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10 Best Traditional Israeli Restaurants in Jerusalem
There is no shortage of delicious food in Jerusalem. Whether you opt for classic Middle-Eastern flavours, fusion cuisine or western dishes, you are bound to find something to tickle your taste buds.
The food here is influenced by the wide range of ethnicities, religions and cultures that make up the city.
The chefs and restaurateurs in Jerusalem are striving to develop a modern Jerusalem kitchen.
The restaurant scene in Jerusalem is continuing to experience growth with new and upcoming places to eat adorning the city giving clients more choices.
Whether or not you’re looking for kosher restaurants, Jerusalem offers a wide range of options that are mouthwatering, delicious and suitable for a plethora of palates.
Unlike many of the world’s other top destinations, in the Holy Land, you’ll find fantastic culinary experiences that aren’t solely expensive (thanks in large part to the city’s unparalleled Israeli markets).
Here’s a look at the best traditional restaurants in Jerusalem.
1. Eucalyptus
Khativat Yerushalayim 14, Jerusalem
Phone: +972 2-624-4331
Photo by Anto Meneghini on Unsplash
Eucalyptus is a kosher restaurant in Jerusalem which focuses on traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Set within a beautiful stone building in the Artist Quarter, Eucalyptus is an idyllic place to eat where guests can unwind over a good glass of wine.
Chef Moshe Basson, repeated winner of international couscous contests, has mined the kitchens of older Jewish and Arab women to revive nearly forgotten recipes and ingredients.
Grab a seat on the outside porch, adjacent to the Old City walls on one side and overlooking the picturesque Hutzot Hayotzer artists colony on the other.
The appetizers are all tasty, but try the crepelike pastilla filled with duck confit and pumpkin jam, or the extraordinary stuffed mallow leaves (instead of the more conventional grape leaves).
One way to sample the best food that Chef Moshe Basson has to offer is by trying one of the tasting menus, which are each named after a biblical character.
Alternatively, opt for the A La Carte menu which includes figs stuffed with chicken to start and the Jerusalem Siniya comprised of minced lamb and beef with vegetables, tahini, and freshly baked pita.
Those who wish to dine at Eucalyptus should book in advance, especially if you would like to try a tasting menu.
2. Chakra
Phone: +972 2-625-2733
Photo by Kenta Kikuchi on Unsplash
This restaurant was opened in 2000 by chefs Ilan Grossi, Eran Peretz and Roger Moore, who many consider the founding fathers of the Jerusalem culinary scene.
Chakra is known for offering Israeli and Mediterranean cuisines. Try perfectly cooked succulent steaks, entrecote and tiger shrimps this place offers. Here you will be offered good lemon pie, gelato and chocolate cakes.
Chakra is one of the leading restaurants in the capital, and one of the most loved dinner places there.
Through dishes like beetroot tortellini in Parmesan butter, kebabs with tahini and fire-roasted vegetables, or gnocchi with lamb and beef-butter sauce, the kitchen reaches over the walls of Jerusalem into the Mediterranean Sea all the way to classic Italy.
The wine list is extensive, it can satisfy the needs of all guests. This spot has delicious espresso, americano or tonic among its drinks.
The friendly staff welcomes people all year round. This restaurant is notable for its fabulous service.
3. Machneyuda
Beit Ya’akov St 10, Jerusalem, Israel
Phone: +972 2-533-3442
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
Machneyuda serves up a vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine made with ingredients plucked from nearby Mahane Yehuda Market.
Launched by a trio of Israeli chefs, the concept has since grown into a multinational hospitality group.
This rustic haven for foodies offers a changing market-to-table menu with all ingredients sourced from the nearby Machne Yehuda Market.
Crates of vegetables line the rustic space, while the open kitchen allows diners to watch the preparation of artful, produce-led dishes, from sirloin tartare with green almonds to chicken livers with mash and ‘pistachio hash cake’ dessert.
The open kitchen gives you a front seat to the action, and the lively, spirited vibes are like no other.
This restaurant was the inspiration for two of the most-talked-about restaurants in London, The Palomar and The Barbary.
Both are known for bringing this ‘Machneyuda’ genre of energetic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine to the city.
4. Adom
David Remez St 4, Jerusalem, Israel
Phone: +972 2-624-6242
The Adom restaurant is a veteran Jerusalem food establishment and a world cuisine specializing in seafood and fresh fish, chef’s dishes from Italy and France and a selection of high-quality wines.
The restaurant was established in 2001 in the historic Feingold courtyard and has since become a brand.
Many chefs have trained there and big names in the Israeli restaurant scene have emerged.
Adom, which was originally a wine bar – the first in the capital – is today something between an easygoing family bistro and an elegant French wine bar, and that comes out in its food, its lighting and of course its wine.
On the menu, you’ll find dishes like sabih with amba aioli and poached egg, artichoke ravioli with goat’s cheese and chestnut gnocchi as well as desserts like classic crème brlée or tahini ice cream and of course, loads of wine.
5. Azura
4 Ha-Eshkol Street, Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem, Israel, 94322
Phone: +972 2-623-5204
Image by vika-imperia550 from Pixabay
Located in the bustling Iraqi market which is a part of the famous Machane Yehuda market, Azura is a middle-eastern restaurant serving a range of traditional dishes.
This cosy restaurant is very popular with the working crowd at the market, especially during lunch hour.
Some of their show stoppers dishes like shakshuka, kebabs and kubeh, have attracted a lot of foodies.
