Canela

Description:

• This sleek upscale restaurant is striving to become Jerusalem's foremost kosher choice for meetings, celebrations, and that special night out. There have been changes in chefs and menus (on one visit, the dishes that arrived at the table were prepared somewhat differently from the way the menu and waiter described them, but the meal was still enjoyable). The restaurant's design is quietly luxurious, with specially commissioned furniture and decorative details. Visually, each dish is beautifully presented. A changing menu is filled with classic dishes, but you'll always find one or two playful choices, such as seared tuna in spicy caramel or roasted eggplant with green techina and walnuts. Main-course meat dishes, such as a country ragout of slow-cooked lamb, eggplant, and chickpeas, or grilled sirloin with a mustard-brandy demi glace, are better bets than the fish selections. A special pastry chef and kitchen turns out excellent desserts. There's a graceful, well-stocked bar. Live music plays on Monday nights starting at 10pm. Late in the evening, when the restaurant morphs into a bar/bistro, smaller portions of the menu's highlights can be ordered at NIS 50 ($13/£6.25) a plate. Two-course luncheon specials start at NIS 86 ($22/£11). Service is careful. Valet parking is a unique touch.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010