Cafe Yerushalmi — Restaurant in Tallahassee

I live at a walking distance from the restaurant. The restaurant is located in a pretty much nondescript building and apart from that towering restaurant signpost, you don't really notice much walking past the restaurant. There is a women's salon and a car interior shop next to the restaurant and that's about it. But don't be too quick in making any judgements about it because the foods here will speak for themselves.

I had eaten at many Syrian restaurants and always loved the lamb shanks and yellow rice and other dishes but this was the first time I was eating at a proper Israeli restaurant. The interiors are nothing fancy. Some pictures about the middle east on the walls, rustic looking tables and chairs. You get that old vibe. There are pictures of menu items behind the counter that would make it easier for ordering. We ordered a Matzo Ball soup, a Shakshuka, a Chicken Shawarma and Bourekas. . It didn't take long before the Matzo balls were on our table. They came in a paper bowl.

The Matzo balls are basically soup dumplings. I couldn't figure out all the composition but they were some kind of whole grain flour made into balls served with soup that tasted of turmeric and some other ingredients. They were really refreshing. They reminded me of lentil dumplings we have back in Nepal. Then came the Shakshuka. It was served in the pan in which it was made and boy it looked amazing, with the red vibrant tomato sauce and the eggs in the middle. It tasted amazing, too. I had tried making Shakshuka at home but this one was the king. It tasted this amazing. The tomato sauce probably came from a can but that didn't take anything away from the taste. The eggs and the sauce on the fresh baked fluffy pita bread just took me to heaven and back. A must have!!! Then came the Chicken Shawarma. It came with yellow rice and fried eggplants. The chicken was grilled really well and tasted of various spices. The fried eggplant was delicious. The Bourekas were great, too, crunchy on the outside and soft and moist on the inside. The spinach and mushrooms tasted amazing inside the bourekas.

This is a great place to try some middle eastern taste and get up close with Israeli foods. The owner was really friendly and I had a little conversation with her. This is a gem in Tallahassee and would absolutely love to go back and try other items on the menu. It has that lovely homey feel. Can't recommend this...

I visited Cafe Yerushalmi for the first time on a recent Sunday afternoon with two friends for a late lunch/early dinner. The food was great and the owner, Magi Mekaiess, was wonderful and patient with us, answering our questions about her menu and making suggestions for us.

All of us had the turkey shawarma pitas, and we also ordered three bourekas, with the different stuffings offered -- mushroom, spinach, and potato. The sandwiches were prepared individually as we waited, but still arrived at our table after just a short time. They were were full of meat and a mix of chopped veggies and tahini, tasty, and well worth the price. The bourekas were light and all three were delicious. (If you have to go with just one, I recommend the spinach.)

In hindsight, we should have ordered more dishes, but many future visits will accomplish that goal. A common complaint in Tallahassee is that we don't have enough variety in international restaurant choices. If you are always looking for a new place to try, put Cafe Yerushalmi...

Dining at this restaurant offered more than just a meal; it was a journey to the heart of Jerusalem, wrapped in authenticity and warmth. From the welcoming ambiance set by the owner's unparalleled kindness and patience to the subtle, mood-enhancing music, every element was thoughtfully curated to complement the culinary voyage.

The highlight, undoubtedly, was the food. Each dish was a celebration of authentic Jerusalem flavors, meticulously crafted to bring out the essence of its rich culinary heritage. The passion for authentic cooking was evident in every bite, making the meal not just delicious but deeply moving.

This restaurant is a rare find that truly lives up to its promise of offering "Authentic Food from the Heart of Jerusalem." It's an experience that feeds the soul as much as the body, deserving of the highest praise. This dining experience is an absolute must for anyone seeking culinary authenticity and heartfelt hospitality. 5 stars...