Katy’s is a cozy restaurant in the heart of Jerusalem with a long history. We deliberately chose this place, following our intuition, and out of the many dining options in the area, we picked Katy’s—and we were not mistaken. But Katy’s is not just a restaurant; it is a home-style dining experience.
It’s a restaurant because of its first-class service, refined interior, and elegant French table setting—something rare nowadays. And it’s home-like because it is small and intimate.
At the entrance, you are warmly welcomed by the owner—the heart of this establishment. When we walked in, we saw a large family at one table and a couple at another. They were clearly enjoying themselves, and it was obvious that they were regular guests. At first, I hesitated—it felt like a place reserved for insiders. But we were greeted like old friends, making us feel as if we had been invited into a family.
The owner, Katy, with her French accent and charm, and the exquisite décor of the small dining area (make sure to reserve a table in advance!), along with paintings on the walls, create the atmosphere of a Parisian café. It feels as if you have been transported from Jerusalem to the streets of Paris.
The restaurant has been operating since 1975. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told me it had been around since 1875 and that Modigliani himself dined here—that’s how deeply its history, charm, and commitment to tradition are felt.
Inside, you’ll find a thick guestbook with the first entry dating back to 1984.
Everything here is delicious! We ordered multiple appetizers to share, and every single one was excellent. The seasonal vegetable salad was simple yet flavorful, the artichoke hearts with finely chopped veal and cheese were outstanding, and the mushrooms—who knew mushrooms could be this delicious?
The pâté, served with jam and crackers, was particularly memorable. The best compliment to the chef was the spotless plates taken away by the waiter—almost no crumbs left behind.
For the main course, we had Moroccan kebab and duck with a caramelized crust, which was juicy inside and served with an exquisite sauce and roasted vegetables. Everything was simply delicious!
Even the chicken breast for the children was surprisingly tasty—they finished it all, which is quite unusual for them. We were especially touched by the owner’s attentiveness to our child’s celiac disease, as she thoughtfully recommended gluten-free options.
The feeling that this restaurant is a second home makes the experience truly special. I eagerly look forward to my next trip to Jerusalem, when I will definitely visit...
Read morein brief: tasty food, classic restaurant menu, family like atmosphere, worth every penny spent. The choice you would make to see what sparkles Israel picks up from all over the world and keeps for ages.
No dust, no feelings of oldness and at the same time no XXI's century rush. Katy - the owner - will meet you and serve as she and her brother did for the last 49 years. Katy's is a classic family owned restaurant with all its attributes - weather you find them necessary or not. Menu has a variety of appetizers and main courses - wider than you would expect from a place of this size.
You would be offered a very classic Brioche with butter cooked the way Katy's grand father did here every day before he passed at the age of 101. My advice is to keep your hands away from it before you have your first course:)
We shared three starters: classic Crepes with mushrooms (tiniest crepes I've ever had), Pate and an Eggplant with cheese sauce. For the main course we had Beef filet and Shrimps. All of these were exceptionally tasty, reasonably sized, absolutely balanced and yet interesting. Sauces served have made this meal even more special. Overall the menu's variety allow you to have a mixture of products and yet not to be bothered about your stomach reaction - it will be happy as if it had 'butterflies flying inside'. This all is a dream come true for any modern restaurant's chef but Katy's approach is very classic and makes no useless experiments.
Wine list boasts a selection of local and French whites and reds and a variety of spirits. We had a bottle of Israeli Shiraz that was better than good.
For a desert we were offered a Creme Brullet. Have I ever imagined that this recipe could be revised the way that it will keep all its flavours but will make the dessert lightweight and not to move away the previous courses emotions.
Let me say that things written above mean only a half of the reason why you will dream of coming back. The other one is that at Katy's and with Katy and her brother you feel indeed welcomed by a family. Be sure that she is quite sincere in all her words - you can not act else for 49 years at service. She as any person in the world has her name, voice and character. And these make the main value of Katy's restaurant that bring you both gastronomic and family welcome experience.
We have spent around 3 hours at Katy's and are sure it was the...
Read moreReview of Katy’s in Jerusalem – A Hidden Gem Worth Every Bite
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Jerusalem, Katy’s is a rare culinary treasure that effortlessly blends warm hospitality with truly unforgettable cuisine. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were met with a charm and authenticity that set the tone for the evening. But what truly elevated the experience was Katy herself — an absolute gem of a host. Her passion for people and food shines through every detail, from the curated menu to the cozy, elegant ambiance.
The food was nothing short of phenomenal. Each dish was crafted with care, bursting with fresh, bold flavors that spoke of both tradition and creativity. From the delicate starters to the perfectly cooked mains, every bite was a celebration of taste. The filet was tender and seasoned to perfection, the sauces rich yet balanced, and the side dishes thoughtfully paired. And don’t even get me started on the desserts — decadent without being overpowering, and the perfect ending to a flawless meal.
What makes Katy’s truly special isn’t just the food, though that alone would warrant a glowing review. It’s the experience as a whole: the way Katy engages with guests like longtime friends, the relaxed yet refined atmosphere, and the sense that you’ve stumbled upon something genuinely unique in the heart of Jerusalem.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from abroad, Katy’s is an absolute must. I can’t wait to return — and next time, I’m bringing...
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