Machane Yehuda Restaurant Guide: Eat Your Way Through Jerusalem’s Famous Shuk
Take this handy restaurant guide to Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s iconic open-air market (shuk), and bring along a hearty appetite. Between fresh produce, spices, teas, olive oil, cheeses, baked goods, and sweets, the shuk also boasts a vibrant collection of kosher restaurants serving incredible food.
Here’s a list of some of the best spots worth trying.
Azura – 4 HaEshkol St.
Cuisine: Turkish/Iraqi
Highlights: Beef sofrito, stuffed eggplant
Once known for cheap eats, Azura is now one of Jerusalem’s top restaurants and a personal favorite. Located in the Iraqi section of Machane Yehuda, it’s impossible to try just one dish.
Beef sofrito: beef and potatoes with a blend of spices
Azura dish: partially hollowed eggplant filled with seasoned minced meat, marinated in cinnamon and spices
Other favorites include spicy oxtail and hummus
Nothing disappoints at Azura.
Manou Ba Shouk – 29 Etz Haim St.
Cuisine: Lebanese
Highlights: Khidre, meat pizza, Kubbeh Saniyeh
This Lebanese restaurant, located in the shuk’s closed section, serves family-style meals.
Khidre: rice with vegetables, noodles, and meat served steaming from a clay pot
Meat pizza: thin, crispy dough with light sauce and meat
Kubbeh Saniyeh: layered bulgur dough with seasoned beef and pine nuts
A wonderful spot for sharing dishes with family or friends.
Hachapuria – 5 HaShikma St.
Cuisine: Georgian
Highlights: Khachapuri bread boat
Located just outside the shuk, Hachapuria offers a cozy Georgian atmosphere. The signature dish is an oval bread boat filled with cheese, egg, and butter, served fresh from the oven. Spinach can be added for a vegetable twist.
Jahnun Bar – 30 HaEgoz St.
Cuisine: Yemenite
Highlights: Jachnun, Malawach
A small, intimate spot serving some of Jerusalem’s best Yemenite dishes.
Jachnun: thick rolled pastry served with salsa and egg
Malawach: thin pastry with fillings, including hummus, harif, olives, tomatoes, or a poached-egg shakshuka variant
Watch the chefs prepare dishes right before your eyes.
Ishtabach – 1 HaShikma St.
Cuisine: Kurdish
Highlights: Brisket sandwiches
Known for bread, meat, and what goes between them, Ishtabach serves flavorful Kurdish dishes. The brisket is a must-try, enhanced with traditional spices.
Bardak – 4 Beit Ya’akov St.
Cuisine: Pizza
Highlights: German Colony pizza
For high-quality pizza, Bardak beats chain restaurants. Favorites include German Colony pizza with mushrooms, onions, goat cheese, and pesto. Service can be slow during peak times; take-out is recommended.
Pepito’s – 11 HaEgoz St.
Cuisine: South American-inspired sandwiches
Highlights: Assado sandwich
A sandwich spot with friendly staff and unique flavors. Pepito’s sandwiches stand out from typical Middle Eastern cuisine and are highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Hatzot – 121 Agripas St.
Cuisine: Classic Israeli
Highlights: Skewers, Jerusalem mixed grill
Located two blocks from the shuk, Hatzot offers grilled meats, salads, and laffas. The restaurant claims to have invented the Jerusalem mixed grill in 1970. Friendly staff and generous portions make it a favorite.
Hatch – 28 HaEgoz St.
Cuisine: American-style
Highlights: Buffalo wings
Hatch is Machane Yehuda’s newest hotspot, serving some of the best Buffalo wings in the city. The casual, fun vibe makes it a great stop for wing lovers.
Crave Gourmet Street Food – 1 HaShikma St.
Cuisine: Gourmet street food
Highlights: Kosher bacon cheeseburger, BLT, Reuben
Crave offers a diverse kosher menu, including items like vegan cheese and lamb bacon sandwiches. The wait can be long, but the food and drink options—including beer, cocktails, and Dr. Brown’s sodas—make it worthwhile.
Hummus Shel Tehina – 23 Nissim Bachar St.
Cuisine: Hummus
Highlights: Hummus with mushrooms, fava beans, eggs
A cozy spot near Agripas Street, known for creamy, flavorful hummus. Pair with falafel balls for a complete meal.
Morduch – 70 Agripas St.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Highlights: Fried and soup kubbeh
Famous for kubbeh, both fried and in soup. Morduch is perfect for a snack on the go or a sit-down meal.
Marzipan Bakery – 44 Agripas St.
Cuisine: Bakery
Highlights: Rugelach
A must-visit for tourists, Marzipan Bakery offers fresh rugelach with gooey chocolate—perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Beer Bazaar – 3 Etz Haim St.
Cuisine: Craft beer bar
Highlights: Over 100 Israeli beers, ciders, and bar food
Finish your day at Beer Bazaar, featuring a wide selection of Israeli beers, cocktails, and vegetarian options. Large seating areas and live shows make it a lively spot to start or end your night.
New York Jewish Travel Guide
