grill), handmade pasta, or fresh calamari a la plancha, all presented with charm. [$$$$]

There’s no reason to get into a dispute over the best place to eat in the market because every spot has its own unique charm. For falafel, try this compact hut, which serves what the locals call “balls of gold.” Known for its amber hue, the deep-fried specialty is crunchy and mild in flavor, with a more textured bite than most. Grab some falafel to go and eat as you browse the stunning Armenian ceramics at Paul Elias across the way. [$]

This coffee and spice market stall is run by Deeb Bader, a coffee roaster whose specialty is his riff on the traditional black version with cardamom or hawaij, a Yemenite mix of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. He roasts coffee from all over the world, giving you plenty of choices. Take your morning coffee as you peruse the market, or bring home some beans. And don’t leave without a huge bag of his za’atar, well worth its weight in gold. [$]