Noya An Elegant Dining Spot In Jerusalem

The origin of the name Noya is both Hebrew and English, meaning beautiful, ornamented and bejeweled, and is often used as a name for a baby girl. In Arabic, the word Noya means ‘rose flower’. In Jerusalem, however, Noya refers to a tempting restaurant with an incredible menu. We paid a visit to this gem in downtown Jerusalem.
Noya is a restaurant that established a loyal following since the day it opened its doors eight years ago. It has become an icon in Jerusalem, which is quite a feat considering that so many restaurants have closed down in this city. Located on Shlomzion Hamalka Street, near the Russian Compound, the architects took advantage of the excellent location and the geometric V-design to build Noya in the same vein. Noya is built on two levels, and its total capacity is approximately 70 clients at any one time; a private meeting or party can easily take place on the second level. Noya is elegant and professional in terms of both its layout and service.

The cuisine is original and created by two of Jerusalem’s best chefs, Chef Gindi and Chef Genadi Nezia. Their French and Mediterranean food is rich and intriguing. As soon as we sat down, we were served warm focaccia and a variety of delectable dips. The menu we were presented with was varied and easily able to please the palate of both omnivores and carnivores.

The starters opened up our meal well: the beef carpaccio arrived tartly marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and served rich in color in a circular pattern. Next, we tried the ravioli filled with roasted vegetables and salmon tartar, grilled in spices, which melted in the mouth.

Six unusual salads were offered as starters as well. Highlights from the meal were the lamb on skewers, their original mock calamari rings in a homemade sauce and tangy grilled sausages. The main dishes we tried included the perfectly cooked entrecôte steak with mango, spiced lamb moussaka, sweetly roasted lamb chops, juicy grilled aubergine, seared tuna, all glorious dishes worth mentioning.

Additionally, the wine list is varied enough for any wine connoisseur. The host and owner, Yitzchak, is friendly and good fun. He lights up the restaurant with a smile and made us, as well as all the diners, feel totally welcome.

Noya, Queen Shlomtzion St 3, Jerusalem, Israel,+972- 2-6257311

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.