Abu Shukri

An institution in the Old City, Abu Shukri offers great value for money, serving Middle-Eastern cuisine for every budget: this traditional, unassuming restaurant is a favourite among locals, and prepares delicious hummus and falafel served with pita bread and vegetables. It is only open for lunch, and it's usually quite crowded.

• Address:

  Al Wad Street 63, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 627 1538

American Colony Hotel

A dinner in this historical palace is worth its price, if only for the beautiful location and peaceful, charming interiors. Found near the Damascus Gate, the building was formerly a pasha's estate, converted into an hotel 1902. Inside, there are several high-class eateries open for non-guests: the Arabesque dining room specialises in Middle-Eastern cuisine, while Val's Brasserie Lounge offers European dishes. Underground you will find a popular, atmospheric Cellar Bar, for a refined drink after dinner.

• Web:

  www.americancolony.com/en-gb

• E-mail:

  events@amcol.co.il

• Address:

  Louis Vincent Street 1, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 627 9719

Azura

Another well-loved and unpretentious spot for lunch, Azura serves Iraqi Jewish dishes in huge portions, and also features many alternatives in the Jewish Fusion Style. The Cube Soup is a must try. The restaurant is located in the Iraqi section of the Mahane Yehuda Market and has tables to sit outside. Expect to find it packed with people.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/azura_restaurant

• Address:

  Iraqui Market, Ha-Eshkol Street 4, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 623 5204

• More info:

  Only open at lunchtime, no dinner

Azzahra

Try out authentic Palestinian cuisine at Azzahra, located in a beautiful mansion only a ten minute walk away from the Old City. If in doubt, choose their typical, well-reviewed makloubeh: its Arab name literally means "upside down", because this dish of lamb, rice and toasted almonds is served upside down after cooking. Their bakdoonsiyyeh, a parsley salad served with bread and tahini dip sauce, is also recommended. They also offer stone-baked pizzas, and their wine list is extensive.

• Web:

  www.azzahrahotel.com

• E-mail:

  info@azzahrahotel.com

• Address:

  Azzahra Street 13, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 628 2447

Chakra

Lively and elegant, Chakra boasts a creative and eclectic choice of dishes, accompanied by an extensive list of drinks. Located in the centre, it's the perfect place to taste different specialities – share with your friends, and maybe order a tasting menu. Just be aware that the prices are rather high.

• Web:

  www.chakra-rest.com

• E-mail:

  mail@chakra-rest.com

• Address:

  King George Street 41, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 625 2733

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Fri from 5pm until last guest; Sat from 12:30pm until last guest

First Station

Inaugurated at the turn of last century, this Ottoman building no longer operates as a train station, and has been transformed into a lively entertainment, culture and leisure complex. There's always something going on and plenty of restaurants to choose from, especially for dinner, when live music is played and the atmosphere is vibrant. Take the occasion to explore the nearby downtown area in the new part of Jerusalem.

• Web:

  firststation.co.il/en

• E-mail:

  digital@firststation.co.il

• Address:

  David Remez Street 4, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 653 5239

• Opening hours:

  24/7

Beer Bazaar

One of the best beer places in Jerusalem, Beer Bazaar is located in the Mahane Yehuda market. It offers a wide menu of more than 100 locally produced craft beers, which has earned it many great reviews — especially for the IPAs. Expect the place to be crowded, mostly on Thursdays.

• Web:

  beerbazaar.co.il

• E-mail:

  bbjshuk@gmail.com

• Address:

  Etz Hayyim Street 3, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 671 2559

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 11am–2am, Fri 10am–4pm, Sat from an hour after sunset until last customer

Birman

With live music every night, Birman offers high quality food and entertainment for those into jazz, blues and soul. Exhibitions and jam sessions are accompanied by creative cocktails and delicious Middle Eastern bar food, making this place a real treat for a sophisticated yet cosy evening.

• Web:

  www.rol.co.il/sites/birman

• Address:

  Dorot Rishonim Street 8, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 623 6115

• Opening hours:

  Sat–Thu 7pm–4am

Cactus9

A chill place to dance to electronic music and dubstep and sip on cocktails, this disco bar has a cosmopolitan, underground atmosphere and hosts DJs every night. The staff is friendly and relaxed, prices affordable, and crowds made up primarily of hipsters and students. Cactus9 is mostly frequented by locals, but newcomers are heartily welcomed.

• E-mail:

  cactus9pub@gmail.com

• Address:

  Shushan Street 4, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 54 482 3671

Gatsby Cocktail Room

As suggested by the name, this bar oozes retro glamour, with a sophisticated decor inspired by speakeasy bars of the Prohibition era. Cocktails are as cool and stylish as the interiors, and their food is much appreciated. Not far from the Old City, Gatsby is tucked away in an ordinary street, but it's worth the trip.

