Sea Dolphin — Restaurant in Jerusalem

We stopped by Dolphin Yam (Sea Dolphin) for lunch on a whim, just before heading toward the Old City gates in Jerusalem. From the outside, it seemed pretty unassuming- just a stone facade with a few outdoor tables. But once inside, it was like stepping into another world, miles away from the street food scene and bustling alleyways. The place had a calm, welcoming vibe that made us want to linger, even though we had dinner plans later on.

We went for something simple: the fish and chips. This wasn’t your usual battered cod and fries scenario. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the “chips” were more like MasterChef-level oven-baked potato halves - skin-on, crispy, and packed with flavor. The dish didn’t come out plated in a fancy tower; instead, it was served rustic-style in a thick black casserole. It looked hearty and unpretentious, which somehow made it even more appealing.

Only after we left did I learn that Dolphin Yam often ranks in the top five restaurants in Jerusalem. With decades of history behind it, it’s known for outstanding seafood that feels like a real departure from the city’s typical fare. Considering the quality and the care that went into this simple dish, the price felt more than fair. If you need a break from the Old City’s hectic pace and want something genuinely special - without the fuss - Dolphin Yam should be...

Very disappointing place!

Open on weekend in Jerusalem 5 stars Hospitality 2 stars Dishes size 1 stars Food 4 stars Cost 2 stars Total 2 stars

Hospitality Place reserved few days before, staff recommended the outside table, when we entered the place they told us it is not optional only the gallery, there were free tables outside. Finally they accept our request.

Dishes size + Cost Dishes size considered small compared to chef restaurants, 18$ for three small figs with fish cubes and Roquefort badly tastes. Grouper fish around 100 gram with 5 potatoes for 36$

Food We tried the grouper fish with lemon sauce and it was good.

Cost Charging and serving focaccia for 4$ with 10$ per person for mezes who didn't order main dish. We asked to take the focaccia and the mezes.

This restaurant is one of the bad choices you can make, try other places. And if the owner wants to learn from seafood and fish rests, look at Manta Rai,...

Food was amazing, the fish is so fresh. The greens were super uplifted and everything we ate was great. Except the dessert, we ordered pistachio creme brulee, after we ordered she said someone told you it's not pistachio, we said no but we tried it anyways. It didn't come with any berries or accompaniments like the menu said and it was coconut, no one told us any of this. The service was great, starters and mains came out fast but the dessert took double as long to order and serve (we definitely would have passed if we knew how underwhelming it was going to be.) They have so many other exciting options on the menu we would have chosen instead. It would have been a perfect meal but as people walked in without reservations they seemed to be caught off guard juggling everything and the service was bad. They also messed up the bill but swiftly went to fix it. Overall food was incredible...