A Summary of the Best Cafes and Diners to Eat on Shabbat in Jerusalem.
It is a myth that no great places are open to eat on Saturday / Shabbat in Jerusalem. You have to know where to find them. In addition to more formal restaurants, there is also a good selection for those who want a cafe or diner in Jerusalem on Shabbat. The order of this list is based purely on my personal preference and is by no means all-inclusive, but I would be happy to hear your feedback. Here is my choice of cafes open on Shabbat in Jerusalem:
Click here to read an earlier post about takeaway and fast food places open on Shabbat.
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Barood
A bistro located in Feingold Courtyard off Yaffo Street.
Barood, 31 Yaffo Street, 02 625 9081
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Cafe Bastet
A small vegetarian cafe on the edge of the Russian Compound that serves as a focal point for the LGBTQ community in Jerusalem. The cafe is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Cafe Bastet, 5 Heleni Hamalka Street, 02 970 1710
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Cafe Bezalel
During the week, this tiny café is filled with students from the nearby Bezalel art school, and at the weekend, it is a popular cafe for locals to while away the day. The limited menu offers traditional Israeli breakfast options, such as shakshuka, as well as more unusual choices like a croissant filled with Gouda and Croque Madame (served with smoked goose instead of bacon). The coffee is also really nice and strong!
Cafe Bezalel, 8 Bezalel Street, 02 625 9164 – closed Friday night
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Cafe Sira
This small pavement cafe in the city center is always busy on Shabbat with students and other locals. The menu includes a variety of breakfast options, salads, and sandwiches. Here is the full Cafe Sira English menu.
Cafe Sira – Ben Sira 1, 02 672 8732 – closed Friday night
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Foccacia Bar
Somewhat of an institution among locals and tourists alike, Focaccia Bar is usually busy on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The restaurant features an interesting layout, complete with a large, covered courtyard. The menu is varied, featuring several traditional European and American dishes, as well as various Middle Eastern options.
Focaccia Bar, 4 Rabbi Akiva Street, 02 625 6428 – full English menu
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Karma
If you want a change of scenery on Shabbat, Ein Kerem is the perfect option. Be warned that all the places are bustling at the weekend, s either book in advance or be prepared to wait. Parking is also limited, and fines are issued on Shabbat in Ein Kerem. There are many places to choose from, but Karma always seems to be the most consistent day and night. The menu is incredibly diverse, and the castle-like building has a great terrace with a view over the scenic village.
Karma, 74 Ein Kerem Street, 02 643 6643
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Menza
Although Menza is popular in the evening, I also like the daytime menu, which includes classic dishes like Croque Madame for breakfast and Milanesa Veal Schnitzel and Corned Beef Sandwich for lunch.
The bistro-style menu offers a pleasant balance of Mediterranean-inspired and continental crowd-pleasers executed at a gourmet level and creative concoctions that you’d expect at a high-end chef restaurant. It also offers a selection of original and classic cocktails and wines to suit every budget.
Menza, 10 Bezalel Street, 02 625 5222
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Mala Bistro
Opposite Karma in Ein Kerem is Mala Bistro, a small French-style bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Signature dishes include mushroom polenta, chopped lamb shakshuka, entrecote burger, and shrimp in
Mala Bistro – Ha-Ma’ayan St 1, 053 942 4673
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Mazkeka
A cafe and bar in a music venue near the Jerusalem Municipality. During the day, the cafe serves Sybaris coffee, fresh salads, Khachapuri, and pizza. At night, it transforms into a bar and live music venue.
Mazkeka, 3 Shoshan Street, 02 582 2090
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P2
P2 is an Italian cafe serving pizza and pasta, with the option for gluten-free dough and vegan cheese. They also offer a DIY pizza kit, which includes three portions of dough and several toppings, allowing people to make fresh pizza at home without having to make the dough themselves.
P2, 36 Keren Hayesod & 8 Shatz – closed Friday
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Pizza by Chakra
A pizzeria owned by Chakra’s owners, Pizza by Chakra serves a range of classic pizzas. The menu features side salads and Italian desserts, including tiramisu and affogato. The pizza lives up to the hype and is even delicious when delivered.
Pizza by Chakra, 39 Hillel Street, 077 980 0427
Wine Bar
A local wine bar in Rehavia that is very popular on Friday nights. The bar food menu includes a selection of salads, paninis, cheese platters, and cold meat platters. Most of the wines are available in glass or by the bottle.
Wine Bar, 28 Azza Street
There are many other places throughout the city, including many in the Old City and East Jerusalem, such as Austrian Hospice, Cloves Restaurant, Taboon Wine Bar, Lamsa (previously Borderline), and Pasha’s in Sheikh Jarrah.
Here are some other posts about where to eat in Jerusalem on Shabbat:
- Open on Shabbat? Where to eat in Jerusalem
- Top Ten Friday Night Restaurants in Jerusalem
- Friday Night Bars in Jerusalem
- Shabbat in Jerusalem – Fast Food
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Categories: Brunch, Not Kosher, Top 10
Great recommendations, thank you! Had to chuckle at “As with many places in Jerusalem, the hype is normally better than the reality.” I’ve certainly found this to be true! (But still, there are plenty of great restaurants in Jerusalem that I’ll miss when I’m gone!)
And we keep saying we will explore some places together. Let’s make a plan before you go!
thanks!
I think it might be time to update this entry. Just starting at the top – Zuni is no longer 24/7, and they deliver through Wolt. Your posts are usually the most informative, so I usually prefer them to the restaurant list ones.
Thanks Sharon. I updated it.