Vibrant Soho restaurant serving contemporary Jerusalem cuisine with Mediterranean and North African influences. Zinc bar seating, open kitchen, and energetic atmosphere create unforgettable dining experience.
The Palomar at 34 Rupert Street in Soho serves contemporary Jerusalem-style cooking with influences from the Mediterranean and North Africa. The kitchen takes inspiration from the diverse food traditions of modern Jerusalem, including Levantine, Ottoman, Sephardic and Yemenite flavours, and presents them as lively sharing plates with bold seasoning.
The listing highlights polenta Jerusalem-style and kubaneh bread. Kubaneh is a slow-baked Yemenite Jewish bread served with grated tomato and tahini, and it has become one of the restaurant's most talked-about dishes. Other menu staples tend to include hummus, grilled meats, seafood, tahini-rich sauces, charred vegetables and desserts such as knafeh. The drinks list includes cocktails, Israeli and Mediterranean wines and arak.
The room is compact and energetic. The most sought-after seats are along the zinc-topped bar, which faces the open kitchen and lets diners watch chefs at work. Music and conversation make the room loud, and the mood is festive rather than formal. Dress is casual to smart-casual.
The listing shows opening Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner, though bar seating is typically held for walk-ins, making it a practical option for shorter-notice visits. The restaurant is central, a short walk from Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, so it suits pre-theatre meals and group dinners in the West End.
Prices are mid-range for central London, and sharing several dishes is the intended format. Vegetarian diners have a wide selection, since many plates are built around vegetables, legumes and tahini, which makes the menu easy to navigate for mixed groups. Visitors are advised to check the latest opening hours, menu and booking conditions directly with the venue before travelling, since restaurants in the United Kingdom adjust them seasonally and around public holidays and local events. Dishes arrive as they are ready from the kitchen rather than in strict courses, so sharing and ordering in waves is the best approach, and staff are used to guiding first-time visitors through portion sizes and spice levels.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday-Saturday 12:00-14:30, 17:30-23:00 |
| Reservations | Recommended for dinner |
| Address | 34 Rupert Street, Soho, London W1D 6DN |
Signature dishes
- Polenta Jerusalem style — $12
- Kubaneh bread — $8
Location
34 Rupert Street, Soho, London W1D 6DN
51.5125, -0.1330 View on map
Highlights
- Contemporary Jerusalem cooking in Soho
- Kubaneh bread with tahini and grated tomato
- Zinc bar seating facing the open kitchen
- Sharing plates suited to groups
- Strong vegetarian choice
Tips for visiting
- Reserve for dinner; bar seats often take walk-ins.
- Order kubaneh early, as it is a signature dish.
- Share several plates between two or more diners.
- Sit at the bar for a view of the kitchen.
- Expect noise at peak times.
When to visit
Weekday lunch for calm; Friday and Saturday evenings for the full buzz.
Accessibility
The venue is a busy Soho restaurant with bar seating that may involve high stools. Visitors needing step-free access or alternative seating should confirm with the restaurant.
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Frequently asked questions
What cuisine is it?
Contemporary Jerusalem-style cooking with Mediterranean and North African influences.
What is kubaneh?
A slow-baked Yemenite Jewish bread served with grated tomato and tahini, and one of the restaurant's best-known dishes.
Can I walk in?
Bar seats are often available to walk-ins, though dinner reservations are recommended.
Is it vegetarian-friendly?
Yes. Many dishes are built around vegetables and legumes.