- Price $$$$
- 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 277 traveler reviews
We did not have a good evening in this restaurant. The service was poor, no eye contact, no smile, no interest. We ordered two different dishes but when they arrived they looked practically the same and tasted the same. We were given some free biscuits to take away with us when...
MoreWe did not have a good evening in this restaurant. The service was poor, no eye contact, no smile, no interest. We ordered two different dishes but when they arrived they looked practically the same and tasted the same. We were given some free biscuits to take away with us when we complained, but it did not compensate for a very expensive meal that we did not enjoy.
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My husband and I had dinner here one night while in Jerusalem. We walked into a beautifully decorated and intimate space. We were warmly greeted and taken to our table in a cozy corner under arched ceilings — it made us feel like we were guests in a Moroccan home. After sharing with our...
MoreMy husband and I had dinner here one night while in Jerusalem. We walked into a beautifully decorated and intimate space. We were warmly greeted and taken to our table in a cozy corner under arched ceilings — it made us feel like we were guests in a Moroccan home. After sharing with our server (wish we could remember her name) that we had never had Moroccan food and asking for her help, she proceeded to ask us a couple of questions on what we liked. We asked her to surprise us with “real” Moroccan delights and she delivered! We had the lamb tagine — sliced lamb, vegetables, fruits, nuts and wonderful spices — cooked and served in a beautiful clay dome shaped cookware. It was so delicious! We also had the vegetable couscous and a delicious wine. For dessert we had the Moroccan cookies. We highly recommend this romantic restaurant—you must not miss it!
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First off, this restaurant has a Mehuderet hechsher, which for a person who tries to only eat Mehadrin hechshers, means that it is a good idea to speak directly with the mashgiach to clarify the overall kashrut standard. After speaking with the mashgiach, my particular standards were satisfied, although he did tell me the...
MoreFirst off, this restaurant has a Mehuderet hechsher, which for a person who tries to only eat Mehadrin hechshers, means that it is a good idea to speak directly with the mashgiach to clarify the overall kashrut standard. After speaking with the mashgiach, my particular standards were satisfied, although he did tell me the hashgacha of the meat can change from day to day. The food is different than most other Israeli restaurants I have been to, which already is a nice start. It is not inexpensive, but for a special night out, it is also not crazy. I would say the food is pretty tasty overall, but the main attraction for this restaurant is clearly its presentation as well as the extremely personal and attentive customer service. The restaurant is situated in an old Arab style building and the decor is authentically Moroccan. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted very warmly by the hostess and the owner himself took our order and essentially dictated to us (politely) what we were to order. He promised we would be satisfied with his suggestions and we were. Towards the end of the meal, the owner came and sat with us for a few minutes which added to the already spectacular display of caring for their customers. I would happily return for other special occasions.
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