Jerusalem is a hilltop city of about 1 million people in the Judean Mountains, sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Its walled Old City holds the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount) with the Dome of the Rock, while West Jerusalem offers the Mahane Yehuda market, Israel Museum and Yad Vashem, and East Jerusalem has Palestinian-run neighbourhoods, markets and the Mount of Olives.
Jerusalem cooking blends Palestinian, Mizrahi (Iraqi, Kurdish, Yemenite, Moroccan), Ashkenazi and Armenian traditions. Hummus, falafel, sabich, kubbeh soup, stuffed vegetables, knafeh and rugelach are everyday dishes. West Jerusalem restaurants are mostly kosher and shut from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, while Old City and East Jerusalem restaurants (many Palestinian-run) stay open on Shabbat.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Jerusalem.
Hummus with fuul
Warm chickpea paste with fava beans and olive oil
Where to try: Abu Shukri, Hummus Ben Sira
Price: 30-50 ILS (approx $10-17)
Kubbeh soup
Semolina dumplings stuffed with meat in a beet or lemon broth
Where to try: Azura, Rachmo
Price: 50-70 ILS (approx $17-23)
Sabich
Pita with fried eggplant, egg, tahini and amba
Where to try: Mahane Yehuda stalls
Price: 25-40 ILS (approx $8-13)
Knafeh and mutabbaq
Warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup
Where to try: Zalatimo Sweets, Muslim Quarter bakeries
Price: 15-30 ILS (approx $5-10)
Chocolate rugelach
Small rolled pastries filled with chocolate
Where to try: Marzipan Bakery
Price: 40 ILS per box (approx $13)
Shakshuka
Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce
Where to try: Tmol Shilshom, Caffit
Price: 45-65 ILS (approx $15-21)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Armenian
Bistro
Israeli Cafe
Italian
Viennese Cafe
Food tours & tastings in Jerusalem
Eat your way through Jerusalem with a guide.
Browse food experiences in JerusalemWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Falafel
Fried chickpea balls in pita with salads
Find it at: Mahane Yehuda and Old City stalls
Ka'ak (Jerusalem bagel)
Sesame bread ring with za'atar, sold from carts
Find it at: Damascus Gate and Old City
Fresh pomegranate juice
Pressed to order at street carts
Find it at: Old City lanes
Halva
Sesame sweet sold by weight
Find it at: Mahane Yehuda stalls
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Produce, spices, bakeries and evening bars
Hours: Sun-Thu 8:00AM-7:00PM, Fri to about 3:00PM, closed Sat
Muslim Quarter Souk
Spice stalls, sweets and bakeries on Al-Wad Road
Hours: Daily about 8:00AM-6:00PM
First Station Farmers Market
Weekly artisan and food market at the restored train station
Hours: Typically Thursday afternoons and Fridays; check firststation.co.il
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reserve ahead for Friday lunch at West Jerusalem restaurants; many close at 3:00PM on Friday.
Kosher restaurants separate meat and dairy; menus state which.
Tipping is 10-15% in sit-down restaurants and is often not added to the bill.
Old City cafes and Palestinian restaurants stay open on Saturday.
- Vegetarian
- Excellent; hummus, falafel, sabich and shakshuka are vegetarian.
- Vegan
- Easy with hummus, falafel and salads; ask about ghee in pastries.
- Gluten free
- Available at larger restaurants; say 'bli gluten'.
- Halal
- Most Muslim Quarter and East Jerusalem restaurants are halal.
- Kosher
- Most West Jerusalem restaurants and all hotels are kosher.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 40-80 ILS (approx $13-26) per meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | 100-180 ILS (approx $33-59) | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | 300-600 ILS (approx $98-197) | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |