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I had about 36 hours in Jerusalem, with the first 18 or so hours during the Sabbath (the Jewish day of prayer).ย So my options for activities and food were limited, to say the least.ย But, following on advice from The Points Guy, and I quote,
“If you only have time for one meal, make a reservation at the restaurant Machneyuda.”
The Points Guy
I basically had time for one great meal. Obviously, I had to try to eat at the best restaurant in Jerusalem.
Machneyuda opens 1.5 hours after the Sabbath on Saturday. After googling, on February 17, 2018, the end of Sabbath was 6:04 pm. So by 7:15, I was sitting outside of the restaurant, hoping hoping hoping I would get a table. I did not make any plan B’s, such was the ferocity of my determination.
Table of Contents
Arrival to Machneyuda
It was a 6 minute walk from my Airbnb, which would have been fine, except that it started raining, literally the second that I started walking. With each step, the downpour got heavier and heavier. In my head, I considered turning around, giving up, and eating chocolate for dinner. But thinking of the points guy, I thought this was indeed my one open slot for a great meal in Jerusalem, I trudged onward.
When the doors finally opened around 7:40 pm, I immediately said I was looking for a table for 1, and explained how the reservation system did not work for reservations for 1. They said there was no availability and they were fully booked for the evening. But I was welcome to wait. I have to apologize for my behavior, because I suppose I could have been nicer. But the rain hampered my mood. I was waiting outside not more than 3 minutes when the host said there was a cancellation, and if I did not mind eating with another single traveler who also did not have a reservation, that we could share a table.
ENTER NEW FRIEND
As a solo traveler, this has happened in the past, and I was paired up with another woman. However, back then (in Rome) the other woman did not speak English. So we sat at the world’s tiniest table, NOT speaking to each other and NOT looking at each other while eating. LOL
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The host and the waiter gave us a round of shots to show their appreciation for us sharing a table. Me and S already started chatting it up immediately and were both so happy to not have a dinner in silence. Plus, as The Points Guy accurately described, it felt like a raucous party inside.
I ordered the tasting menu, for 295 Shekels (which is about $84), and it was the most generous tasting menu I have ever had in my life. And you will definitely see how it is the best restaurant in Jerusalem!
Without further ado…
1st Course
Tuna tartare with “the worlds smallest tomatoes” and cream cheese.
2nd Course
Caviar paste, with olive oil, red onions, and tomatoes.
3rd Course
Yellowtail sashimi in a crispy “Indian” shell. I didn’t describe it as Indian, the waiter did. Not sure why it was characterized that way though…
I bet you’re thinking “oh, these courses look small and manageable.” All I have to say to you is JUST YOU WAIT.
4th Course
Beef tartare, with mint and almonds
5th Course
Tiny corned beef slider.
6th Course
Polenta, with asparagus, mushrooms, truffle oil and parmesan cheese, served in a jar .
And now, onto the main courses. Fortune favors those who don’t give up…
7th Course – Mains
Sea bass, mussels, with chick peas and a tahini Moroccan stew.
7th Course at Machneyuda Continues..
From courses 1-7, I had finished everything that you see before you. And then more arrives and I am at a loss for words. But if I had to describe it in one word, it would be MEAT.
Seventh course, part B. Lamb, rib eye, sitting on a leak, with mashed potatoes
Seventh course, part C. Beef.. something..and I don’t remember anymore. meat coma.
Are you alive still? I barely am, reliving this experience through photos. Are there more courses? Of course!
Dessert
I don’t know anymore!!! All I will say is that coconut ice cream in the lower left hand corner was SUPER FROZEN and did not melt, even when I ate it at the very end. Everything was delicious. Too. Delicious. Too. Much. Food.
Somewhere within the courses was another free round of shots, this time with Ouzo or Rakia…
Parting Thoughts on Machneyuda
Even though my dinner buddy did not order the tasting menu, her courses were equally as large, and we both were so full and satisfied by the end. And I am so glad we met!
Machneyuda was a fun dining experience to review, and it certainly lived up to the expectation of being the best restaurant in Jerusalem!
The rest of the restaurant was so lively with loud music, dancing from random people (living their best life), free shots and amazing food. And sorry for the dark photos!
I’ll end it here, with me and my new friend, S. I need a nap after this post. ๐
Looking for something more low key? How about an introduction to Israel’s Street Food, from Anda at Travel for a While.
Restaurant Information
Machneyuda | map
Beit Ya’akov St 10,
Jerusalem, Israel
Closed: Friday dinner, Saturday lunch
Phone: +972 2-533-3442
Reservations – highly recommended!
Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.ย She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!ย She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.
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Hi! Do you think 2 people would have trouble getting a walk in table even if it is shared? My husband and I tried to book, but they do not have anything available when we were looking. Thank you so much!
Hi Jessica! It would be challenging for sure. But if you are determined, I would go right as they open and see if there’s any cancellations. I think lunch time may be a little better, but I was only able to fit it in for dinner. Good luck!!