Jerusalem - Cafés

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Cafés

Jerusalem

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Overview

Cafés The guide was updated: 2024-08-19

Coffee culture in Jerusalem is well established: European expats have imported the cosy, relaxed Viennese-style coffee houses, and you'll find plenty of atmospheric places to take a break, have a chat, and possibly mingle with locals.

Along with espressos and iced coffees, cafés often serve Turkish coffee: it is prepared by pouring boiling water over fine-ground coffee beans, and often flavoured with cardamom. Tea is another favourite that comes in a variety of flavours and brews. Other typical drinks are 'lemonana', made from fresh lemons and mint, and 'sahlab', prepared with cornstarch, topped with cinnamon or pistachio, and commonly drunk in winter.

Make sure to try some typical pastries as well: kugel pudding, Ashkenazi babka (a sweet yeast pie), and 'bourekas' (filled pastries from Eastern Europe).

Tmol Shilshom

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.

Austrian Hospice

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.

Mousseline Ice Cream Parlor (Mahane Yehuda)

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.

Jaffar Sweets

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.

Cofix

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.

Bassem Gallery & Cafe

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.

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