Opening a new restaurant in Israel is always challenging, but doing so during a time of conflict, with limited tourists, presents an even greater test. It may surprise those of you in the diaspora that despite these hurdles, the Israeli culinary scene has shown remarkable resilience and creativity.

There has been a surge of new dining establishments including wine bars, Japanese, French and Italian-inspired venues.

Now, more than ever, these restaurants need our support, so if you’re visiting and need recommendations, here’s a closer look at some of Jerusalem's most significant restaurant openings over the past year.

Azia 19 (kosher)

This Japanese restaurant is owned by Station 9 (an Asian restaurant in The First Station). On the menu are a selection of exciting sushi, Izakaya (small dishes), and Kushiyaki (Japanese charcoal grill) options. Each dish blends traditional Japanese techniques with innovative twists. Starters include a sesame Caesar salad and citrus sashimi with yuzu and ponzu, both of which have sauces you want to drink. The grilled foie gras gunkan (boat-shaped sushi) has a unique flavour combination of rich liver with fish-like seaweed. Meat lovers will head straight for the dry-aged prime rib. The steak is juicy and flavourful, with a beautiful crust from the Japanese charcoal grill. A rich chocolate pudding and coconut snow were great desserts to finish the meal.
 

Beit Ha’am (The People’s House)(kosher)

Located in the newly renovated cultural center of the same name (previously known as Gerard Bechar) this has two different styles. By day it’s a cafe filled with students from the nearby art and film schools, serving breakfast and an impressive array of fresh pastries. The evening menu caters to those attending plays and concerts and features freshly baked pizza, homemade pasta, salads, and fish dishes. The restaurant is run by the owners of Cafe Yehoshua from Rehavia and Pizzeria Flora and the food is just as delicious .
 

Blend 5 (not kosher)

Situated in the in the lobby of the Brown JLM Mamilla this wine bar and restaurant and is run by the owners of Adom — which was recently relocated to the hotel's roof. The short menu features a selection of cold dishes including fish tacos and Thai beef salad, and hot dishes like cheese ravioli and steamed chicken dumplings.
 

Eser by 1868 (kosher)
Historic Anna Ticho House makes a picturesque home for this dairy restaurant. On the menu are a variety of Mediterranean vegetable and fish dishes, including pizza and pasta. I particularly enjoyed the grilled lettuce Caesar salad and seabream fillet served on lemon cream & garlic spaghetti. Don’t miss the lemon pie with white chocolate ganache.

Super Hamizrah (kosher)
This Asian restaurant is from the owners of Jacko’s Street, a popular meat restaurant near Shuk Machane Yehuda. I have tried most of the menu, and it is all delicious. Standout starter dishes are sirloin foie gras nigiri, tuna tartare on crispy rice, and sea fish sashimi. Thai fried fish and Khao pao Thai rice are both great mains, and it is hard to believe that the desserts are parev. The restaurant has a private room for 8-25 people.

The Grill Room (kosher
A New York steakhouse based in the King David Jerusalem Hotel from the Imperial Group known for its cocktails. The menu features 60-day-aged Holstein beef, including tomahawk, prime rib, king-cut, and English-cut steaks. There is also a variety of meat and fish dishes for starters and mains.

Tipsy Cafe (kosher)

You’ll find lighter bites at this American diner with large outdoor terrace in Talbiye. There’s plenty of comfort food on the varied menu including cheese toasties, waffles, and pancakes. Indulge with mozzarella sticks with dipping sauces, pretzel bites with a honey mustard dip, and babka French toast. The drinks menu features tipsy shakes, such as pina colada and frozen mudslide. A fun option for a meal with friends.

Whether you're a local looking to explore new dining options or a visitor eager to experience Israel's gastronomic delights, these restaurants are well worth a visit. Watch this space for more information on other new Israeli restaurants.
 

Debbie Kandel is a food and travel writer and founder of Debbest Israel. She is a self-proclaimed foodie who grew up in London and moved to Israel in 2008. She is passionate about helping others plan their own adventures in Jerusalem and around Israel and offers tailor-made tasting tours of Shuk Machane Yehuda.