Top 15 Restaurants in Jerusalem (2025 Guide)

Sagi Haim Levy
Nov 11
5 min read

Planning where to eat in Jerusalem? From Machneyuda’s market magic to hidden Old City gems, here are 15 of the best restaurants in Jerusalem, kosher & non-kosher, casual to fine dining, with tips, neighborhoods, and reservation advice.

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How we chose these places

Jerusalem’s dining scene blends market-fresh creativity with deep regional traditions. This shortlist balances food quality, consistency, atmosphere, location for visitors, and variety (kosher/non-kosher; fine-dining/casual; Old City/Mahane Yehuda/City Center).

Map of the neighborhoods and restaurants

The List

Machneyuda – Best Market-Driven Fine Dining Experience
Location: Mahane Yehuda Market | Chefs: Assaf Granit & Uri Navon
Cuisine: Creative Mediterranean-Middle Eastern | Kosher: No
Description: Just steps from the pulse of Jerusalem’s most vibrant market, Machneyuda combines the energy and produce of Mahane Yehuda with bold tasting menus, open kitchen theatrics and lively table service. Ideal for food-lovers wanting a memorable evening.
Must Try: Truffle polenta, Kurdish pastry “kaddeh” with market veggies.
Azura – Jerusalem’s Classic Home-Style Mizrahi Kitchen
Location: Ha-Eshkol St 4, Mahane Yehuda Market | Cuisine: Iraqi & Kurdish heritage dishes | Kosher: Yes
Description: A beloved institution in the heart of Jerusalem’s market for more than 25 years, Azura serves slow-cooked stews, kubbeh and hummus in a lively, no-frills setting filled with local colour and flavour. World Jewish Travel
Must Try: Kubbeh soup and the Turkish-eggplant filled with chopped beef, pine nuts & cinnamon.
Hasadna – The Workshop Restaurant
Location: David Remez St 3 | Chef: Itamar Navon | Kosher: No
Cuisine: Contemporary Israeli Fusion
Description: In an industrial-chic space near the old railway station, Hasadna offers seasonal creative dishes and top Israeli wines, balancing fine dining with Jerusalem soul.
Must Try: Slow-roasted lamb shoulder and Jerusalem artichoke gnocchi.
Rooftop – Dining with a View of Jerusalem’s Old City
Location: Mamilla Hotel | Chef: Roy Antebi | Kosher: Yes
Cuisine: Modern Israeli & Mediterranean
Description: Set atop the elegant Mamilla Hotel, Rooftop combines panoramic views of the Old City walls with refined seasonal cuisine. It’s the perfect romantic spot for sunset cocktails or dinner under the Jerusalem sky.
Must Try: Sea bass fillet with grilled vegetables and tahini-lemon sauce.
Jacko’s Street – Kosher Chef Cuisine by the Market
Location: Mahane Yehuda | Chef: Zion Zarfati | kosher: yes
Cuisine: Creative Kosher Fusion
Description: A vibrant, music-filled dining room near the shuk serving high-end kosher cuisine with a Tel Aviv vibe. Lively, youthful and delicious.
Must Try: Entrecôte steak with chimichurri and crispy sweet potatoes.
Modern – Contemporary Israeli Dining at the Israel Museum
Location: Israel Museum | Chef: Ben Neriah | kosher: yes
Cuisine: Modern Israeli
Description: Modern offers inventive local cuisine using fresh Israeli ingredients with creative presentation, perfectly complementing a museum visit. The bright space overlooks the Judean Hills and the museum gardens.
Must Try: Lamb shawarma in pita leaf bread and Jerusalem artichoke soup.
Chakra – Jerusalem’s Classic Fine-Casual Bistro
Location: King George St 41 | kosher: No
Chef: Erik Shani
Cuisine: Modern Mediterranean | Kosher: No
Description: A Jerusalem institution since 2000, Chakra offers seafood, pasta, and grilled meats in a lively yet refined atmosphere. Loved by locals and diplomats alike.Must Try: Sea bass carpaccio and lamb kebab with tahini.
Talbiye – Brasserie and Wine Bar under the Theater
Location: 1 Marcus St (next to Jerusalem Theater) | Chef: Assaf Granite –Machneyuda Group | kosher: No
Cuisine: French Brasserie
