There is no shortage of mouthwatering kosher food in Jerusalem. Whether you’re looking for traditional Middle Eastern flavors or a unique culinary experience, there’s something for everyone in the Holy City. Best of all, there are plenty of fantastic food options that aren’t solely expensive. In Jerusalem, you’ll find locals eating at a “hole in the wall” falafel spot one night, and an upscale restaurant the next.
Jachnun Bar
$ | Vegetarian | HaEgoz St 30, Jerusalem, Israel
Located within Jerusalem’s lively Machane Yehuda Market, this is a must-visit for Yemenite Jewish street food. While named Jachnun Bar (after the Yemenite Jewish pastry Jachnun) it’s the Malawach that brings crowds to this small “hole in the wall” spot. Malawach is a traditional Yemenite Jewish flatbread. At Jachnun Bar, the Malawach is made fresh and filled with traditional sauces, dips, and fried vegetables. The atmosphere is part of Jachnun Bar’s charm. The spirited chefs flip the Malawach sky high while customers cheer and take photos.
Tacos Luis
$ | Queen Shlomziyon St 11, Jerusalem, Israel
This is where Jerusalem locals get their Mexican food. Just steps away from the Old City, Tacos Luis serves up unfussy, authentic Mexican grub in the heart of Jerusalem.
Pizza Flora
$$ | Vegan-friendly | Ha-Dekel St 2, Jerusalem, Israel
Looking for Italian in Jerusalem? This is your stop for fresh pizza and pasta. Pizza Flora is nestled between the side streets that border Machane Yehuda. Just steps away from the hustle and bustle, this cozy spot serves up delicious food made with high quality ingredients.
Uzi-Eli The Etrogman
$ | Vegan-friendly | HaEgoz St, Jerusalem, Israel
The Etrogman is Jerusalem’s best juice and acai bar. Founded by Uzi Eli, who was affectionately known as “The Etrogman,” this spot in Machane Yehuda serves all kinds of fresh-made juices, smoothies and jam packed acai bowls.
Ishtabach
$$ | Vegan-friendly | Beit Ya’akov St 1, Jerusalem, Israel
Ishtabach is one of Jerusalem’s most well-loved restaurants, known for serving a single dish: a traditional Syrian Kurdish stuffed-pastry called shamburak. For Kurdish Israelis, Ishtabach is an ode to Kurdish-Jewish history.
Hatch
$$ | HaEgoz St 26-28, Jerusalem, Israel
Located right in the center of Machane Yehuda, Hatch is one of Jerusalem’s only craft breweries. A relatively new addition to the famous market, their combination of craft beers and “chef inspired” American pub food has quickly made a name for itself among locals. Pro-tip: get the wings.
Falafel Brothers Levy
$ | Ha-Tut St, Jerusalem, Israel
What’s a visit to Jerusalem without falafel? “If you only have time for one classic Israeli falafel during your visit, go straight to this tiny spot in the bustling Machane Yehuda Market,” one Google reviewer wrote. Their falafel is made fresh with a soft flavorful inside and a lightly crunchy outside, served in a fresh pita to grab and go.
Jeera
$$ | Vegetarian | Vegan-friendly | Heleni ha-Malka St 7, Jerusalem, Israel
Welcome to Jerusalem’s only Indian restaurant. Jeera serves up Indian dishes from samosas to kadah. Their menu is 100% vegetarian, vegan friendly and almost entirely gluten free. Go here for a taste of India in the holy city, or order takeout/delivery for a cozy meal at home.
Andalucia Cocktail and Tapas Bar
$$$ | Vegan-friendly | Ze’ev Raban St 2, Jerusalem, Israel
Andalucia is a Spanish-style tapas bar serving up unique homemade cocktails and sophisticated dishes.Their menu offers specialty tapas including fish, meat and a vegan option. This charming spot is located at the lively Kikar HaMusica “Music Square,” which features live music performances nightly. The perfect place for a date night in Jerusalem.
