Sarwa Street Kitchen — Restaurant in Jerusalem

Ok, so for the first time I come to Israel on a bucket list trip. We came on a ten day tour with a group of 40 and really really enjoyed it. The sights were amazing seeing places I had read about all my life. Breakfast and supper was included every day but it was cafeteria style food. Plentiful, but for my Louisiana palate just left a lot to be desired. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t bad food, just different. So on the last day of our stay, before we left the city to go to the airport, we had a few hours. We didn’t want to go very far away because traffic is so uncertain and we wanted to be sure to back at the hotel for our ride. I searched for restaurant or cafe and found this Sarwa Street Cafe. It is in a safe area within walking distance so thought to give it a try. The menu is varied and they have fresh local dishes. But I just wanted something that tasted like home so I opted for the cheeseburger and fries. Wife got the chicken schnitzel and fries w salad. Coke for her and Coke Zero for me. And ICE!! :)

The food was hot, fresh and TASTY. There was a nice sauce on the burger kinda like In and Out sauce. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

The owner, Mo, went out of his way to make us footweary travelers at home. Quiet jazz played in the background and he was very attentive to get us whatever we needed. It’s a small place, probably 10 tables or so, and they serve alcohol. The street corner is a three way junction with no stop signs or yields. It is very interesting just watching the traffic! Mo explained his father had a travel agency in the building in the 1940’s and it is very cozy with a beautiful stone floor. He let us read a travel book his dad wrote and told us about his family. Turns out he has spent some time living in Los Angeles so he understands kinda what US travelers need as well as the local folks.

I know this is a lengthy review but I figure it might be helpful for those traveling like us find a nice place to eat. We had great food, a nice restful afternoon lunch, learned more about the local culture and even made a new friend! Thank you, Mo, and blessings to you and...

Found this little gem online when we first arrived at our hotel and it was within walking distance. Unfortunately when we got there it was closed even though it was the middle of the day. We found out from our receptionist at the hotel that a lot of restaurants were closed locally at this time due to Eid. We Facebook messaged the owner and he speedily replied and confirmed this and told us he would be open tomorrow. And boy was it worth the wait! Mo, the owner suggested the daily specials so we went with one of them and a chicken dish to share from the menu. The food was served promptly and both dishes were delicious, we couldn't decide which was better! Big portions too and we had 2 local beers that Mo suggested to wash them down. The restaurant was very cost, chilled and the walls were covered in history and books you could swap or take! Mo answered every one of our questions (we had soooo many) about the culture, country and places to go. He was great company, we could have stayed there all evening! I would highly recommend this restaurant for not only the food and drink but a history lesson and great...

While in Jerusalem, wanted to taste Maqluba so we searched Google and got to know about this gem. The owner suggested us to taste not just maqluba but Edreh as well which happens to be another Palestinian delicacy originally served during their weddings. The food was delicious, portion size was great too. The behavior and hospitality of this man was amazing. He was very friendly and generous. Told us a lot about the history of the place and his family. But what I loved the most about the place is the old world charm that you can witness in the decor. You won't find many places with such personal touch in the decor. It is decked up with all the old belongings of his father like an old telephone, typewriter, books, the photographs taken by the owner and his friends ( photos are really good). Overall a lovely place to be. This place has my heart now and if I ever go back to Jerusalem, will definitely visit this...