FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Israeli Celebrity Chef Wows Visitors with Hotel, Restaurant in Ancient Port City of Akko

by Ron Bernthal

Feb 20, 2023

© Eyal Yassky

Daily

However you want to spell it, Akko (Hebrew), Akka (Arabic) or Acre (English), this centuries-old Mediterranean port city in northern Israel represents the tumultuous history of the country possibly better than any other city in Israel.

Shaped by Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders, Mamelukes, Byzantines and the British, it is now home to a mixed population of Jews, Muslims and Christians. The Old City of Akko is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest ports in the world.

Efendi

© Assaf Pinchuk

Located in a restored stone building on a narrow alley in the Old City is Efendi Hotel. Situated a five-minute walk away, along narrow cobblestoned alleys, is the modern Uri Buri restaurant. Both venues are owned by Uri Jeremias, a 75-year-old Israeli celebrity chef who grew up just north of Akko, near the Lebanese border.

In the last 25 years, his modern Uri Buri fish restaurant, overlooking the sea, has become so popular among Israelis that many drive 1.5 hours or more from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for lunch or dinner. Easily recognizable by both Israelis and international guests, his big white beard is a giveaway, and he is greeted with adoration and hugs by every guest.

Efendi

© Assaf Pinchuk

Uri is known to say, “Every recipe I create has no more than eight ingredients,” but it seems each menu item is distinct, in a good way, from anything else you would have eaten previously. An appetizer may be salmon panko wrapped in Nuri seaweed, reduced soy and pickled fennel, or octopus with fakus, arak and olive oil. A popular fish dish is the sea bass in cauldron, with coconut milk, chili and apples. Almost all the fresh fish and seafood on the menu is brought in by local fishing boats, often combined with Middle Eastern or Asian spices, and offered as full or half-portions, priced accordingly. “I like to give my guests the option,” said the chef.

Desserts include Knafeh, an Arabic sweet dish with cheese, pistachio and kadaif strings, served with house-made rose ice cream. The wonderful wait staff and kitchen workers speak Arabic, Hebrew and English, as do many residents of the city.

fish

© Eyal Yassky

Akko has been extensively excavated and conserved over the past 10 years, with renovations and rebuilding taking place across the Old City. While Akko is still not as developed for tourists as other ancient port cities such as Caesarea and Jaffa, it is more interesting to visit.

Uri Jeremias opened his 12-room Efendi Hotel, an Ottoman-era boutique property, in 2012, following an eight-year restoration process of the original buildings and the Byzantine- and Crusader-era wine cellar. The hotel also features wellness treatment rooms for singles or couples, as well as an original 400-year-old Turkish hammam, still in use.

Uri Buri in market

© Eyal Yassky

Each guestroom is different; The restored motifs and frescos on some of the ceilings and the room furnishings are beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Efendi holds one the highest levels of architectural preservation and restoration of any private building in Israel.

Most windows offer Mediterranean Sea views, while others look out over the mountains of the Western Galilee or the Old City. Guests can use the hotel’s comfortable chairs and couches for relaxation, and an aperitivo is held on the rooftop each day at sunset.

Efendi

© Assaf Pinchut

Breakfast, served daily at the large, communal Knight’s table, includes a large variety of special boutique cheeses, choice of eggs, omelets, local shakshuka, a variety of spices, breads and much more.

Double-occupancy rates at Efendi in mid-March start at $315, or $370 for the Royal Sea View room. Rates include breakfast. Dinner reservations are usually needed at Uri Buri. Most fish/seafood dinners are about $19 half-portion, $33 full.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 9, 2025

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali Review

Maui’s well-heeled vacationers have long flocked to Wailea, a verdant paradise lined with upscale beachfront resorts. Kaanapali, 45 minutes up the coastal Honoapiʻilani Highway, was the island’s bustling alternative.

Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination

Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.

eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025

Uber Announces New Features for 2025

In time for summer, Uber announced some new features to make travel smoother and more convenient for personal getaways, business trips and everything in between. Uber continues to expand its reach in the suburbs and areas with limited transit options, and Uber Reserve now grows its offerings to 70 additional airports in the United States and Canada, primarily focusing on smaller airports in suburban towns. This expansion includes airports like Augusta, Georgia (AGS); Green Bay, Wisconsin (ATW); Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (MDT); Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS); Reno, Nevada (RNO); and more.

eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025

W Hotels Opens in Florence, Italy

W Hotels, part of Marriott’s portfolio, opens its second Italian property with W Florence. Situated on Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, the hotel occupies a building originally designed by Florentine architect Lando Bartoli.

Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World

Some events change a nation. Some change the world.

eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025

Oman Air Joins oneworld Alliance

Oman Air officially joins oneworld alliance, making it the 15th member airline of the alliance. With the alliance, Oman Air strengthens its presence across the Middle East and makes new opportunities for global travel.

July 2025
Jul 8, 2025

Global City Guidebook: Budapest

Hungary’s capital city, with a population of 1.7 million, also serves as the country’s cultural, industrial and commercial center. Visitors have been drawn to this Queen of the Danube for more than 2,000 years, first for its thermal, therapeutic waters and, today, for its stunning architecture, rich history and decadent culinary traditions.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Drinks Mix History with High-Proof Fun in the Mile-High City

LoDo, or Lower Downtown, is a fascinating juxtaposition of Denver’s heritage and its modern renaissance. Former 19th-century, red-brick warehouses stand next to a dairy repurposed into an entertainment microdistrict, while Larimer Square, the city’s oldest commercial block, keeps attracting exciting food and beverage tenants. The neighborhood falls in the shadow of Coors Field, driving home the fact a tall cold one is never far away. Canned lager might hit during an afternoon Rockies game, but LoDo has much more to offer the thirsty visitor — all in a blissfully walkable several-block radius.