Sarwa Street Kitchen
A cozy Jerusalem cafe offering authentic Palestinian cuisine and exceptional hospitality, set in a space filled with family history and charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Sarwa Street Kitchen
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Jerusalem cafe offering authentic Palestinian cuisine and exceptional hospitality, set in a space filled with family history and charm.
Try Palestinian Specials
Don't miss traditional dishes like Maqluba or Knafeh for dessert.
Cash Preferred
Remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted here.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Palestinian, International
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+972 2-627-4626
Address
Salah Ad-din St 42, Jerusalem
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Palestinian Delicacies
Savor traditional dishes like Maqluba and Edreh, rich with history and flavor. A true taste of Palestine.
Cozy Atmosphere with a Personal Touch
Step into a warm, inviting space filled with family heirlooms, old books, and photos, creating a unique home-like feel.
Exceptional Hospitality
Experience genuine warmth and generosity from the owner, Mo Tahhan, who makes every guest feel like family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Palestinian Specials
Don't miss traditional dishes like Maqluba or Knafeh for dessert.
Cash Preferred
Remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted here.
Visit for a Quiet Lunch
Opt for lunchtime to enjoy a peaceful meal away from crowds.
Engage with the Owner
Chat with Mo Tahhan to learn about family history and local culture.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Palestinian Specials
Don't miss traditional dishes like Maqluba or Knafeh for dessert.
Cash Preferred
Remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted here.
Visit for a Quiet Lunch
Opt for lunchtime to enjoy a peaceful meal away from crowds.
Engage with the Owner
Chat with Mo Tahhan to learn about family history and local culture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sarwa Street Kitchen is praised for its delicious Palestinian and international dishes, with many highlighting the Maqluba and lentil soup. The owner's exceptional hospitality and the cozy, unique atmosphere filled with personal touches are frequently mentioned as standout elements. While generally positive, some visitors note that cash is preferred, so it's advisable to be prepared.
"This place is really amazing. We ate dinner here with my girlfriend and everything was extremely tasty, one of the best food we have ever eaten. The owner of this place was really kind, communicative and helpful. The waiting time was not a lot and the meal size was adequate.
I recommend this place to anyone who is in Jerusalem and wants to eat something delicious."
Gábor Bús
"Delicious food and phenomenal service. I was recommended this place by local friends during my time and was not disappointed. The food and drinks are amazing, and the service even better. The owner is a kind and gracious man who makes every customer feel at home in this restaurant. The restaurant has Palestinian food as well as foreign, my friends and I visited many times during our stay in Jerusalem."
alicia sornson
"While in Jerusalem, wanted to taste Maqluba so we searched Google and got to know about this gem.
The owner suggested us to taste not just maqluba but Edreh as well which happens to be another Palestinian delicacy originally served during their weddings.
The food was delicious, portion size was great too.
The behavior and hospitality of this man was amazing. He was very friendly and generous. Told us a lot about the history of the place and his family.
But what I loved the most about the place is the old world charm that you can witness in the decor. You won't find many places with such personal touch in the decor. It is decked up with all the old belongings of his father like an old telephone, typewriter, books, the photographs taken by the owner and his friends ( photos are really good).
Overall a lovely place to be.
This place has my heart now and if I ever go back to Jerusalem, will definitely visit this place again. 👍😊"
Subhamita Majumder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is known for its authentic Palestinian dishes like Maqluba and Edreh, as well as its delicious lentil soup and Knaffeh for dessert.
No, Sarwa Street Kitchen does not accept credit cards. It is recommended to bring cash for your meal.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, decorated with old family belongings, books, and photographs, creating a unique, home-like feel.
Reservations are not explicitly mentioned as required, but due to its cozy size, it might be beneficial during peak times.
Visiting during lunchtime is suggested for a more restful experience away from tourist crowds.
Yes, the owner, Mo Tahhan, is very happy to share stories about his family history and the restaurant's unique decor.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Restaurants in Jerusalem
Mo Tahhan opened this cheery café in the space that was once his father's travel agency with the vision of creating a gathering spot as comfy and as fun as your living room at home. Staff often joins patrons for a chat on the bright blue couches and encourages them to add or take from the in-house library stocked with a selection of English-language books. Changing daily specials include maqloubeh, a Palestinian rice and chicken dish, or the bright orange knaffeh, the traditional cheese pastry soaked in syrup, for dessert.
Best restaurants Jerusalem, Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Rachmo is a beloved staple of Mahane Yehuda Market that specialises in no-frills Kurdish Jewish cooking. Located on a corner off the market’s main street,…
5 Cafes You Should Visit in Jerusalem
Sarwa Street Kitchen is among the newest of Jerusalem’s cafes. Also on Salah Eddin street, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows let in waves of light, making it the perfect haven to retreat to after exploring the hectic maze that is the Old City. They also offer a spectacular view of the bell tower of St. George’s Cathedral, the gothic-style Anglican church built by the British in the 19 th century.
Restaurants in Jerusalem
This is the kind of chill, welcoming spot you always hope to land upon after a day of sightseeing. The menu features traditional Palestinian dishes with fresh side salads and mujadara (lentil stew). Tops on the menu: their famous maqluba, a classic Arabic rice dish.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit