Many assume that when visiting Jerusalem, it’s going to be hard to find good places to eat on Shabbat.  While the variety of options for eating out is certainly slimmer than the rest of the week, there are still some amazing, high-end restaurants sprinkled around the city that feature creative menus and a great atmosphere.  The selection of restaurants listed below are a selection of some of the best fine dining in Jerusalem, and we’re certain you’ll be wowed by your meal at any of these places. (It’s important to note that most of these restaurants will require reservations, especially on Shabbat!)  

Smadar - German Colony

I’m starting off with one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Jerusalem, located in the old Lev Smadar movie house in the German Colony neighborhood.  Nestled away on a small residential street off of Emek Refaim, the main drag of the German Colony, Smadar is an Italian-Israeli bistro with a rotating menu of seasonal dishes, featuring homemade pastas, fresh fish and meat dishes.  Smadar also has an expansive wine list, and a classic cocktail menu as well.  The restaurant is decorated with classic red and white checkered tablecloths, and everything about the atmosphere is sweet and romantic.  

Address: 4 Lloyd Street, Jerusalem

Phone Number: +972-2-544-3666

Talbiye - Talbiye Neighborhood

Talbiye is owned by the MachneYuda group by founder and chef Assaf Granit, who also operates the well-known MachneYuda restaurant located in the Jerusalem Shuk.  Located right under the Jerusalem Theatre, Talbiye is a small space with limited indoor and outdoor seating, decorated as an antique French bistro.  The restaurant’s menu combines influences from France with a Jerusalem flair, creating unique dishes such as za’atar calamari or black lentil risotto.  The restaurant also includes a more family-friendly breakfast menu, and is located a short walk from the Jerusalem Museum of Nature, a great place to visit on a Shabbat afternoon.

Address: 5 Chopin Street, Jerusalem

Phone Number: +972-2-581-1927

Pergamon - Downtown Jerusalem

Pergamon is found on the trendy Heleni HaMalka street, surrounded by other cute cafes and bars, but stands out for its vegetarian menu based on the concept of small plates for sharing, similar to tapas. Pergamon has a cocktail and wine menu the size of a small book, and all of their foods are made to order in their open-concept kitchen. With a covered courtyard space as well as indoor and outdoor seating, Pergamon is especially fun to go to with friends for a night of drinks and sharing food. Their menu changes with the seasons, and always features local ingredients and produce presented in a fun way - for example, their Summer watermelon and fresh cheese salad with slices of chili pepper and herbs.

Address: 7 Heleni Ha-Malka Street, Jerusalem

Phone Number: +972-50-684-3988

Adom - First Train Station Compound

Adom is run by chefs Moti Davis and Eran Buzaglo, and is known for their selection of meat dishes - I would consider Adom a contemporary steak house. The restaurant has been around since 2001, but was relocated to the First Train Station compound in 2013. The First Train Station compound, situated between the German Colony, Talbiye, and Liberty Bell park, is designed in a similar style to Sarona Market in Tel Aviv. It features restaurants and cafes, shop stalls, outdoor seating, and carnival games and activities for kids, including go-karts. The atmosphere of the area is very different from the rest of Jerusalem, with it’s open-on-Shabbat activities for the whole family. While a meat-centered restaurant, Adom’s menu also has a few vegetarian and vegan dishes, including a “Beyond Meat” burger.

Address: 4 David Remez Street, Jerusalem

Phone Number: +972-2-624-6242

Chakra - City Center

Located in the Jerusalem city center on King George Street, Chakra stands alone in a white circular building that is easy to spot, and the building matches the vibe of the restaurant - bold and attention-grabbing.  Inside the restaurant is also beautifully designed with an open-concept kitchen and round dining room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the park.  The menu features a large selection of meat and seafood dishes, a huge wine menu, and not to mention some tantalizing desserts.  Chakra has garnered a reputation as one of the top restaurants in Jerusalem, and their high-level service matches their quality of food.

Address: 41 King George Street, Jerusalem

Phone Number: +972-2-625-2733