Jerusalem Restaurants

Not long ago, going out to a restaurant in Jerusalem meant sitting down at a small local establishment and wiping a piece of pita in hummus. You can, of course, still do this - in fact, we recommend that you do (Jerusalem offers world-class hummus, but we’ll get to that later).

However, in recent years, the capital of Israel has become a culinary superpower, attracting people to the Holy City from Tel Aviv and from around the world. Top French restaurants, sushi bars, Middle Eastern fusion chef experiments, Italian eateries, steak restaurants and espresso bars pepper Jerusalem’s dining scene, while the short-order counters and street food on offer is likewise varied and enticing.

Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda market, the City Center, the Old City and the German Colony are the four neighborhoods where the widest array of top-draw Jerusalem restaurants can be found. The subcategory navigation links at the top of this page allow GoJerusalem.com’s users to browse restaurants according to cuisine style, kosher certification, neighborhood and more.

When looking for a restaurant in Jerusalem, it’s always best to call ahead, because, as in any city, the Jerusalem restaurant scene is dynamic and constantly changing. We at GoJerusalem.com do our best to keep our listings accurate, but Jerusalem’s vibrant dining scene can sometimes move faster than we can.

While many are, not all restaurants in Jerusalem are kosher, so it’s always best to check a restaurant’s certification before visiting.

Machane Yehuda Restaurants

Over the past few years, a renaissance of sorts has taken place in Jerusalem’s open-air market Machane Yehuda, known by locals as “the shuk.” The combination of visionary private investment, municipal renovations and excellent leadership from the market’s internal management has transformed the shuk into one of the worlds most innovative markets, where vegetable stalls and fish mongers sit alongside fashion boutiques and gourmet cafes and restaurants with the freshest ingredients. What was once home to just small and dingy, yet popular and delicious, ethnic restaurants now hosts some of the city’s trendiest dining institutions.

The most talked-about restaurant in the shuk these days (and arguably the most talked-about restaurant in Jerusalem) is Machaneyuda, where you can find a daily changing menu featuring eclectic and innovative cuisine inspired by the market. Reservations are a must. Cafe Mizrachi, the first modern cafe to open in the market, features French pastries, light sandwiches and probably the best cafe au lait you’ll find in Jerusalem. Topolino serves up homemade pasta, pizza and fish straight from the market. And of course, you can line your stomach with more traditional fare such as Kurdish kubeh soup at Mordoch, Jerusalem Mixed Grill at Hatzot, grilled skewered meat at Sami and Sima and fresh hummus at Jafinjan and elsewhere.  
  
City Center Restaurants

Where the mythological Cafe Rondo on King George Street once stood, you’ll find Chakra, one of the early innovators and taste makers of contemporary Jerusalem cuisine. Don’t miss out on their dessert of ice cream with sweet tahini sauce. Just a block away, on Shatz Street, you’ll find Angelica, a kosher Mediterranean meat restaurant that highlights both seasonal and local ingredients. Not too far from the Prime Minister’s residence is Restobar, know for one of the best breakfast menus in Jerusalem.

Around Shlomtzion Hamalka Street, towards the Mamilla area, you’ll find the largest concentration of restaurants in the city. The selection here is huge, from upscale traditional French cuisine at Cavalier, classy kosher fare at Canela, Adom’s casual atmosphere and expansive wine list, the always popular Focaccia Bar and Black N’ Bar Burger, for upscale hamburgers with a large selection of toppings. Among the dozens of Jerusalem restaurants in this district, you are more than likely to find something to suit your taste.

Old City Restaurants

Hummus, hummus, hummus. Sure, there are several other options for restaurants in the Old City, but they tend to cater to large groups of tourists and lack a certain authenticity. A visit to Jerusalem would not complete without tasting hummus, one of the region’s signature dishes. Abu Shukri is among the best, serving up delicious hummus to locals and tourists alike for dozens of years. Not far away is Hummus Lina, another one of Jerusalem’s best hummus joints. Just make sure you go early, because once they run out of hummus they close for the day. After your hummus feast, make your way to Jaffar’s Sweets for a slice of kanafe, a sweet and savory dessert of shredded phyllo and goat cheese.

German Colony Restaurants

Jerusalem’s German Colony has long been a major center of recreation in the city. Emek Refaim, the area’s main street, is lined with cafes, pizzerias and casual restaurants and serves as a primary nexus for kosher restaurants in Jerusalem.

Caffit, a Jerusalem landmark, sits in the heart of the Colony and is one of Jerusalem’s most popular cafes. Caffit’s menu is rich with pastas, salads and sandwiches, but their most famous item is the "Oreganato", an extremely large salad filled with fresh herbs, vegetables and local cheese.

If you are in the mood for Italian, be sure to visit Luciana for their hand-tossed pizzas and fresh, home-made pasta. Aching for meat? Just cross the street is Joy, a Mediterranean-inspired brasserie where you’ll find grilled steaks, hamburgers, chicken dishes and more.

Asian cuisine has also staked its claim among the German Colony’s restaurants. For Japanese with a unique Jerusalem twist, check out Taiku, which not only serves up sushi but hot Asian dishes as well. Just a few steps away lies a branch of Sushi Rechavia, Jerusalem’s sushi superpower.

If you are looking for a light dinner with modest portions, look no further than HaMoshava 54, which features a price-tiered menu that starts at just 10 NIS, with the most expensive menu item at just 54 NIS.

People watching is a popular activity in the German Colony, and the best place to indulge is in any number of the neighborhood cafes. Emek Refaim houses branches of many of Israel’s coffee chains such as Aroma, Hillel, Coffee Bar and Cafe Cafe. If you are looking for something a little more intimate, visit The Coffee Mill for their wide array of flavored coffees. You can always get your coffee to go and stop by one of the numerous bakeries in the neighborhood - Pituim and Ben Ami are good choices, but it would be a crime not to stop by the neighborhood branch of Marzipan, for their famous gooey chocolate rugalech.