by Yael Adar
This restaurant is aptly named Nehalim, which means ‘streams’ in Hebrew. Nehalim is located at the convergence of three streams, the Dan, Hetzbani and Banias, the sources of the Jordan River.
Organized rafting and kayaking trips depart right from the restaurant’s backyard. A number of companies in the area offer rafting trips for the whole family, as well as for the more
adventurous.
Nehalim is a great choice, when you want to enjoy a good meal, after a day traveling in Israel’s north. It’s also the type of restaurant one would expect to find in Tel Aviv, not in the remote
outskirts of Kiryat Shmona. Don’t be fooled by its location, (next to a MacDonald’s and gas station). The restaurant’s success, in the country’s northernmost city, is a testament to its
quality.
The focus here is on meat, seafood and fish. You’ll even find ostrich meat on the menu. Many of the dishes feature special sauces, made from spinach, hazelnuts, as well as orange and ginger. The menu
also includes Antipasti, (which together with a salad can easily serve as a meal for vegetarians). Other vegetarian options are limited, but include a rich lasagna. Desserts are definitely worth the
indulgence.
A business lunch is offered Sunday through Friday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM and prices range from 65 to 93 NIS. Regular prices for a salad and main course range between 96-123 NIS.
The restaurant is not kosher.
Directions: Nehalim is located at Gan Hatzafon, Kiryat Shmona/Hurshat Tal Road. As you enter Kiryat Shmona, drive until the very end of the street, until you reach a T intersection. Turn right, onto
Route # 99. Drive for about 2.5 mi. /4 km., until you see a MacDonald’s and gas station on the right. The restaurant is located in this small complex.
Hours: Daily Sunday – Thursday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Friday, 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM and Saturday, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
* Note: Call ahead and make a reservation.
TEL 04/690-4875
Suggested Activities:
1) Visit the Hula Nature Reserve. This beautiful wetland area was the country’s first Nature Reserve and it is haven for flocks
of migrating birds. The Hula Valley, which today is a rich agricultural area, where wheat, cotton, alfalfa and fruit trees are grown, was once a huge swamp, which covered 15,500 acre/62,000 dunam.
The area was drained in the 1950’s.The reserve covers about 400-acre/1600 dunam and provides a great backdrop for spending time outdoors and enjoying nature.
Directions: The Hula Nature Reserve is locates on Route # 90, the Rosh Pina – Kiryat Shmona road, about 5.5 mi. /9 km. north of Rosh Pina and 11 mi. /18 km. south of Kiryat Shmona.
TEL 04/693-7069
Visiting Hours: Sunday – Thursday and Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (entry until 4:00 PM), Friday and Holiday eves 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Entry fees apply:
2) Visit the Manara Cliff (especially if you are traveling with children). At 2072 yards/1895 meters, this is the country’s
longest cable car ride. It offers a view of the Hula Valley like no other you’ll get. Some may find the 43 degree average incline a bit steep, but the ride and view of the valley are definitely worth
it and there’s simply no other way to get such a wonderful view of the cliff itself.
The real beauty here is the fact that this is not just a plain cable car ride, but rather a site that offers varied activities. There are three terminals, Upper, Middle and Lower. At each terminal you can participate in various activities. You can rappel down the cliff, go wall climbing (on a specially designed climbing wall), slide on an ‘omega’ or ride the mountain roller coaster. If you like, you can even rent a mountain bike and bike down on special paths.
Directions: The Manara Cliff is located at Kibbutz Manara, 0.6-mi./1 km. West of Kiryat
Shmona, on Route # 886.
TEL 04/690-5830
FAX 04/690-5833
3) Plan a rafting or kayaking trip. There are various companies in the upper Galilee that offer rafting and kayaking. One of these companies is located a few doors
down from Nehalim.