We were in a group of 24 people--and were treated as individuals...our waiters, two young boys, were absolutely wonderful! the lemonade and pita bread kept coming and coming without even asking,. the food was so good!! one might think one was in Morocco due to the atmosphere..,...
- Price $$$$
- See Menu
- See Kosher Chart
- Reservation Needed
- Mehadrin
- Accessibility
- Infant Friendly
- Ready-Made Food
The meaning of Authenticity
Darna restaurant is practically a dream come true. In Moroccan Arabic, the word darna means our home, and for those of you who enjoy spicy North African food, Darna is indeed anything a home ought to be. Located in the heart of Jerusalem in a beautiful 200-year-old building by Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, the restaurant offers an authentic kosher lemehadrin Moroccan cuisine. Since its opening, the restaurant staff has been committed to preserving the Moroccan culture of hospitality while focusing on culinary excellence. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you will begin a journey in time, space and delicious tastes. You will immediately be drawn to the old craft of ancient tribes that conquered Morocco and had fallen for her culinary magic.
What’s on the Menu?
The recommended dishes at the restaurant include unique fish pastilla, a variety of couscous dishes with meat or vegetables, traditional tagine dishes and sweet Moroccan fruit desserts.
Private events
Darna restaurant accommodates private events of up to 200 guests during summer and 168 guests during winter. This is the perfect place for festive meals, milestone celebrations, hennas, weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs. Those interested in celebrating outside the restaurant can take advantage of Darna’s professional and experienced catering service anywhere in Israel.
The secret wine cellar
One of Darna’s most exciting treasures is its wine cellar. Hidden behind a secret door is a fairytale wine cellar packed with the best boutique wines from the finest kosher wineries in Israel. Right next to the cellar is a magical arched hall used as a wine-tasting room where guests are welcome to enjoy the restaurant’s best dishes accompanied by quality wine from Darna’s boutique collection.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 231 traveler reviews“We just had the most enjoyable meal at Darna.”
The owner of the restaurant selected all of our dishes. We started off with a 12 plate appetizer selection that had so many interesting flavors. I especially loved the stuffed artichokes. The were perfectly cooked. We then continued with an amazing leg of lamb with cous cous. ...
MoreThe owner of the restaurant selected all of our dishes. We started off with a 12 plate appetizer selection that had so many interesting flavors. I especially loved the stuffed artichokes. The were perfectly cooked. We then continued with an amazing leg of lamb with cous cous. The final desert was a filo dough which was topped with sugar and cinnamon along with mint tea. Delicious! The place is decorated with authentic Moroccan decor as if you are in someone's home. I hope we will one day return.
Less“Thanks to Trip Advisor”
If you only knew what you saw from the street, you'd never go in this place. And, you would miss a memorable dinner! We went because of the Trip Advisor reviews. Great family dinner (3 adult siblings) with food and wine recommended and impeccably served by the maitre 'd. ...
MoreIf you only knew what you saw from the street, you'd never go in this place. And, you would miss a memorable dinner! We went because of the Trip Advisor reviews. Great family dinner (3 adult siblings) with food and wine recommended and impeccably served by the maitre 'd. Amazingly tender and delicious Lamb shoulder. Not for the budget conscious, but definitely worth the price. Actually a very good value for the quality of the experience.
Less“Pretentious and EXPENSIVE !”
I was in three Moroccan restaurants: in Paris, in Marrakesh (Morocco) and in, well, Jerusalem. Sorry to say it, but, the Jerusalem one was a disappointment. The food is over-spiced and for an European, it is a little difficult. I like oriental spices, but to a limit. Well, at Darna, it was.....limitless !!!!! Most...
MoreI was in three Moroccan restaurants: in Paris, in Marrakesh (Morocco) and in, well, Jerusalem. Sorry to say it, but, the Jerusalem one was a disappointment. The food is over-spiced and for an European, it is a little difficult. I like oriental spices, but to a limit. Well, at Darna, it was.....limitless !!!!! Most of the food is sweet because the fruits they use - raisins, dates, dry plums, etc. One has the feeling it is a dessert but not a main dish. Add to this all kinds of strong spices, smelly and strange taste, you don't know what to enjoy (if at all!) first. And, the prices ! Really over priced !!! Each side dish,bread and even the traditional tea or coffee (in Oriental restaurants) cost money. And MUCH !!!!! On the other hand, the service is very good. I have been explained by a Jewish - Moroccan friend, that the Jewish cuisine differs from the Moslem one, by the addition of sweet ingredients - like dry fruits , hoping for a better and sweet life. This may be a legend or a true fact, but , the Darna experience was too much for me. I will return to the Paris restaurant, where the Moroccan food is mildly spiced, side dishes,bread and tea or coffee are an integral part of the meal. And the price is more than affordable.
Less“A great place with atmosphere”
“Disappointent”
Last visit was two years ago and we returned two weeks ago again. It was cold outside but also inside. The plates were freezing cold which was of course not good for the food. The waitress did not react on our remark about it. Since there were only a few guests they did not...
MoreLast visit was two years ago and we returned two weeks ago again. It was cold outside but also inside. The plates were freezing cold which was of course not good for the food. The waitress did not react on our remark about it. Since there were only a few guests they did not bother to light the candle on the table. We were disappointed about the quality of the food and we were surprised about the high bill.
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