American Colony Hotel Arabesque Restaurant

Description:

• The legendary Saturday luncheon buffet at this hotel restaurant is a truly marvelous feast. The meal includes all-you-can-eat soup, salads, fish, chicken, lamb, and beef dishes (as well as coffee and desserts). A whole chilled salmon, rich and beautifully prepared, is often the centerpiece of the spread, but there are surprises each week, such as fresh calamari or Brittany mussels. This is a great place to dine after spending Saturday morning in the bazaars of the Old City. The ambience, simple yet mildly exotic, harks back to a romanticized British Empire. For other meals, the Arabesque Restaurant runs from average to interesting, with such unusual touches as curried banana soup or spicy South African ostrich stew. There is always a menu of fine traditional Middle Eastern dishes. Tip: For lighter (and lower-priced) meals in a similar atmosphere, try the moderately priced Courtyard Café, also in the American Colony Hotel. A light repast will run you somewhere in the NIS 32 to NIS 80 ($8-$20/£4-£10) range.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010