The annual Open Restaurants festival is, without doubt, a highlight for Jerusalem based foodies and often attracts visitors from all over the country. The festival takes place 13-17 November 2018 and includes tours, cookery demonstrations and tastings for all the family. Prices for the events range from NIS 30-300 per person, but there are a number of talks that are free of charge but require advance booking.

This year’s English speaking events include From Spain to Jerusalem at HaSchena Bar (Kosher);  A monks’ restaurant at Church of St. John in Ein Kerem; For Dedicated Carnivores at Argento Empanadas Bashuk (Kosher); La Nuit des Croissants at Confectioner David Laor (Kosher) and A Night at the Holy City (Kosher). Information on all English speaking events can be found here.

Kid’s events include a children’s tour of the shuk, chocolate making and a story reading and kids meal.

Some of the events are repeats from last year but among the new workshops are The Breakfast Club at R&R Diner; Israeli wine tasting and Tapas at  Mamilla Hotel (Kosher); The Knights of the Red Table at Adom Restaurant; From Mother’s Kitchen to Chef’s Restaurant at Jacko’s Street, and From Challah to Za’atar at Yudale.

Last year I was lucky enough to attend an amazing cocktail workshop at HaSadna and a Mimouma workshop by Chef Avi Levy at Hamotzi. Neither of these workshops are being repeated, but this year I am looking forward to attending the An Ocean of Flavor at the Israel Aquarium and Bon Voyage at Alliance House, and possibly some others.

Full details of all events can be found on the Open Restaurants website and I hope to see some fellow foodies at the events.

Open Restaurants Jerusalem | Photo by Tomer Foltyn Photography