Tasty Jerusalem Restaurants

In a city that is home to some of the world's most important historical and religious sites, it's no surprise that Jerusalem offers a host of great cultural experiences. It has fabulous museums and historical attractions. Of course, great culture also usually relates to one thing: great food.

A Variety of Local Flavors

Israel is located on the Mediterranean Sea and in the heart of the Middle East, and this location between two fantastic food cultures has resulted in the creation of a cuisine that Israel can call its own. Visitors will find a seemingly endless number of restaurants, cafes, and other dining spots. Find the best and tastiest Jerusalem restaurants and enjoy their delicious and unique menus.

Before partaking in the city’s dining experiences at Jerusalem restaurants, it's important to consider a few notes on the local culture. In some parts of Jerusalem, particularly to the east and in the Old City, Middle Eastern influences dominate. As such, don't expect to find pork in a lot of places. Some restaurants here do cater to Christian Arabs, so if you look hard enough, you will find places that offer both pork and shellfish. In the western part of the city, there are many great restaurants, and the best are often located in secluded areas with guards. They can be a little hard to find, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

Street Vendors

No visit to this area of the world would be complete without trying the local foods. Shwarma, for example, is a street food staple. Moshiko's offers the best in Jerusalem, and the tastes are just exotic enough to satisfy those who want to try something new and not too exotic for those who are more picky eaters. If you'd like to get kebabs, head to Damascus Gate on the weekend, where vendors serve authentic and delicious renditions. Enter the Old City area through the Damascus Gate whenever you can, as this is a great place to try all kinds of Arab-sourced street foods. Here, you'll also find what many locals claim to be the best hummus in Jerusalem at Hummus Lina.

Fine Dining

There’s an endless supply of tasty Jerusalem restaurants. The trend here is kosher fine dining, and the best can be found at Canela. This restaurant takes fine dining seriously, featuring valet parking and a pianist on Monday nights. The menu is focused on deliciously seasoned and cooked meats, and the prices are lower than you might expect. Arcadia, a French-inspired restaurant, offers a constantly changing menu that never disappoints. Finally, for a change of pace, try Darna, which caters to Israel's Moroccan population. Food here is authentic and divine. And remember, if you're going to splurge on an expensive dining experience, try to do so during midweek. Most kosher restaurants prepare food for Saturday on Thursday, which prevents them from offering the fresh fish that the Mediterranean is known for.

Whether you want street food or fine dining, the many unique an delicious Jerusalem restaurants will not disappoint.