Bethlehem Restaurants

  1. Abu Eli

    Stuffed pigeon, anyone? One of the star establishments for Middle Eastern salads and grilled meat, Abu Eli now relies on deals with tour operators due to being shunted off by the wall.

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  2. Abu Shanab

    Succulent lamb chops and traditionally butchered shish kebab are said to turn vegetarians around, but there's plenty of meatless mezze. The kofta (mincemeat and spices grilled on a skewer) is not overly seasoned (nothing to hide!). Moustachioed brothers (hence the name) give special attention to out-of-towners.

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  3. Al-Baidar

    Covered cloisters in this exquisitely restored mansion are worth a stop, even for the special lemonade or a glass of beer. No baklava here. Apple pie, yes.

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  4. Al-Kala'a/Citadel

    This ancient gem of a schoolhouse is host to Westerners and natives with an appetite for both Palestinian and, surprisingly good, Chinese cooking. Fabulous out on the patio or inside with an olive-wood scale model of old Jerusalem.

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  5. Dar Jdoudnah

    Down the ramp from Manger Sq and to the left find a wide open bar in this old, stone textile factory and olive oil press. Have a meal or cappuccino with a slice of creamy layaly lubnan (a crustless pudding made from milk, semolina and cream with a touch of rose water). Keys on the wall symbolise the Palestinian return home, in keeping with the name of this place: our grandparents' house.

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  7. Efteem

    Two shops on the down-ramp off the square serve felafel, but the second one down is so cherished, restaurateurs from Haifa come in to buy the mix.

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  8. La Terrasse

    Beauty and politics merge in the panoramic view from La Terrasse of Bethlehem and the Jewish settlement of Har Homa. Find a stepped-up Mediterranean-Mexican menu, comfy-chic ambience, a variety of wines and an international clientele. Alfredo comes with mushrooms, unless you decline. The creamy, crunchy almond soup is divine.

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  9. Qaabar

    Get to the sweet, old city of Beit Jala and ask for barbeque. Everyone knows Qaabar for the charcoal-grilled chicken and its fabulous aïoli - a habit-forming garlic mayonnaise (eggless). Use your fingers.

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  10. Shepherd's Valley Tourist Village

    A habitual stop after Shepherds' Field, the attraction is the environment as much as the local food. It's a huge Bedouin tent. Occasional folkloric dance.

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