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Old Jerusalem Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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.
Old Jerusalem Restaurant
8.5
A long-running Old Town Lebanese standby built on generous platters, well-seasoned grilled meats, and a mezze lineup that holds up for dine-in or takeout. The room is compact and casual, but the kitchen’s strengths are classic: hummus, shawarma, and mixed grills designed for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus with meat, Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Old-school Lebanese platters with strong mezze consistency.
Who should go: Mezze lovers and shawarma regulars
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer, quicker service
What to order: Hummus with meat, shawarma plate, falafel
Insider tip: Order mixed grill for best value and variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Wells Street and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm on weekends, easier on weeknights.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong mezze selection including hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, lentil soup, and salads.
Vegan options: Yes — several naturally vegan mezze and falafel-based options.
Gluten-free options: Limited — grilled meats and salads work, but pita and shared prep areas are common.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and low-pressure. It’s more about comforting food and conversation than ambiance or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights. On weekends, expect a short wait or consider takeout if it’s packed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — approachable flavors, generous portions, and a relaxed environment work well for kids, though space is a bit tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Lebanese comfort food, generous portions, and mezze consistency that holds up for both dine-in and takeout.
Skip if: You’re looking for a modern, upscale Middle Eastern dining room or a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
Old Jerusalem Restaurant
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
A straightforward Old Town lunch play for fast, filling Middle Eastern standards that travel well and won’t derail a workday. Stick to the classics—falafel, shawarma, and a dip trio—and you’ll get the best balance of speed, flavor, and value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel sandwich, Chicken shawarma, Grape leaves
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic Lebanese staples that work for quick weekday lunches.
Who should go: Teams who want fast, filling lunch
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the rush
What to order: Falafel, shawarma, grape leaves
Insider tip: Order a combo plate to cover dips and proteins fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Old Town; nearby paid garages within a few blocks. Street spots can be tight midday.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans and workday attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation at lunch, slightly busier during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak times without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; brief lines during the noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel, grape leaves, salads, and multiple mezze options
Vegan options: Yes—falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and vegetable sides
Gluten-free options: Limited—many mezze and grilled proteins work, but pita is central; confirm prep details if sensitive
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime meetups than romantic dates—the focus is speed and substance, not atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially at lunch. Arrive slightly before noon for the smoothest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—approachable flavors, shareable plates, and a relaxed setting work well for kids and families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling Middle Eastern lunches that stay affordable and predictable during the workday.
Skip if: You want a lingering meal, polished ambiance, or a destination-style Middle Eastern dining experience.