Located on the rooftop of the fourth floor of the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, The Terrace is an ideal destination for those craving modern Israeli cuisine, top-quality cocktails, and a romantic, sexy atmosphere. The Waldorf Astoria, built on the foundations of the renowned Palace Hotel, is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The Terrace is the hotel’s summer bar and offers an unmatched ambiance. Arrive at sunset for the full experience.
Upon exiting the elevator, you find yourself in a corridor; a right turn leads you to the entrance of The Terrace. The Mediterranean-style decor is immediately evident, with an open kitchen, an impressive bar, and olive trees adorning the space—all under the open sky. Seating options include a bar overlooking Mamilla Avenue, comfortable sofas, and regular chairs and tables. Despite being a Jerusalemite, I couldn't pass up the view and sat at the bar facing the avenue. For a moment, I forgot all my troubles. The music is not too loud, providing a sense of privacy between tables, and the service is top-notch.
Chef Itzik Barak Mizrachi, the hotel’s executive chef, has made several changes to the new menu. It features a variety of dishes using local ingredients such as root vegetables and herbs, all crafted by the chef himself. Note: Dish prices range from NIS 40 to NIS 90.
Moving on to the alcohol: the new drinks menu is fantastic and includes a special Macallan journey crafted for The Terrace, featuring limited editions from the distillery. You can sample the limited edition A Night On Earth, inspired by the Scottish New Year, the 2022 edition Classic Cut, and the highlight: Rare Cask, aged in the finest and rarest casks, priced at a special NIS 450. Yes, it's definitely pricey, but I've never tasted whiskey like this anywhere else.
Now, let’s talk about the food. As the cinnamon scent began to fill the open air, I was served the Street Sour cocktail—a mix of Amaretto Disaronno, Cherry Heering, homemade cherry syrup, and lemon juice (NIS 65). It certainly whetted my appetite. I also tried the Jerusalem of Gold—Waldorf Astoria’s signature cocktail created to mark the hotel’s tenth anniversary. Made with a limited edition Waldorf Astoria whiskey, homemade cherry syrup, black pepper bitters, and clove, and perfumed with cinnamon in a smoke cloud (NIS 125). If you order it, prepare your cameras; it's an Instagram-worthy cocktail and delicious too.
The menu consists of intriguing tapas that whet the appetite, like Lamb Spare Ribs, mashed potato croquette, lamb jus (NIS 65) that melts in your mouth and tantalizes all taste buds, Sea Fish Tartare with bulgur, herbs, lemon, and olive oil (NIS 65), elegant and precise, Beef and Greens Fatayer with eggplant cream on the side (NIS 65), served piping hot!, and more. The second part of the menu features main dishes like skewers and cooked food, such as Sea Fish Kebab—served on a chard leaf stew with tomato cream and roasted peppers (NIS 75), a juicy option for Chraimeh lovers.
Tandoori Chicken Skewer – Served on a crispy laffa bread with caramelized onion, grilled tomato just like on the barbecue, and baked potatoes (NIS 75) – Take my advice, don’t get fancy with a knife and fork. Eat with your hands. And of course, Adana Kebab – A juicy kebab skewer served with roasted vegetables, Israeli vegetable salad, and tahini (NIS 75) – because Jerusalemites love skewers.
For dessert, I tried the Chocolate Cake – chocolate fudge, hot chocolate sauce alongside vanilla ice cream (NIS 55). I was less enthusiastic since a non-dairy dessert is always a bit lacking, but the cake was chocolatey and super sweet.
The portions aren’t large, and the prices are accordingly reasonable. I recommend ordering three appetizers and then sharing two or three main courses with a cocktail at sunset in the Jerusalem air – there’s no romantic and sexy date quite like it. The Waldorf Astoria has its royal charm, but it’s not just a luxury hotel; it has something down-to-earth that comes through in the local and “unpretentious” food served on your plate.
The Terrace, Waldorf Astoria Hotel – 26 Gershon Agron Street, Jerusalem.Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 18:30 to 23:00, the kitchen closes at 22:30.Kosher Certification: Jerusalem Rabbinate – all products are Mehadrin.For details and reservations:Phone: 054-9509092Email: JRSWA.TERRACE@WALDORFASTORIA.COMReservation Link: https://tabitisrael.co.il/site/wa-terraceReservation Recommended.