Old Jerusalem Restaurant
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Middle Eastern in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Gold Coast & Old Town
Master Critic Review
Old Jerusalem Restaurant
8.5
A longtime Old Town standby since the 1970s, Old Jerusalem serves classic Palestinian and broader Middle Eastern staples in a compact, homey dining room. Locals come for plates of kebabs, shawarma, and vegetarian mezze that have stayed remarkably consistent over decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel sandwich, Hummus with meat
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Decades-old Old Town fixture for Palestinian and Middle Eastern comfort plates.
Who should go: Fans of classic mezze and shawarma in a casual room.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when Wells Street feels most alive.
What to order: Hummus with meat, chicken shawarma plate, falafel sandwich.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the generous portions and plan on sharing a couple of entrees.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town can be limited, especially evenings and weekends. Allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable. Jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are perfectly normal.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is usually easy, but it can get lively during peak dinner times.
Weekend wait: Short to moderate wait during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very minimal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – plenty of mezze, salads, falafel, and veggie plates.
Vegan options: Good selection – items like falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and salads work well.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally gluten-free (grilled meats, salads, rice), but pita and some mezze contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and low-key. It’s cozy rather than romantic-fancy, which works well for a casual, conversation-friendly date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays. Peak weekend evenings may require a short wait depending on party size.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the space is casual, and the menu has approachable options for kids. Best for elementary-age and up due to the compact dining room.
Best For
Better for: Classic Middle Eastern comfort food with decades of consistency and generous portions in a warm, unfussy space.
Skip if: You’re looking for a flashy, bar-heavy scene or modern fusion-style Mediterranean.