Mona, located in the heart of Jerusalem, is a restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is situated in the Jerusalem Artists’ House, a historical building that was once home to the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts. The building’s rustic charm and Mona’s cozy atmosphere make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Mona’s menu is a fusion of Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s signature dishes include the lamb kebab, the homemade pasta, and the roasted cauliflower. Mona also offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. In addition to its food, Mona is known for its excellent wine selection, featuring both Israeli and international wines. With its warm and welcoming ambiance, Mona is a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious meal in a unique setting.
Location and Ambiance of Mona
Setting
Mona is located in the Givat Ram neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel. The restaurant is situated in a beautiful building that was built in the late 19th-century and was once inhabited by Jerusalem’s high society. The location of the restaurant is ideal, with easy access to major attractions in the city, including the Israel Museum, the Bible Lands Museum, and the Botanical Garden.
Decor and Atmosphere
Mona’s decor and atmosphere are warm and inviting, with a touch of rustic charm. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance, perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The indoor section of the restaurant has a tree growing through it, which adds to the rustic feel. The working fireplace also adds to the cozy atmosphere, especially during the colder months.
The outdoor section of the restaurant is surrounded by a stone-walled garden, which is perfect for outdoor dining during the warmer months. The garden is beautifully landscaped, adding to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
The decor of the restaurant is simple yet elegant, with wooden tables and chairs, and soft lighting. The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork, which adds to the overall aesthetic of the restaurant.
Overall, Mona’s location and ambiance make it the perfect spot for a memorable dining experience in Jerusalem.
The Culinary Experience
Mona promises an unforgettable culinary experience with its unique blend of Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant’s menu is carefully crafted by Chef Tomer Rosenfeld, who uses only the freshest ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Mona changes seasonally to ensure that only the freshest ingredients are used. Some of the standout dishes include the lamb chops with root vegetables, the sea bream with fennel and orange, and the beef tartare with truffle oil. Vegetarian options are also available, including the roasted cauliflower with tahini and the grilled eggplant with labneh.
Specialties
Mona’s specialty is its use of local ingredients to create dishes that are both unique and delicious. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Jerusalem mixed grill, which features a variety of meats and vegetables cooked over an open flame. Other specialties include the seafood platter and the slow-cooked lamb shank.
Dining Style
Mona’s dining style is both warm and welcoming, with a rustic interior that features a working fireplace and a tree growing through the indoor section. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are happy to make recommendations from the menu or suggest wine pairings.
Overall, Mona is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for an unforgettable culinary experience in Jerusalem.
The Team Behind Mona
Mona is a collective of restaurants and culinary experiences run by Chef Tomer Rosenfeld and his team. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its elegant dishes and unique wine menu since its opening.
Chef Profile
Chef Tomer Rosenfeld is the head chef and founder of Mona. He has over 20 years of experience in the culinary world and has worked in some of the best restaurants in Israel and Europe. Chef Rosenfeld’s passion for food and cooking started at a young age, and he has been honing his skills ever since. He is a true artist in the kitchen, and his dishes are a reflection of his creativity and expertise.
Staff and Service
The staff at Mona is friendly and professional, and they take pride in providing excellent service to their customers. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is always happy to answer any questions or make recommendations. The team at Mona is dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience for every customer, and they work hard to ensure that every dish is prepared to perfection.
Overall, the team behind Mona is passionate about food and dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience. Chef Tomer Rosenfeld and his team have created a unique culinary experience that is sure to delight even the most discerning of diners.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Mona is a highly rated restaurant in Jerusalem, known for its exceptional French cuisine and elegant ambiance. The restaurant has received numerous positive reviews from customers, praising the quality of the food and the service.
On Tripadvisor, Mona has an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, based on 926 reviews. Customers have described the food as “exquisite,” “delicious,” and “flawlessly executed.” They also appreciate the attentive service and the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant.
The restaurant has been featured in several food guides and publications, including Fodors Travel Guide and Haaretz.com. Fodors Travel Guide has named Mona a “Fodor’s Choice” restaurant, highlighting its exceptional cuisine and ambiance. Haaretz.com has described Mona as an “enchanting” restaurant and one of the city’s “undisputed culinary institutions.”
While the majority of reviews for Mona are positive, there are some negative reviews as well. Some customers have complained about the high prices, while others have noted that the portions are small. Overall, however, the positive reviews far outweigh the negative ones, and Mona remains one of the top-rated restaurants in Jerusalem.
In summary, Mona is a highly regarded restaurant in Jerusalem, with a reputation for exceptional French cuisine and attentive service. While it may be on the pricier side, customers consistently praise the quality of the food and the overall dining experience.
History and Influence of Mona
Mona is a renowned restaurant located in the heart of Jerusalem, Israel. The restaurant was founded about 10 years ago as a bar and has since then transformed into a fine dining restaurant. It is a part of the Mona group, which is a collective of restaurants and culinary experiences run by Chef Tomer Rosenfeld.
The menu at Mona is a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its creative and surprising menu, which is further enlivened by its select wine list.
Mona has been influenced by the rich cultural heritage of Jerusalem, which is reflected in the restaurant’s decor and atmosphere. The restaurant is situated in the old stone Artists’ House, which adds to its charm and character.
Over the years, Mona has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It has received numerous accolades and awards, including being listed as one of the best restaurants in Jerusalem by Haaretz.com. The restaurant’s success can be attributed to Chef Tomer Rosenfeld’s passion for food and his commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience to his guests.
Overall, Mona has made a significant impact on the culinary scene in Jerusalem, and its influence can be seen in the many restaurants that have been inspired by its innovative approach to cuisine.
Contact Information and Reservation Details
Mona is a highly-rated restaurant located in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. The restaurant’s address is 12 Shmu’el ha-Nagid, Jerusalem 9459212 Israel. For inquiries or reservations, guests may call Mona directly at 02-6222283 or send a message via WhatsApp at 054-9895943.
To ensure a seamless dining experience, Mona highly recommends making a reservation in advance. Reservations can be made online through their website or by contacting the restaurant directly. Mona accepts various modes of payment, including cash, credit card, and debit card.
For guests with specific dietary requirements or allergies, Mona’s staff is happy to make accommodations. The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan options, and guests may also request gluten-free or dairy-free dishes.
Mona’s operating hours are from Sunday to Thursday, with no lunch service. The restaurant is open for dinner from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Mona also offers a decadent brunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Overall, Mona is a fantastic dining destination for those looking to experience exceptional cuisine in a beautiful setting. With its friendly staff, accommodating menu, and convenient reservation options, Mona is a must-visit restaurant for any foodie visiting Jerusalem.
