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Jerusalem food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Jerusalem.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
What to eat in Jerusalem
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Shakshuka
$8–$12
Eggs poached in a rich, spicy tomato and pepper sauce, often seasoned with cumin and paprika. It's a hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch staple that's perfect for scooping up with challah.
Where to try: Lina Restaurant (Old City, Muslim Quarter)
Knafeh
$5–$8
A decadent dessert made with shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) or semolina, layered with cheese (often nabulsi or akkawi) and soaked in a sweet sugar syrup. The contrast of salty cheese and sweet syrup is unforgettable.
Where to try: Abu Shukri (Old City, Muslim Quarter)
Falafel
$4–$7
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, seasoned with herbs and spices. Jerusalem's falafel is renowned for its fluffy interior and crispy exterior, best served in a pita with tahini and fresh salad.
Where to try: Mifgash Ha'esh (Mahane Yehuda Market)
Sabich
$6–$9
A rich sandwich featuring fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, amba (a tangy mango pickle sauce), and salad, all stuffed into a fluffy pita. It's a complex and satisfying vegetarian delight.
Where to try: Sabich Frishman 46 (various locations, originally from Tel Aviv but popular in Jerusalem)
Kubbeh Matfuneh
$15–$22
A hearty stew featuring large, meat-filled dumplings made of bulgur wheat and minced meat, simmered in a rich, often beetroot-based broth. It's a traditional and warming dish, especially popular in cooler months.
Where to try: Hashtag (Mahane Yehuda Market)
Malabi
$3–$5
A creamy, chilled milk pudding flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water, typically topped with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of pomegranate syrup. It's a light and fragrant dessert.
Where to try: Any local bakery or dessert stall, especially around the Old City.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Mahane Yehuda Market (The Shuk)
Bustling, vibrant, chaotic
Street FoodFresh ProduceLate Night Bites
Old City
Historic, spiritual, traditional
Authentic FlavorsQuick BitesCultural Immersion
German Colony
Chic, European-influenced, relaxed
Upscale DiningCafesPeople Watching
Nachlaot
Bohemian, charming, local
Hidden GemsSmall EateriesLocal Atmosphere
Dietary notes
The cuisine is incredibly vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with many staple dishes like falafel, hummus, and sabich being naturally plant-based. However, many traditional meat dishes are also prevalent, especially during holidays.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary: 10-15% is standard in restaurants and cafes for table service.
- •While credit cards are widely accepted, it's wise to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors in the Old City and Mahane Yehuda Market.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, particularly on weekends.
- •Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (covering shoulders and knees).
- •Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) sees many businesses, including some eateries, closed or operating on limited hours.
Plan the rest of your Jerusalem trip
Food guides elsewhere