• E-mail:

  gatsby18a@gmail.com

• Address:

  Hillel Street 18, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 54 814 7143

Glen Whisk(e)y bar

Listing hundreds of whiskey options (literally), this well-loved bar is a few steps away from Jaffa Gate. It also offers good burgers, and a careful selection of craft beers. The ambience is vibrant, and prices are fair. Try Arrack, an Israeli anise spirit with a heavy liquorice taste.

• Web:

  www.glen.co.il

• E-mail:

  18glen@gmail.com

• Address:

  Gershon Agron Street 24, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 54 901 0076

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5pm–2am

• More info:

  Happy hour 5pm–8pm

Jerusalem Cinémathèque

Located in an atmospheric setting on Hebron Hill, this historical cinema was opened by a couple of movie enthusiasts in the 1970s. Today it has a hugely varied program of night screenings: classics, art film from all over the world, commercial works, and rare finds from the owners' archives. The Cinémathèque also hosts several film festivals.

• Web:

  www.jer-cin.org.il

• E-mail:

  contact@jer-cin.org.il

• Address:

  Hebron Road 11, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 565 4333

Austrian Hospice

Located in the centre of the Old City, this guesthouse cafe boasts a stunning view from the rooftop and beautiful gardens. The menu is typically Austrian, with Strudel and different types of coffee. The first national pilgrim guesthouse in Israel, Austrian Hospice opened in 1863. Its architecture is inspired by the beautiful palaces of the Ring, in Vienna. Stop for a coffee break or a refreshing beer.

• Web:

  www.austrianhospice.com/en

• E-mail:

  office@austrianhospice.com

• Address:

  Via Dolorosa Street 37, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 626 5800

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–10pm

Bassem Gallery & Cafe

While visiting the Via Dolorosa, in the Old City, stopping at Bassem's is recommended. Its interiors are a burst of red and golden Middle-Eastern decor, and every corner is full of interesting items to buy. While enjoying the coffee and music, take a look at the books and ask the warm-hearted owner for some tips.

• Web:

  www.bassemsgallerycafe.com

• Address:

  Via Dolorosa Street 38, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 54 573 9629

• Opening hours:

  Sat–Thu 9am–7pm

Cofix

For a traditional coffee break, Cofix offers a wide range of beverages. The company has several branches around the city: the one in question is in the vibrant quarter of Nahalat Shiva, a few steps away from the Old City.

• Web:

  www.cofix.co.il/en

• Address:

  Lunz Street 3, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 9 973 3150

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 7am–11pm, Fri 7:30am–5pm, Sat 8pm until last customer

Jaffar Sweets

A highly recommended destination for typical middle eastern pastries, Jaffar Sweet is said to prepare the best knafeh pastry in all of Jerusalem. Knafeh is based on goat cheese and syrup, and it's a must try. Other specialities are murtabah, a stuffed pancake, and burma, a wrap of twisted dough and cashews. The pastry shop is tucked away in a busy, crowded street of the Muslim Quarter market. Search for it among clothing and souvenir stals: you won't regret it.

• Address:

  Beit HaBad Street, Muslim Quarter, Jerusalem

Mousseline Ice Cream Parlor (Mahane Yehuda)

Need something sweet and refreshing? Mousseline's ice cream is one of the best and most loved in the city: it tastes homemade and comes in a variety of flavours, including some very unusual must tries — their wasabi-flavoured ice cream is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Web:

  www.mousseline-jerusalem.com/en

• E-mail:

  mousseline.jerusalem@gmail.com

• Address:

  HaArmonim Street 2, Mahane Yehuda Market (next to Morduch), Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 500 3601

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Wed 10am–midnight, Thu 9am–midnight, Fri 7:30am–5pm, Sat 8:30am–midnight

• More info:

  The company owns a second cafe in the city, located at HaNasi Street 10, near the Jerusalem Theatre and the Islamic Art Museum

Tmol Shilshom

The half old-fashioned, half hippie decor give this central coffee shop a cosy, intimate vibe, and make it the perfect relaxing spot after hours of sightseeing. They serve breakfast, lunch and snacks, and are also well-loved among locals. Food is tasty - try their shakshuka, a delicious poached egg dish.

• Web:

  www.tmol-shilshom.co.il/en

• E-mail:

  tmol@tmol-shilshom.co.il

• Address:

  Yo’el Moshe Salomon Street 5, Nachalat Shiva, Jerusalem

• Phone:

  +972 2 623 2758

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 8:30am–11pm, Fri 8:30am–1 hour before Shabbat