Jerusalem’s Top 5 Breakfast Nooks

Breakfast is the most important part of the day, as the cliche goes, and Israelis take it particularly seriously when the weekend starts on Friday — so much so that you’ll see people out in restaurants and cafes partaking in breakfast well into the lunching hour.

Naturally, the most common items you’ll find are the traditional Israeli breakfast spread — eggs, assorted cheeses and spreads, bread, juice and coffee — and the Middle Eastern staple shakshuka — eggs poached in a spicy tomato, onion and garlic spread. However, more and more, the city’s dining establishments are introducing more international items to the breakfast scene, drawing from US, European and even Scandinavian cuisine.

So for all the breakfast-heads out there, we’ve compiled a list of the city’s best breakfast joints serving up eclectic and traditional menus with the warm atmosphere you can only find in Jerusalem.

Menza

Despite its relative newcomer status, Menza has already won over the heart of many a breakfast-loving Jerusalemite with a wide-ranging weekend breakfast and brunch menu that includes continental classics like eggs Benedict, croquet monsieur, croissants and bacon alongside the classic Israeli breakfast. The creative brunch cocktails don’t hurt either, and they’re perfect if breakfast is bleeding into lunch.

If you don’t feel like waiting for the weekend, breakfast is served every day until 1:00 pm.

Where: Menza, 10 Bestal’el Street, Jerusalem

Kitchen Station

Located at the lively First Station complex, Kitchen Station serves breakfast and brunch dishes all day with a menu featuring dishes inspired by Turkish, Spanish, German, UK, Italian and other European morning cuisines. Don’t worry, there’s still a typical Israeli breakfast, and you get your choice of drink with breakfast items until 2:00 pm on weekdays and all day on Friday, including fresh-squeezed juice, coffee, wine or cava.

Where: Kitchen Station, 4 David Remez Street (First Station), Jerusalem

Kadosh

This famous Jerusalem institution is definitely where you want to go if you have a sweet tooth for breakfast. Kadosh home to some of the best fresh-baked French pastries and cakes in the city. Of course we also recommend rounding out your morning meal with something savory like a French quiche or omelet and taking your time to enjoy the wonderfully authentic cafe atmosphere or simply so French outdoor seating right on the sidewalk (ideal for people-watching).

Where: Cafe Kadosh, 6 Shlomtsiyon HaMalka Street, Jerusalem

Landwer Cafe

Landwer is a popular chain of cafe’s with locations throughout Israel, including several in Jerusalem. They are best known for their lavish breakfast spreads and house coffee. Breakfast is available all day, and the menu includes the traditional Israeli spread, shakshuka, sandwiches, omelets and much more.

Landwer’s 2 Jerusalem branches are Landwer Cinema City and Landwer First Station.

Where: 4 David Remez Street, First Station; Cinema City, Jerusalem
Contact: 072-328-1990 (Cinema City)

Talbiye

If you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown for a quiet breakfast, Talbiye (a branch of the world renowned Machneyuda Group) serves up lavish breakfast spreads in the quiet, picturesque neighborhood of Talbiye, just a short drive from the city center right next to the Islamic Art Museum. Depending on the season, you can choose between the cozy Viennese cafe-style interior or outdoor seating in the morning sun.

Not surprisingly for a restaurant of its caliber, Talbiye’s breakfast dishes are varied, inspired by European cuisine, but always with a personal touch and hint of the Middle East.

Where: Talbiye, 5 Chopin Street, Jerusalem

Grand Cafe

Another great spot to escape the big tourist crowds, the Grand Cafe (also Viennese-inspired) in Jerusalem’s Bakah neighborhood is one of the most comfortable and delectable spots in the city for breakfast. Their breakfast menu includes several takes on the classic Israeli breakfast alongside a classic European breakfast, an interesting sabich omelet (eggplant, tahine, green onions and tomato tartar) and even a healthy option, among others. You can also make additions to your breakfasts like various types of cured fish and gourmet cheeses. And you won’t want to miss their eclectic mix of fresh-baked pastries and cakes.

Tmol Shilshom

While so many new breakfast joints have popped up in the past few years, you can’t forget about Tmol Shilshom. The cafe-bookstore is one of the most recognizable establishments in the city, and their shakshuka makes frequent appearances in all the Jerusalem travel guides. It’s also the ideal spot for vegans, as the kitchen is always happy to convert their dishes to vegan-friendly.

Check out the top vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Jerusalem >>

Where: Tmol Shilshom, 5 Yoel Salomon Street, Jerusalem