Well, we can assure you that Azura boasts some of the most authentic Middle Eastern meals in town.
Let the spicy, fresh, fish-like aromas guide you through the market to this charming stand with its wide selection of hot and cold dishes.
For delicious homemade dishes, look no further than Azura.
6. Shalom Falafels
Betsal’el St 32, Jerusalem, Israel
Phone: +972 2-623-1436
Image by Gert Olesen from Pixabay
Try authentic falafels at Shalom Falafel, located in Nachlaot. The crowd consists of Nachlaot’s charedim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) and hippie religious immigrants, families, downtown workers and whoever else can squeeze inside.
Shalom Falafel is one of the mainstays of the Jerusalem falafel scene, with lines out the door and around the corner every day at lunchtime.
Standard fare is falafel in a pita or laffa (a large Iraqi pita, which they will insist you call eish tanur), stuffed with your choice of salads and so-so Yemenite-style falafel balls with an unusual bright golden interior.
Choose from a fresh Israeli salads, Yemeni-style falafel balls and an impressive range of falalels served with a fresh tahini.
Bustling with an eclectic crowd of locals, tourists and workers, you might have to squeeze yourself in to find a spot to enjoy a quick meal here.
7. Satya
36 Keren HaYesod St Jerusalem
Phone: +972 2-650-6808
Satya is the brainchild of Chef Ilan Grossi, who previously ran the kitchen at the popular Chakra.
The menu leans heavily on Mediterranean influences, with a variety of meat, fish and seafood dishes made only from the freshest raw ingredients source from the local markets.
This restaurant is known for providing Israeli cuisine. At this place, guests can delve deep into delicious meals, and degust good tuna, carpaccio and prawns.
.Come here for tasty vanilla ice cream, Pavlova and chocolate cakes if you are hungry. At Satya, clients can have delicious wine, grappa or white wine.
Select between indoor and outdoor seating. There is a pleasant atmosphere and fine decor at this spot.
Though its speciality is seafood, this Mediterranean hot spot serves up food of all sorts, like hand-made pappardelle with tomato butter, colourful seafood risotto and slow-cooked Japanese barbecue short ribs.
The restaurant is cosy and stylish, but still manages to keep a fun, casual atmosphere, especially at the bar
8. Modern
Derech Ruppin 11, Jerusalem, 9370621, Israel
Phone: +972 2-648-0862
Image by Firas Hassoun from Pixabay
Found in the Israel Museum, Modern serves up traditional Jerusalem cuisine all overlooking the Valley of the Cross and the Knesset.
The menu is based on local ingredients that are regional to Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, taking seasonality into consideration when picking the freshest ingredients, many of which come from the nearby Machane Yehuda Market.
Modern serves a business lunch throughout the week from Sunday to Thursday until 17:00, before the dinner service.
The menu, which highlights tradition in a modern way, also offers an extensive collection of wines and excellent service.
9. Trattoria Haba
Phone: +972 2-581-7178
Photo by Edgar Castrejon on Unsplash
Until last year this restaurant operated out of a small space by the Mahane Yehuda Market, but the space was too small to contain the masses of Jerusalemites who heard of Chef Zakai Huja’s magic hands and waited in line for a table.
This summer, the restaurant moved to a larger building and now has three separate spaces: a bar, gallery and a large dining area, all touched with a Jerusalem design that connects old and new.
This connection of old and new extends into the food, as Huja – third generation in the market – creates modern interpretations of classic Jerusalem dishes, incorporating ingredients known and loved by those who grew up in the city (Jerusalem bagel, semolina cake, kibbeh and others).
Dishes include Kurdish ravioli; asado off the bone on Jerusalem bagel; goose liver with semolina cake; tuna fricassee; veal sweetbread with pasta and more.
Huja proves that it’s possible to create a kosher kitchen that is both high quality and accessible. It’s no wonder the Jerusalemites are still waiting in line.
10. Rooftop
Shlomo ha-Melekh St 11, Jerusalem, Israel
Phone: +972 2-548-2230
Atmosphere goes a long way in making a memorable meal, so Rooftop, the Mamilla Hotel’s aptly-named open-air rooftop restaurant/bar, has quite the ace up its sleeve: a view of the entire Old City and the hills of Jerusalem beyond.
Chef Kobi Bachar (of Mul Yam fame) runs the kitchen. Among the Mediterranean dishes that he took up a notch are duck in handmade pita with cucumber salad and coriander; and cod shawarma with spicy tomato salad and black smoked tahini.
Combining al fresco dining with a casual attitude (many tables feature comfy couches instead of chairs), Rooftop offers a fresh menu of rustic Italian and Mediterranean fare, emphasizing grilled meats and pasta, and freshly baked focaccia for every table.
Truly, though, the view is the star – it’s hard to beat a cocktail at a bar overlooking 3000 years of history.
Once open only seasonally, Rooftop is now open all year round. And for post-meal drinks and entertainment, check out the hotel’s Mirror Bar, or its indoor/outdoor Cafe.
Space is limited, and reservations are recommended
Jerusalem is the holiest city in the world – holy for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Old City of Jerusalem is home to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Anyone who follows these three faiths is therefore instantly interested in visiting.
With a pleasant climate, year-round Israel is a popular tourist destination for those looking to escape the winter months. In summer it gets a little too hot but that is luckily only for about 3 months. In those days it is perfect to travel to the northern regions of Israel where temperatures are cooler
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