Beans of gold: The best cafes in Jerusalem

Located in downtown Jerusalem on the corner of charming and quiet Shatz pedestrian street is Nadi. A typical cozy neighborhood café, Nadi specializes in sandwiches on fresh bread with quality cheese. They are also popular for their mastery of the Israeli breakfast, with shakshuka shaken up by the addition of interesting vegetables. 

The name of the baking empire and pastry shop in the heart of Jerusalem has long since crossed the borders of the capital and is familiar to every foodie and patisserie enthusiast. Kadosh Café was founded in 1967 by Meir Kadosh and is now managed by his son Itzik and daughter-in-law Keren.

A fresh cup of coffee awaits for visitors of Roasters. In the infamous Machane Yehuda market alongside a cup of coffee Roasters offers select pastries and sandwiches. Not in the mood for coffee? The shop also has select beers so anyone can find their fix.

Locals love Cafe Yehoshua for any meal of the day. Cafe Yehoshua offers an Israeli take on American diner food, which leads to an eclectic funky menu. Here you will find shakshuka, pancakes, schnitzel with mashed potatoes, pasta dishes, burgers and a plethora of other dishes. The cafe has a young, hip atmosphere, with a rooftop dining area available. 

Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Gourmandises provides food, service and an atmosphere in true excellence. Specializing in French cuisine their menu and catering services include pastries, sandwiches, salads, pastas and more.

With a menu that revolves around cheese Cohen’s Deli, founded in 1948 is a sanctuary for cheese lovers. This quaint fromagerie and their abundant selection of cheeses are used to craft a menu consisting of salads, baguettes and of course a build your own cheese board.

A cozy cafe that doubles as a literary salon, this popular bookstore located in a 150-year old building is stuffed with books, vintage furnishings, and bohemian vibes. Tmol Shilshom is named after Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon's novel (translated as Those Were the Days). It’s an ideal place to munch on shakshuka, sandwiches, and their sought-after cheesecake.

While in Jerusalem you surely want to stop by this father and son shop serving up traditional Arab pastries called Mutabak. You can’t go wrong with a choice between the pastry being filled with cheese or nuts and paired with turkish coffee or mint tea the flaky goodness of the Mutabak will melt in your mouth.

Cafe Bezalel is a small, artsy cafe named for the street on which it sits. Open Saturdays, a rarity for the Jerusalem area, Cafe Bezalel is known for its great coffee and huge pastries. It’s menu also contains delicious sandwiches, salads, and other treats, including vegetarian and vegan options. A popular place for students and youth, Cafe Bezalel has a friendly, laid back atmosphere, with a great view of the old town center. 

Nestled in the heart of peaceful Baka is Kalo, a popular kosher café for Jerusalem’s young and hip. Furnished with rustic-style chairs and tables, Kalo’s down-to-earth, slick vibe makes you want to kick back and enjoy. The colorful breakfasts are abundant: an assortment of fresh salads, homemade jams, toasted bruschetta with warm mushrooms, croissants stuffed with lox and cream cheese, nostalgic French toasts, creative shakshuka - so much to choose from. 

Though Shraga started off as an adorable café with colorful sandwiches in 1998, this kosher spot reinvented itself with a kindred spirit, a new stylish vibe and the strong belief that simplicity makes the sandwich. The hearty sandwiches take center stage here, overflowing with vegetables. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are all available at this warm and ambient café. Don’t miss the daily specials or the rich homemade soups.

Nocturno’s whimsical location in Designers in the City, a hub for local designers to showcase their art, makes this place a hip and happening spot for lounging in both day and night. By day, this café serves up dairy and vegan dishes such as salads and sandwiches and home-cooked food with the best ingredients around. After nightfall, it transforms into a lively bar with an ever-changing line-up of music and art, draught beers and spirits, literary events, film screenings and more.