Simons Espresso Bar

If you want to drink coffee like an Israeli, go to Simon's at the bottom of the Midrahov, on the right hand side opposite the Bank Hapoalim.

Bar Style

This bar style espresso café caters to a very Israeli crowd and is popular with young and old alike. Inside it seats 25 on high bar stools with a mirror on one wall so you can admire your reflection or check out who is behind you. The indented ceiling is painted a shimmery midnight blue which together with appropriate lighting adds to the atmosphere. With the wide-screen TV and music on the audio system you could almost be in Tel Aviv.

Outside

See-through plastic windows against the cold and rain cover customers in winter, and in summer there is an awning for shade so you can enjoy sitting outside all year round. With seating for 20 outside, smokers are well catered for and can enjoy lighting up in the winter or summer.

The Menu: Dairy

If you want something different than the typical Israeli breakfast, why not try the most popular item on the menu which, according to the owner Simon, is the House Toast for 32shks. This is a toasted sandwich made with 3 different kinds of cheese: Bulgarian, yellow and cream cheese; pesto, roasted peppers and Simons special tomato spread, served with 2 different kinds of dressing and a side salad.

Enough for one hungry person or two people just wanting a nibble to share.

Main Meals

Ask about the daily specials available or choose the fish at a reasonable 59shks.

If you order the lasagna, always a popular choice, remember it's a dairy restaurant, so don't be disappointed that there is no meat. 38shks.

In the winter, why not have a delicious hot soup at 29shks, and all the year round Simon's offers a choice of salads which are definitely big enough to share. 36-39shks

If you have a sweet tooth ask about the desserts or look in the cold cabinet, near the entrance, at the cakes on display (from 25shks)

And if you want to see an artist at work, sit inside where you can see the kitchen and watch Simon preparing your meal on the spot.

For drinks there is Carlsberg on draught, and other bottled beers and cold drinks are available in the chill cabinet. Wines and spirits are at normal bar prices (from 22shks a shot).

The Coffee

However, the thing that really differentiates Simon's from everywhere else in Safed is the coffee. Simon only uses the distinctive Danesi brand of coffee beans, grinds them fresh and serves your coffee with little biscuits. This added touch that makes all the difference between a good and a great cup of coffee (from 10shks)

The Restroom

There is one restroom at the back of the café which, although small, is kept very clean.

Prices are in the middle range for Safed.

Opening Hours

Winter hours are from 8am-9pm

Summer from 8am- 11pm/12pm or even later in the high season.

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