Palomino Jerusalem has been around for years, and it’s one of those Italian restaurants that just gets the basics right — good atmosphere, steady energy, and food that consistently delivers. What makes it more interesting is that it doesn’t feel static. There are always small changes, new dishes, and in this case, a Friday brunch that offers a completely different angle on the same kitchen.

Dinner Reel: https://www.instagram.com/debbestisrael/reel/DYxToNiscEK/
Friday Brunch Reel: https://www.instagram.com/debbestisrael/reel/DVB199wjOUd/

Palomino Jerusalem – Atmosphere & Location

Set just off Independence Park on King George Street, Palomino has a lively but comfortable atmosphere that fits the Jerusalem dining scene well. It feels energetic without being chaotic, and there’s a balance between restaurant and lounge that makes it suitable for both dinner and longer meals. The space works just as well for a casual evening as it does for a more structured brunch setting, which is part of its long-term appeal.

Friday Brunch at Palomino – Buffet & Menu Experience

The Friday brunch at Palomino offers a completely different experience while still feeling connected to the same kitchen. The buffet is generous without being overwhelming, with pasta in rosé sauce, grilled vegetables, cured salmon, salads, cheeses, breads, and homemade cherry tomato jam, which stands out as one of the meal’s highlights.

Alongside the buffet, you choose a main dish from the menu. I had the Eggs Benedict, while my friend ordered the Croque Madame, and both were well-executed and not overshadowed by the buffet format.

Dessert included chocolate cake and semolina cake. I usually avoid semolina cake, but this version was moist, light, and not overly sweet — a small detail, but one that makes a difference.

Value for Money – Palomino Brunch Price in Jerusalem

At 110 NIS per person, including two drinks, the Friday brunch offers strong value by Jerusalem standards. The variety, quality, and execution make it one of the better brunch deals in the city right now.

Dinner at Palomino – Reliable Italian Food with Standout Dishes

Dinner at Palomino has always been consistent, but what stands out over time is that it still manages to surprise with specific dishes. Alongside that, the dinner menu leans Italian with Mediterranean influences, including fresh pasta dishes, fish, salads, and sharing plates.

On my most recent visit for dinner, we started with Caesar salad and arancini, which were crispy and tasty, and were cheesier than traditional arancini. For mains, we had sea bass with gnocchi in a lemon sauce, which was very tasty, although I wanted a bit more tang. The lightly seared tuna steak might be the best I’ve had in Israel; it was cooked perfectly, so soft and full of flavor. The pistachio rigatoni was rich and comforting, and one of my favorite dishes of the night. something I haven’t really come across anywhere else in Jerusalem in the same way. It’s rich but balanced, and feels like one of those dishes that quietly defines a restaurant’s identity. I have ordered it a few times on Wolt, and can confirm that it delivers well!

We finished with a thick classic tiramisu, homemade blackcurrant gelato, and a classic herby gin cocktail.

What I like most about dinner here is that it doesn’t try to reinvent Italian food — it just executes it well, with a few standout dishes that make it memorable.

Final Thoughts on Palomino Jerusalem

What makes Palomino work is not reinvention, but consistency with small moments of surprise. It is a long-standing Italian restaurant in Jerusalem that knows exactly what it is, yet still manages to evolve just enough to stay interesting. Dinner delivers reliable favorites like the pistachio pasta and well-executed classics, while Friday brunch adds a different perspective on the same kitchen.

Palomino doesn’t need to chase trends — it succeeds by doing the fundamentals well, and occasionally reminding you there’s more to it than you expect.

For more Jerusalem restaurant reviews, see my Ultimate Guide to Eating in Jerusalem and follow Debbest on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to this newsletter for regular updates on the Foodie Israel scene.