Sushi’s here to stay, and Jerusalem’s ever expanding culinary landscape (and waistline!) is all the better for it!
Sushi restaurants have sprung up like Shiitake mushrooms all over Jerusalem within the past few years, and Jerusalemites and exploring tourists are more than happy to see that their love of sushi can be quenched in the capital.
If you’re heading to, or currently in Tel Aviv you should definitely check out our guide to the best sushi resturants in Tel Aviv.
So let’s sashay to the sushi! Here’s our guide to the best sushi restaurants in Jerusalem:
Sakura
Sakura is one of the original sushi restaurants in Jerusalem, hidden away down a Jerusalem sidestreet off Jaffa Street. This is not the cheapest deal in town, however, it is among the very best for original Japanese cuisine anywhere in Israel (they also have a branch in Tel Aviv). There are an overwhelming number of choices on the menu, but the sushi swims on top, so to speak. Business lunch is a good choice and well priced, and there are even Japanese cooking workshops held, which end with a mouthwatering meal. Service has been highly praised by many online reviewers. Originally Kosher, but not any more.
Address: Jaffa Street 31
Opening hours: every day, from 12:00 to midnight
Telephone: 02-6235464
Sushi Rechavia
You could enjoy Sushi Rechavia’s speciality – hand-rollled temaki – three times in a single day without having to retrace your steps: in addition to its main branch in Azza Road, the sushi specialist also operates in Rechavia on HaPalmach Street, and in the German Colony on Emek Refaim.
In addition to the traditional sushi, maki and friends, Sushi Rechavia is also popular for its noodle dishes and soups. Other offerings include chicken and salmon. The lunch menu is good value and features several choices to suit all; but you can also get a take-away or have the delicacies delivered to your door. A big plus for those who keep Kosher is that all three branches are Kosher/Rabbinate. We’d recommend calling each branch for its opening hours, as they do vary.
Address: Azza St. Branch – Azza St. 29 (Telephone: 02-5667477)
Address: Palmach St. Branch – Palmach St. 51 (Telephone: 02-5671791)
Address: Emek Refaim St. Branch – Emek Refaim St. 29 (Telephone: 02-563777)
RYU
“RYU” is trendy, Kosher LeMehadrin, and offers a wide choice of meat dishes in addition to very creative and innovative Japanese cuisine with a Mediterranean touch. What more could you possibly want? Even the name, RYU, is a fusion: RYU is Japanese for “dragon” as well as a Kabbalah term.
The contemporary style restaurant sits in a historic building and offers the choice between an indoor area and a large garden patio, from where you can watch the town go by on the busy street below.
Address: 25 Emek Refaim
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 12:00- 24:00; Saturday one hour after Sabbath to 01:00
Telephone: 057-9438863
Japanika
This hip and happening – meaning you’ll have a range of techno and pop beats to accompany your meal – restaurant, located a short walk from the Old City, is part of a popular Tel Aviv chain, and what often goes in Tel Aviv, will be a certain hit in Jerusalem! Already noted as one of the best Kosher sushi spots in town, the colourful and flavoursome dishes go down so well with the locals that there are occasional queues at peak times.
Meals feature numerous varieties of sushi and combos, you can also choose to mix your own favourites for a self-designed speciality.
Address: Shlomtzion HaMalkah 1 City Center
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 to last customer; Friday 11:00 until 2 hours before Sundown; Saturday night one hour after sundown until last customer.
Telephone: 02-6247530
Taiku
Taiku is another newish sushi restaurant which has fishtailed its way into the hearts and pallets of many. The classy and elegant atmosphere keeps up its appearance all the way through the varied Kosher menu, which includes such house specialties as the Mediterranean Roll and Denis with olive tapenade, basil and cucumber. Vegetarians also get their fill, and for something out of the ordinary try the Taiku Vegetarian Maki.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, Taiku also offers an all-you-can-eat sushi special.
Address: 31 Emek Refaim, Jerusalem
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 noon – 11:00 pm. Saturday night 7:00pm – 11pm
Telephone: Tel: 02-5665262