Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Jerusalem

The brainchild of three master chefs- Uri Navon, Assaf Granite and Yossi Elad, Machneyuda Restaurant is creating quite a buzz in the Jerusalem's culinary world. On offer here is exotic Middle Eastern cuisine with modern interpretations. Use of high quality ingredients and authentic spices guarantee great flavors that are sure to tantalize those taste buds. Unusually loud, the restaurant offers a cheerful atmosphere that resonates with its market place location. Beef tartar with lamb yogurt, Polenta made with truffle oil and the Sea Bass served with Swiss chard are some of the highly recommended dishes here.

Piccolino is an Italian eatery, located in a charming old world style building, with a grand architectural style. The interiors are tastefully done with hues of brown, beige and enhanced by brick walls, making the whole place seem as if its straight out of a story book. Delectable dishes like Piccolino salad and Salmon cannelloni are served in delicate glassware; you can call for a glass of delicious drink, that would only enhance the taste of the meals. There are special brunch and breakfast menus available, too. The place has spaces that can rented out, so you can book them and host your special celebrations, at this beautifully done up eatery. Be it the elegant dining hall or the scenic terrace, an evening at Piccolino will surely be memorable.

This bookstore/restaurant is a cozy hide-away for any booklover. It is located in an inner courtyard of one of Jerusalem's first neighbourhoods outside the Old City walls. Other than used books, Tmol Shilshom offers a variety of tasty and unique dishes. There are special evening lectures with local authors and poets, scheduled throughout each month. There are also weekly excursions in the Jerusalem region on Friday mornings. A detailed itinerary can be obtained at the store or at it's website. The cafe is gay owned and gay friendly.

Located in the bustling Iraqi market which is a part of the famous Machane Yehuda market, Azura is a middle-eastern restaurant serving a range of traditional dishes. This cozy restaurant is very popular with the working crowd at the market, especially during lunch hour. Some of their show stopper dishes like shakshuka, kebabs and kubeh, have attracted a lot of foodies, and invite you to treat your palate to them too! A quiet eatery, set in a bustling market place, is your escape from the noise and into a peaceful atmosphere.

La Regence might fool you into thinking you're stepping into a French restaurant, but here is where one comes for pure authentic Jewish dining. Gracing the walls of The King David Hotel, this homely yet fine place offers amazing grilled food, being a grill room, that comes as no surprise. What is surprising is that the choice here is so vast and gets delicious by the bite. Try their specialties which include, the homemade potato and chive puree, which tastes divine with their delectable lamb cutlets. Made with fresh local ingredients and a mix and match of perfect herbs and well marinated meats, this place is a diners delight. Call ahead for hours.

This Jerusalem staple has been a downtown favorite for many travelers and music lovers. Listen to music genres ranging from jazz, blues and acoustic folk to improvisational grooves. Bands like Not Yo Mama, Blue Greene Quartet and Extentra Electric Blues have played here. There are many places to unwind at this bar, both inside and in the spacious outdoor patio. Sports enthusiasts head here to watch important tournaments broadcast on their television screens. Catch live action in games like rugby, soccer, football, basketball, hockey and baseball. The happy hour drinks, kosher food and a mix of Mexican and American snacks keep patrons coming back for more.