Jerusalem's Top Dessert Spots For Sweet-Tooths

Jerusalem is a vibrant city filled with people from all different cultures, so it’s no surprise that this would inevitably shape a fantastic culinary culture. But it’s not all about the savory delights. You’ll find the city’s most decadent treats at these bakeries and dessert shops.

BaBeit Cafe

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Belgian

BaBeit, which translates to ‘at home,’ is famous for its delicious Belgian waffles and offers many variations and endless toppings. Many of its regular customers usually go for the homemade hot cocoa, which can be mixed with brandy. The best part about this sweet spot is not only its treats but also its opening hours; open until 1 am to satisfy your late-night sweet tooth.

Magdaniat Pe’er

After serving three generations of happy customers, Magdaniat Pe’er stands as Jerusalem’s oldest bakery. It is most famous for its age-old challah recipe, but it also offers a variety of cakes, cookies, pastries, and danishes. Luckily, this bakery has two locations within central Jerusalem: one in Mahane Yehuda Market and the other in the German Colony.
Multiple Locations in Jerusalem, Israel

Mousseline Ice Cream Parlor

Ice Cream Parlour, Market, Israeli

Mousseline is a French ice cream shop that has some of the best scoops with the most unique flavors in the city. The choices are either milk-based or sorbet, but regardless of the one you choose, you’re bound to be satisfied. The owner learned ice cream-making in France, and her skills are showcased in each scoop.

The Coffee Mill

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Israeli

If you consider yourself a coffee snob but also want a warm pastry to go along with it, The Coffee Mill is the way to go. This small coffee shop offers a vast array of coffee flavors, such as mint, chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and butterscotch. Their freshly brewed coffee beans hail from Guatemala and Ethiopia, but the shop is conveniently located in the German Colony, making these exotic beans easily accessible.

Halitatea

Restaurant, Tea Room, Tea

Halitatea is officially a health food restaurant, but it specializes in creating remarkable spice combinations for tea, as well as notable desserts. Some of its specialties include macarons, scones, meringues, and pies, all of which are homemade. If you live for your daily cup(s) of tea, Halitatea has a wide enough selection for even the pickiest of tea lovers.

Gagou de Paris

Bakery, Pastry Shop, French, Pastries

Gagou de Paris is a French bakery in the heart of Jerusalem. It makes a number of delicious Parisian-style baked goods, including éclairs, baguettes, Napoleons, croissants, and, of course, croquembouche. There’s also an option to get a stunning wedding cake from these talented bakers.

About the author

Jasmine Esulin

Jasmine is currently studying communications and political science at Bar-Ilan University. She moved to Israel from Los Angeles about three years ago and has experienced a solid amount of humorous, upsetting, and pleasant culture shock. Her passions include writing, politics, photography, and history. She finds herself falling more and more in love with this bizarre country with each passing day. For more of her words and reflections, check out Jasmine’s blog, The Frier Foreigner.