A selection of the best kosher restaurants in Jerusalem.

While there are some very good kosher restaurants all around Israel, especially some hidden gems in the North, the majority of the best kosher restaurant dining experiences are in Jerusalem. Here is a list of my top ten must-try kosher restaurants in Jerusalem. If you want recommendations from all over Israel, here is my Top 10 Kosher Restaurants in Israel list and for cheaper options in Jerusalem, take a look at my guide to Street Food in the Jerusalem Shuk.

1. JACKO’S STREET

It will be no surprise to anybody that knows me personally or follows this blog that Jacko’s Street is my favorite restaurant in Israel (not just kosher ones) and will always be top on my list of recommendations. It is my go-to place for taking out-of-town guests and even those who don’t eat kosher are impressed by the creativity of the menu and energetic atmosphere in the restaurant – it epitomizes the expression “fun-dining”.

The menu is a Middle Eastern fusion, with many dishes offering an elevated version of traditional home-style recipes. My favorite starters are the Moroccan Cigar (NIS 64), Asado Bruschetta (NIS 66) and the Red Tuna Fricasse (NIS 58) and for mains, I normally order the Gourmet Burger (NIS 78) or the Entrecote (NIS 148) but the Fish Fillet and Whole Sea Bream are also delicious options. After 9 pm the music is lively so if that is not what you are looking for, either go early or find somewhere else.

Jacko’s Street, 74 Agripas Street, 02 581 7178 – full review.

2. ROOFTOP, MAMILLA HOTEL

For the ultimate “Jerusalem” setting, Rooftop Restaurant, Mamilla Hotel is a must.  The view over the Old City is incomparable and the menu is always fresh and interesting with mostly Mediterranean dishes with a Middle Eastern influence.

I love the Iron-Rich Herb Salad (NIS 48), Beef Tartare (NIS 68) and Grouper Shawarma (NIS 74) starters. For main I cannot resist the Entrecote (NIS 160) as it is one of my favorites in Jerusalem, but the Roast Goose Breast (NIS 134) and Catch of the Day (NIS 132) are also great dishes. The service is slightly hit or miss but the view and quality of the food make it worthwhile.

Rooftop, Mamilla Hotel, 02 548 2230 – full review.

3. BLACK IRON

Black Iron is a steakhouse bar with a menu focused on Wagyu beef with a few grilled chicken, fish, and vegetable options to go with it. The steaks were juicy and flavorful, especially the fillet, entrecote and rump steak. I would like to see more vegetable side dishes and a variety of sauces to accompany the steaks but the meat itself was very flavorful.)

Black Iron, 80 Agripas Street, 053 611 2106 

4. 1868

1868 offers an interesting and diverse menu with a combination of European charm and Jerusalem history. It is a perfect location for visitors looking for a meal in an authentic Jerusalem setting. There is also the option to order from the extensive cocktail menu at Zuta, which is located at the back of the restaurant (click here of full review of Zuta).

1868, 10 King David Street, 02 622 2312 – full review.

5. JLM SUSHI

Jerusalem has very few good sushi restaurants so it is refreshing that JLM Sushi offers simple, clean sushi, where the focus is on the quality of the fish. Despite the name, it is more of a Japanese bar than a sushi restaurant, with a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi. Recommended dishes are the veal short ribs steamed buns served with a barbecue plum sauce and pickled carrots (NIS 24) and Japanese take on Caesar salad (NIS 46). The coconut crème brulee with fresh mango (NIS 35) is the best parve crème brulee I have tasted, and I am a huge fan of crème brulee.

JLM Sushi, 10 King David Street, 02 622 2312 – full review .

6. 02 RESTAURANT  

The menu features traditional Jerusalem dishes with a modern twist. The starters are designed for sharing while the mains include both meat and fish options. The decor is very modern but with warm tones which creates a welcoming atmosphere and there is outdoor seating with a view of the Old City. There is also a private room for up to 10 people.

 02 Restaurant, Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, Ma’avar Beit HaKnes 8, 02 675 6649 – full review.

7. KINOR BAKIKAR 

This restaurant is especially great during the summer when you can sit out in the courtyard and enjoy live music. The menu has a few interesting dishes such as the charcuterie platter starter and the prime rib main course.

Kinor Bakikar (Mehuderet), Kikar Hamusica, 8 Ma’avar Beit HaKnes Street, 02 994 4902.

8. HATZOT

This popular steakiah (meat grill) has a separate takeaway window along with street-side tables.  The extensive takeaway menu includes their famous Jerusalem mixed grill and my personal favorite, succulent pargit (NIS 54 in laffa), both with their secret spice mix. There is also a selection of salads and main courses in takeaway containers if you are extra hungry or don’t want bread.

Hatzot, 121 Agripas Street, 073-7584204 – English menu.

9. VILLA BROWN

I am reluctant to include Villa Brown in this post because part of the charm is how quiet it is sitting in the beautiful courtyard, so close to the city center. The brunch costs NIS 120 per person and includes a choice of the main dish (omelet, burekas, green shakshuka) and unlimited refills on the delicious dips, salads, pastries, and drinks. They also serve afternoon tea which I haven’t had a chance to try.

Villa Brown (Tzohar),54 Ha’Neviim Street, 02 501 1555.

10. DWINY

The concept at Dwiny is open or closed sandwiches so each dish can be ordered either inside a pillowy fresh pita or on top of a small toasted pita bruschetta style.  All the ingredients are fresh and interesting with fillings including seared entrecote, osso buco, fried red mullet, and crispy cauliflower.  My favorite dishes are the Entrecote pita (NIS 38) and the Lamb Siniya with tahina and pickled lemon (NIS 42). You cannot reserve a place and there are only about 30 seats but if you don’t mind waiting, you can normally find a place.

Dwiny Pita Bar, 6 Beit Ya’akov Street, 050 474 2428 – English menu.

Other great kosher restaurants that didn’t quite make the list are Angelica and Touro.

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