Let's talk about food for a moment. And while we're at it, why not treat ourselves to some high-quality, fine-dining chef restaurants in the center of Jerusalem. A few years ago, the culinary scene in Jerusalem had experienced a real renaissance. From that moment on, it has taken off at such high speed that new high-end restaurants are continually springing up like mushrooms after the rain.
So with so many delicious options, how do you choose where to go? Who are the real extraordinary chefs that rule the city of Jerusalem? What do they have inside their pans and pots and on top of your plate? Here are the top 7 chef restaurants of Jerusalem that you cannot miss.
Bon Appetit!
The 02 Restaurant at Inbal Hotel
Photo: Afik Gabai 02 Restaurant (of the Jerusalem group of Moshiko Gamlieli and Itamar Navon) is a fine chef-restaurant, situated in the popular luxurious hotel Inbal. The city itself inspires both the style and the cuisine – from the fresh ingredients coming straight from the Mahane Yehuda Market to the custom of serving plentiful of huge plates at the center of the table for the enjoyment of all patrons. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, with meticulous, rich dishes with a unique aroma, all of which craft an unforgettable experience for the visitors. The vast menu includes skewers, fish and meat, local roasted vegetables, legumes, and spices. The menu was created through a cooperation between the chefs Moshiko Gamlieli, Itamar Navon, and the hotel's chef – providing the ultimate Jerusalem dining experience.
Where? Ze'ev Jabotinsky st 3, Jerusalem
Kinor Bakikar
Photo: Kinor Bakikar
Kinor Bakikar is a chic chef restaurant located at one of Jerusalem's most elegant corners – The Music Square. Chef Kobi Katani, who has worked in some of the most successful restaurants in Australia, brings a new and exciting meats menu to Jerusalem. Roast beef pizza, 6-hour Asado, salmon fish with a sunny side-up fried egg, and even a traditional Jerusalem mix dish. Perfect for a relaxing night out with your family or for an impressive business lunch. The prices are fair, the food is exciting, and the ambiance is classy. Recommendation: take a Becherovka shot as your digestif, and you're all set.
Where? 8 Ma'avar Beit Haknesset, Music Square, Jerusalem.
More City Center restaurants >>
Bein Hakshatot – Between the Arches
Photo: Bein Hakshatot Bein Hakshatot is an authentic gourmet restaurant, crafted in an authentic Jerusalem style, situated in an ancient 13th-century building. The whole place is inspired by the beautiful views of the Western Wall and the Old City, creating a remarkable antique style. The restaurant serves kosher dairy food, defined by exclusive local perks. The meals include business breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and dinners. In the menu, you'll find Focaccias with homemade dips, freshly, oven-baked pizza, pasta with beet butter and Bulgarian cheese, fish mix in Jerusalem style, and much more. Between the Archers creates a unique and unmatched experience. Where? Al Wad Hagai 174, by the Western Wall Square, Jerusalem. More Kosher Mehadrin restaurants >>
Veranda Restaurant at the David Citadel Hotel
Photo courtesy of David Citadel Hotel At the luxurious David Citadel hotel, you’ll find the exclusive chef-restaurant Veranda with a rich menu of kosher meat meals of all kinds. Meats, fish, and fresh salads are all crafted from the best and freshest ingredients from the market. The location of the restaurant is extraordinary as well, facing the Old City walls and the Tower of David, near Alrov Mamilla Boulevard and the Western Wall. Chef Kfir Misnikov composed a perfect menu that combines the Mediterranean food scene with a meticulous and precise gourmet style. The meat dishes are prepared through a thorough process of soaking, slow-cooking, smoking, and grilling, alongside a wide range of meticulous chef dishes. The highlight: large shared meat dishes that are fun to share with friends and family on special occasions, or just a pleasant and atmospheric dinner facing the Old City walls. Where? King David 7, Jerusalem
Best meat restaurants in Jerusalem >>
Modern
Photo: Courtesy of Modern Restaurant Modern Restaurant at the Israel Museum is one of the top chef restaurants in Jerusalem, thanks to its luxurious location, unique atmosphere, and, most of all – the best kosher chef kitchen in the city. The dishes in "Modern" restaurant are based on the classic Jerusalem cuisine, originating from beyond the old city walls, as well as on the warm flavors expressing the longing to far-away lands and past times. The chef of the restaurant dissembled and conjured the recipes, creating modern Jerusalem cuisine with local flavors following the season of the year. One of the innovations brought to you by Modern restaurant is the Jerusalem Tapas – original Jerusalem-style appetizers. The restaurant holds many unique traits: its pastoral view, exceptional location, plentiful and free parking next to the Jerusalem Museum, authentic and priced Jerusalem cuisines, variety of menus to suit all kinds of crowds, and an exceptional experience in arranging thousands of different events.
Where? The Israel Museum, 11 Ruppin Road, Jerusalem