erusalem is one of the most diverse city I've ever lived in. It is a place that has so many people visiting from so many backgrounds and religions, that everyone feels like they are a minority. In this blog post, I will be sharing my hidden gems so I hope you'll enjoy it.
Note: Most businesses in Jerusalem shut down from Friday at 3-4 pm till Saturday 7pm (the exact time changes), for Shabbat. There will also not be any public transporation during this time. You’ll hear a siren Friday evening which will indicated the start of Shabbat. Some restaurants are closed during these 24 hours so just take that into consideration. Places marked with * will be open.
Restaurants:
Sushiya
Link to site
The most divine sushi bowl you’ll ever have! They take forever to make food, their service is rude, and can it gets busy during dinner time (7-8). But if you make it past all of that, you’ll find out that this sushi restaurant in Jerusalem is one of the best in the world.
Menza*
Link to site
They are open during the weekend and have a great brunch and dinner menu and a great atmosphere. If you sit outside, there is also great people watching.
Zuni*
Famous for their perfect French toast – the best I’ve ever had!! It’s also open 24/7 and is a great restaurant to visit after a night out. If the name sounds familiar, it might be because they have another restaurant in New York.
Notre Dame of Jerusalem*
This restaurant is on the rooftop of the Notre Dame Hotel in Jerusalem with a 130 year old history. It is right between East and West Jerusalem and you can see the old city from the view. You can enjoy some wine and cheese at sunset and when you get the bill you’ll realize it’s also tax free (17% off).
Austrian Hospice*
The Austrian Hospice is in the old city of Jerusalem, in the Muslim Quarter. It’s a great spot for lunch with a beautiful little garden in the middle of the old city. Great place to enjoy a coffee and a book as well.
Machneyuda Restaurant
One of the hardest restaurants to reserve a spot in and is considered one of the most unique in Jerusalem. It belongs to Assaf Granit, a world renown chef with restaurants all over the world. The restaurant is famous for using fresh produce from the market and preparing a Middle Eastern feast, with “market vibes”. You’ll have loud music playing in the background and even some dancing.
Yudale
This is the sister restaurant of Machneyudah, so if you didn’t get a reservation there, this is your best shot. It’s somewhat of a tapas bar where the waiters’ goal is to get you drunk. The chef is also Assaf Granit and the food is phenomenal.
Cafes:
Cafe Betzalel*
This is a very hipster and artsy cafe in one of the most charming streets in Jerusalem. It is a little secular alleyway with restaurants open throughout the week and on Shabbat.
Tmol Shilshom
Tmol Shilshom is an iconic cafe, filled with books, is a casual gathering place for authors and thought leaders. It has a great breakfast menu and its shakshuka is considered one of the best in the city.
Kadosh
People rave about this cafe because it has a Parisian feel, with pastries, a breakfast menu, and good coffee. The crowd is a little bit messy and annoying but the place is generally fun to visit.
Cafe Ben Sira
This is a very hipster cafe in one of Jerusalem’s alleyways. It once was a hipster bar that was turned into a cafe.
Roasters
A small coffee shack inside the Machne Yehuda Market with craft coffee. It’s a fun place to sit and drink a strong coffee while looking at the people walking by.
Bars:
Gatsby
This is a hidden cocktail bar in the city center, right behind an Aroma Cafe. They have craft cocktails and can custom make whatever drink you like. You may need a reservation.