Modern

The Israel Museum in Jerusalem, already one of the country’s top cultural institutions, has upgraded its presence in the culinary arts as well, with a new restaurant, Modern. The concept establishment, which is modeled after the works of influential 20th-century Dutch painter Mondrian, is quite large and can accommodate private events on its 600-square-meter terrace.

In the kitchen, Chef Yaniv Luzon whips up interesting new spins on the traditional Jerusalem cuisine, sprucing up the familiar flavors with modern cooking techniques. Among the excellent main dishes are the lamb kebab with lemon tahini and tabouli salad; the lamb osso bucco with root vegetables, pearl barley, and red wine; the beef sofrito with potatoes, beef gravy and chopped parsley; and the succulent salmon fillet with lentil ragu and pickled lemons. The selection of wines is quite impressive, and it should be a breeze to find a bottle to pair with your dinner. There is also a business lunch menu, and visitors to the museum can opt to take a food-themed tour of the exhibitions. Jazz nights and wine tastings take place on a fairly frequent basis.

It is important to emphasize that unlike the restaurants in the museum’s previous incarnations, Modern is accessible to all and does not require that you buy a ticket. According to one of the owners, Zafrir Ginsburg, the new restaurant “offers an experience that combines products of uncompromising quality, a local menu with modern styles and flavors, while visiting one of the most highly regarded museums in the country.”