In the never-ending rivalry between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Jerusalem has one clear advantage – the fact that the weather generally cools down at night. One of the best places to enjoy that weather (and an excellent cocktail or two) is the Rooftop terrace at the Waldorf Astoria, which has just reopened for the summer.
The terrace, on the hotel’s fourth floor, is a magical place, especially as the sun sets and darkness sets in. Fairy lights twinkle in the trees on the roof, and you can sit on cozy sofas or tables and enjoy the view.
But you are here to eat and drink, not just soak in the cool air. I had an old-fashioned (NIS 90), which was made with 12-year-old Macallan whisky, orange bitters, and cane sugar. It was smooth and a great way to start the evening. My favorite husband Cliff had a blueberry mule (NIS 70) made with Thinkers vodka, blueberry syrup, and ginger beer. Just yummy.
We tasted quite a bit of the appetizer menu, which includes vegetarian, fish, and meat dishes. One of the most interesting dishes was a meat shakshuka (NIS 75), which I had never had before, with pieces of kebab, tehina, and hummus. It had a touch of spice and Cliff and I gobbled it up.
A skewer of tandoori chicken (NIS 75) was also delicious with a delicate spicing that left us wanting more.
A tortilla fish sandwich (NIS 75) was also excellent with grilled fish in a tortilla and a lemony seviche (fresh fish “cooked” in lime juice), which was delicious. The one dish I wasn’t crazy about was the cauliflower tempura as my cauliflower was a little undercooked.
In general, the prices for the appetizer dishes were very reasonable, since this is a five-star hotel. The service was excellent, as might be expected, with servers checking on us constantly and making sure that we were enjoying our food and cocktails.
A whisky surprise
I thought we were done eating and drinking but I had a surprise coming. The Waldorf Astoria, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, has partnered with Macallan whisky, celebrating its 200th anniversary. The menu includes a flight of three top-tier whiskies called The Mastery Journey for a cool NIS 450.
Some of my “ladies who drink” friends are far more versed in the world of whisky than I am, but this was a special tasting that I really enjoyed. Macallan’s brand specialist Niv Ben Laiche enthusiastically described the whiskys that were also displayed at the bar.
So, treat yourself. Enjoy a night at the Waldorf Astoria Rooftop Terrace. You can thank me later.
- The Waldorf Astoria
- 26 Gershon Agron St., Jerusalem
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 6:30-11 p.m.
- Kashrut: Jerusalem Rabbanut
- Reservations: tabitisrael.co.il/site/wa-terrace
The writer was a guest of the restaurant.