Hummus Shel Tehina (Tahini’s Hummus)
$ | Vegan-friendly | Nisim Bachar St 23, Jerusalem, Israel
Looking for a great hummus experience in Jerusalem? Look no further than Hummus Shel Techina. This casual spot offers a variety of hummus toppings with all the fixings: pickles, fluffy pita, fries and falafel. Plus, really fun, laid-back vibes.
Eucalyptus
$$$ | Vegan-friendly | Felt St 14, Jerusalem
Chef Moshe Basson is internationally recognized for his revival of the ‘Biblical menu.’ His passion for Biblical culture drove him to research and resurrect recipes, spices, and local and wild herbs that were part of the traditional cuisine, and were neglected and nearly forgotten for centuries. His award-winning Jerusalem restaurant, Eucalyptus, is located steps away from the Old City and surrounded by the Judean Hills where biblical scenes once took place. The menu changes seasonally, according to what mushrooms and plants Basson reportedly finds on his daily trips to the Judean Hills. Visit Eucalyptus for an upscale, uniquely Jerusalemite experience.
Grill Bar
$$ | Ha-Soreg St 1, Jerusalem, Israel
Though their specialty is home-cooked meats, including kebab, beef and chicken, Grill Bar is a great spot for the Israeli small plates experience. With 13 different starter salads, dips, pita and an assortment of side-dishes, you won’t leave this place feeling hungry due to their all you can eat salads option.
Jacko’s Street
$$$ | Vegan-friendly | Agripas St 74, Jerusalem, Israel
Jacko’s street is the love-child of four friends who set off to provide a culinary experience that modernizes traditional Kurdish dishes in the heart of Machane Yehuda. Chef Zakai Huja is apparently out and about in the market every morning, hand-selecting produce, fish and meat. He claims he racks up 10,000 steps on his daily walk, all to ensure the highest quality dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Kadosh Café Patisserie
$$ | Vegetarian | Queen Shlomziyon St 6, Jerusalem, Israel
Kadosh Cafe has been a Jerusalem staple since 1967, when Meir Kadosh opened the bakery— He has since passed on the business to his children, who still run the kitchen and pastry kitchen. The dairy menu includes fresh pastas and sandwiches, but it’s the baked goods that bring the crowds. Kadosh Cafe specializes in classic pastries with a modern twist. This is the perfect spot for a morning croissant (they even have croissant-muffins!) or a cozy late-night dessert. If you’re around during Chanukah time, Kadosh Cafe has a selection of unique, over-the-top Sufganiyot. Fair warning, there are usually lines down the street during the day!
Harvey’s Smokehouse
$$ | Jaffa St 33, Jerusalem, Israel
Harvey’s Smokehouse is your local Jerusalem spot for American barbecue favorites, from loaded nachos to short ribs. The first authentic American smokehouse in Jerusalem, they cook their meat on an in-house wood smoker. They’ve also got a fully stocked bar with beer, wine and Southern inspired cocktails.
Zuta cocktail bar
$$$ | King David St 10, Jerusalem, Israel
Zuta Cocktail Bar is a fun, trendy Jerusalm spot for an intimate cocktail experience. The cocktail menu is a combination of classics and original cocktails, uniquely designed from fine spirits, local best produce and house-made bitters. Zuta is owned by its neighboring restaurant, 1868 by chef Yankale Turjeman. It boasts an interesting and diverse food menu that pairs well with each custom cocktail. Try the Jaffa Gate, a tehina infused cocktail that’s truly unique.
Mousseline Ice Cream
$ | Vegan-friendly | HaArmonim St 2, Jerusalem, Israel
Mousseline is Jerusalem’s best kept secret. A boutique ice cream parlor, they offer a selection of French-style ice creams and fresh fruit sorbets. But what’s most unique about this spot, hidden in the side streets of Machane Yehuda, is their unique (and some downright unusual) ice cream flavors, like black sesame, wasabi, saffron, chai masala, and grapefruit basil.
