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Bethlehem translates to ‘The House of Meat’, and with very good reason. The array of exquisite restaurants in Bethlehem is sure to impress , offering a vast selections of Middle Eastern meze, endless amounts of tender meats, and an authentic Palestinian atmosphere. Here is he Culture Trips guide to the 10 best places to dine in Bethlehem.

Shisha Pipes

Bonjour Restaurant

Enjoy quality Palestinian food in this multi-faceted restaurant. Tuck into your meal with the promise of the shisha pipes, and for dessert, the apple narghila comes highly recommended. For coffee addicts, you will love Bonjour’s artistic flair in the froth of their coffees, which they swirl with dark and wonderful shapes. To top it off, they have regular musical performances, as well as the occasional comedy show. So you are sure to be entertained in this modern-style restaurant that serves quality Arabic dishes, including tabbouleh, samak, and kebab. For a special evening, dine on the terrace and enjoy the sunset.
Address and telephone number: John Paul the 2nd/ beside Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, +970 2 274 0406

Hummus & Pitta

Afteem Restaurant

If you are keen to get a taste of true Palestinian cuisine, your best bet is sinking your teeth into some quality falafel and hummus. And Afteem’s restaurant serves the best in town. The interior walls slope like bridges and are constructed from the white stone which is typical of Arabic buildings. In fact, the interior design is so memorable that the architecture alone would be worth a visit, so don’t be fooled by its humble exterior. Once you step inside, you’ll find yourself craving their perfectly golden falafel and admiring their unusual decor.
Address and telephone number: Manger Square, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, +970 2 274 7940

Venus di Milo

Ewaan Restaurant

The cobbled white stone walls with elegant arches are accompanied by a rich and ornate interior decor. From the plush seats to the gold framed mirror and the Venus di Milo statue, the decor in the Ewaan is quite remarkable. There’s also an open area outside, so you can enjoy the cool Bethlehem evenings while you eat. In this garden area you will be surrounded by some colorful flowers and trees, giving your dining experience an extra special and natural ambiance.

Address and telephone number: University Street, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, +972 2 2743737

Cocktails

Divano Café And Restaurant

The Divano Café and Restaurant is one of the more animated places to visit on this list. It is popular for its food, its shisha,and the quality of its drinks. They function as a café, a restaurant, and an energetic bar, making them very popular with locals. Their cocktails are particularly good, and well worth trying. According to reviews, the Divano burgers are some of the best in town, and the atmosphere of the place is incredibly relaxing. So settle down and make an evening of it with a hefty burger followed up by some cocktails.
Address and telephone number: Jerusalem-Hebron St., 0154 Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, +972 2 275 7276

Mezze

Shepherds Valley Village

The Shepherds Valley Village restaurant is a one-of-a-kind Bedouin tent restaurant, which will have you dining beneath the cool, billowing tent-folds of the roof. Theirs has been widely described as the perfect relaxed setting to enjoy some traditional local grub and drinks. This food is of the highest quality and full of flavor. To top it off, their selection of mezze dishes will leave you with a wide selection of food, fully satisfied and stuffed to the brim. Finish the meal off with some hookah to make it a night to remember.
Address and telephone number: Shepherds Field Street, Beit Sahour, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, + 97022773875

Lamb Chops

Abu Shanab

Pop by Abu Shanab in the afternoon and you’ll find it filled to the brim with tourist groups. In the evening, it is the locals’ paradise. As you enter you will see the chefs cooking their well-known kebabs and lamb chops. Watching them cook is, according to reviews, a fascinating part of the dining experience. Reviewers of this restaurant agree that eating here is an absolute must when you pay a visit to Bethlehem. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the brilliant brothers behind the cooking, who boast the most impressive mustaches you will ever have the privilege of seeing.
Address and telephone number: Abu Shanab Restaurant, Main Street, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, + 97022742985

Pick Your Poison

Dar Al-Balad

The Dar Al Balad describes itself as the authentic Palestinian experience, and they certainly have a reputation for high-quality Palestinian food. To get a true taste of Bethlehem, stopping by the Dar Al Balad should be at the top of your list of things to do. Their grand interior is bound to wow you, when you sit down and have a few puffs on their shisha pipes. Follow up your smoke with a visit to the extensive bar and pick your poison. The hotel and restaurant has been described as an oasis of quiet, with delicious food. You won’t be disappointed.
Address and telephone number: St Micheal Street, Beit Sahour, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, +970 2 274 9073

Kebabs

Al Housani

At Al Housani, the quality of the food is their main selling point, as it should be. Their extensive menu speaks for itself, with a flavorsome selection of traditional dishes. Their kebabs and salad selection are particularly divine. The restaurant proudly showcases local culture, offers the best food, and is understandably frequented by tourist groups. Don’t miss out on paying a visit to this humble restaurant, where their spices and sauces are packed full of explosive flavors you won’t be likely to forget.
Address and telephone number: Al Quds Street, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, +970 2 2748390

Arabic Coffee

The Citadel

With a remarkable, otherworldly interior, the Citadel is worth a visit simply to get a taste of the beauty of the architecture in Bethlehem. Eat an unforgettable meal at great value for money in a quiet and authentically Arabic atmosphere. With such a laid back ambiance, you may find yourself sitting in the Citadel for hours, enjoying a filling meal followed by a strong Arabic coffee. To accompany your dining experience, they often stage musical performances, the genres include reggae, funk, soul, hip hop and rock. There’s sure to be something to suit every taste.
Address and telephone number: Beit Sahur, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, +970 2 2777771

Wine

Christmas Bells

Do not be deceived by your first impression of Christmas Bells. When you first arrive you may think that the restaurant looks quite like a cafeteria. But when the staff seats you, you’ll soon realize that this restaurant is a true diamond in the rough. Christmas Bells boasts an array of local wines, a large selection of delicious sides and salads, and a level of care and hospitality from the staff that is unrivalled. Don’t forget to take full advantage of their local wines and taste a selection.
Address and telephone number: Bethlehem Manager Square, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel, +970 2 2776336

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