This month commemorates 58 years since the reunification of Jerusalem.
Israel’s capital city has a vibrant culinary scene. Here are a few new kosher restaurants to look out for — from elegant hotel restaurants and hidden cocktail bars to lively tavernas and gourmet fried chicken joints, these seven standout spots showcase the city’s diverse flavours and inventive spirit.
Bar 22
A stylish new cocktail bar hidden behind a secret door off the lobby of the Inbal Hotel. The cocktail menu blends classics with modern flair—standouts include the clover club, secret garden, and a bold spicy margarita—while the food features Mediterranean and international dishes like roasted cauliflower, beef carpaccio, and entrecôte skewers. With rich desserts and a well-rounded menu, Bar 22 is a refined addition to Jerusalem’s dining scene, ideal for cocktail lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
More info here.
Cafe Ramban
Located on the ground floor of the recently opened Ramban Hotel—a boutique hotel by the Machneyuda group — this dairy restaurant welcomes both hotel guests and visitors. Mornings feature an a la carte breakfast menu, while the afternoon and evening menus highlight creative Middle Eastern-inspired fish and dairy dishes.
More info here.
Hamigdal
At first glance, Hamigdal is a small self-service cafe at the entrance to the Tower of David Museum. At closer inspection, it is so much more. The sweet pastries are brought in from the hugely popular Harim Bakery outside Jerusalem, while the savoury pastries, salads and sandwiches are made on site. The indoor seating is limited, but the real gem is the terrace above the cafe, with spectacular views of Jaffa Gate and its surroundings.
More info here.
Janjariya
The meat restaurant of the Ramban Hotel by the Machneyuda Group, has an ever-changing menu with bold, inventive dishes. Starters like sourdough with olive oil-honey dip, and raw and smoked tuna brioche impressed, while mains ranged from fennel shisk barak to steak hache and a phenomenal aged prime rib steak. Desserts were just as creative, with standouts like olive oil chocolate mousse and spiced carrot cake with Baharat ice cream. Unique flavours and top-tier meat.
More info here.
Roost Fried Chicken (Harav Rubin)
A fried chicken fast food restaurant with a large seating area in the suburb of Ramat Eshkol. The menu features a selection of fried chicken sandwiches, healthier salads, as well as sides and snacks Highlights include sticky Buffalo Kung Fu wings, and addictive chicken Poppers with chipotle maple glaze. Lighter options like the Southern quinoa bowl round out the menu, with crispy battered fries and nostalgic Rice Crispy treats on the side. It’s bold, satisfying, there’s a delivery service and select dishes are also served at Hatch in the Shuk.
More info here.
Salon Yevani (Mehadrin)
A taverna in The First Station that serves delicious authentic Greek dairy and fish dishes. With warm lighting, stylish decor, and live Greek music, the atmosphere quickly turns festive — look out for napkin-waving and spontaneous dancing.
Standout dishes include feta cream with honey and pistachios, crispy halloumi with cherry tomato jam, whole sea bass and Kaimaki ice cream. More info here.
Tzemah
The Machneyuda Group‘s vegetarian restaurant near Shuk Mahane Yehuda is now kosher. Tzemah serves a vibrant brunch experience with several dishes from the evening menu. The evening menu includes signature dishes such as the Machneyuda polenta, aubergine (egg plant) brulée and Jerusalem’s bread pudding with sour cream aioli and za’atar.
More info here.
Debbie Kandel is a food and travel writer and founder of Debbest Israel. More info on her tailor-made tasting tours of Shuk Machane Yehuda here.