Description: A hidden gem blending French classics with Israeli produce in a cozy, artistic setting. Ideal for a pre-show dinner or a late-night glass of wine, Talbiye delivers warmth, character, and timeless flavors in every dish.
Must Try: Lamb ravioli and the legendary crème brûlée.
The Eucalyptus – Biblical Cuisine with a View
Location: 14 Hativat Yerushalayim (Hutzot Hayotzer, near Jaffa Gate)
Chef: Moshe Basson | | kosher: Yes
Cuisine: Modern interpretations of ancient, wild-herb driven dishes
Description: A stone-built restaurant steps from the Old City walls where Chef Basson uses foraged herbs and “biblical” ingredients to create a refined dining experience rooted in the land, history and nature of Jerusalem.
Must Try: Chicken makloubeh layered casserole, wild herb-drenched salads and carefully prepared lamb neck in clay pot. jpost.com +1
Happy Fish – Fresh Seafood in the Heart of Mamilla
Location: Mamilla Avenue | Cuisine: Seafood, Mediterranean | Kosher: Yes Description: A stylish open-air terrace restaurant focusing on fresh, simply prepared fish and seafood paired with local wines. Perfect for travelers wanting a lighter, elegant meal near the Old City.
Must Try: Grilled sea bream with herbed couscous and house aioli.
Anna Italian Café – Italian Elegance with a Purpose
Location: Ticho House | Cuisine: Italian Mediterranean | Kosher: Yes
Description: A social-enterprise restaurant inside a 19th-century stone building, Anna serves fresh pastas, risottos and desserts made from local ingredients. Proceeds support youth-employment programs.
Must Try: Spinach ravioli in sage butter and Jerusalem cheesecake.
Satya – Seafood and Seasonal Flavors by Ilan Garussi
Location: Keren Hayesod St 36 | Chef: Ilan Garussi
Cuisine: Seafood & Modern Israeli | | Kosher: No
Description: Sleek yet relaxed, Satya focuses on market-fresh seafood, crisp wines and Jerusalem comfort in the heart of Rehavia.
Must Try: Shrimp risotto and lamb siniya with tahini.
Bulghourji – Authentic Armenian Cuisine in the Old City
Location: Armenian Patriarchate Rd, Old City | Cuisine: Armenian & Middle Eastern | Kosher: No
Description: Inside a restored ancient building, Bulghourji offers rich Armenian dishes in an intimate, historic atmosphere. A quiet contrast to the nearby bustling markets.
Must Try: Armenian kebab with pomegranate molasses.
Nafoura – Middle Eastern Dining in a Historic Courtyard
Location: Jaffa Gate | Cuisine: Arab & Mediterranean | Kosher: No
Description: Nestled just inside the Old City walls, Nafoura offers flavorful Palestinian dishes in a beautiful stone courtyard lit by lanterns.
Must Try: Grilled lamb skewers and mezzes with freshly baked pita.
Ima – Traditional Kurdish and Iraqi Comfort Food
Location: Rabbi Shmuel Baruch 55 Jerusalem | Kosher: Yes
Cuisine: Kurdish & Iraqi Home Cooking
Description: Family-run since the 1970s, Ima (“mother”) serves soulful stews, stuffed vegetables, and homemade kubbeh in a welcoming local setting.
Must Try: Kubbeh hamusta (sour soup with beet and herbs) and Iraqi kebab.

Practical tips for diners

Reserve dinners, especially Thu–Sat and holiday weeks. Many hot tables open bookings 2–3 weeks out.
Kashrut: If certification matters, verify current status when booking; it can change seasonally. iTravelJerusalem
Shabbat hours: Expect closures from Friday evening to Saturday night in many areas; Mamilla/Old City tourist zones have more options open.
Market strategy: For Machane Yehuda, go daytime for classic stalls (Azura), night for chefs/bars (Machneyuda/Yudale).

Plan your evening like a local (sample routes)

Sunset walls → Mamilla terrace: Ramparts walk → Rooftop or Happy Fish.
Shuk night out: Pre-dinner cocktail → Machneyuda → dessert at a nearby stall.

Book a Jerusalem food tour with Sagi

Want a curated tasting + dinner plan that hits the best stalls and a hard-to-get table? I can arrange priority reservations, driver logistics, and VIP guidance for couples, families, and small groups. Travel. Connect. Inspire.