Touro is a highly acclaimed restaurant located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighborhood. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of Mediterranean and European cuisine with a strong emphasis on Israeli flavors. Touro is known for its exquisite dishes that are prepared with the freshest ingredients and presented beautifully.
The restaurant has gained a reputation for its kosher meat dishes, which are a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Touro’s menu also includes vegan and vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. The restaurant’s elegant decor and stunning views of the Walls of Jerusalem and the Tower of David create a unique dining experience that is both memorable and enjoyable.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Touro’s menu, atmosphere, and overall dining experience. We will explore the restaurant’s signature dishes, the inspiration behind their menu, and the history of the restaurant itself. Whether you’re a foodie looking for a new culinary adventure or simply interested in learning more about one of Jerusalem’s top restaurants, this restaurant profile of Touro is sure to pique your interest.
Location and Ambiance
Touro Restaurant is situated in the picturesque neighborhood of Mishkenot Sha’ananim in Jerusalem, Israel. The restaurant is housed in a historic building that was once home to the famous Chef Moise Pe’er’s restaurant. The location of the restaurant is ideal for tourists as it is just 0.4 miles away from the Eglise du Saint-Sepulcre, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jerusalem.
The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with a mix of modern and traditional decor. The restaurant features high ceilings, exposed stone walls, and wooden floors, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The lighting is dim, adding to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
The seating arrangement is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available. The outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the Old City of Jerusalem, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
The restaurant has a bar area where patrons can enjoy a wide range of cocktails, wine, and beer. The bar area is well-stocked and has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Overall, Touro Restaurant’s location and ambiance are perfect for those looking for a unique dining experience in Jerusalem. The combination of the historic building, warm ambiance, and stunning views make it a must-visit restaurant for tourists and locals alike.
History of Touro
Touro Restaurant is located in the historic building that was once home to the renowned Chef Moise Pe’er’s famed restaurant. The restaurant was a gathering place for some of the most famous chefs and cookbook authors of the time. Today, Touro Restaurant continues to be a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant is named after Judah Touro, an American-Jewish philanthropist who helped finance the establishment of the next-door Mishkenot Sha’ananim by Sir Moses Montefiore in 1860. Touro was born in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1775, and was one of the wealthiest men in America during his lifetime. He was known for his philanthropy and donated generously to various charities and institutions.
Touro’s legacy lives on through the restaurant that bears his name. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, including beef carpaccio, ceviche, endive salads, halva, chocolate soufflés, and parfait. The restaurant also boasts a romantic view of the Old City walls, making it a popular spot for romantic dinners and special occasions.
Overall, Touro Restaurant is a testament to the enduring legacy of Judah Touro and his commitment to philanthropy and community. The restaurant’s rich history and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Jerusalem.
Culinary Style and Signature Dishes
Touro Restaurant in Jerusalem offers a unique culinary experience with a gourmet menu that combines Mediterranean and Asian influences. The restaurant’s chef, Benny Ashkenazi, emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking methods, which are all essential to his culinary style.
One of Touro’s signature dishes is the beef carpaccio, which is thinly sliced raw beef served with arugula, Parmesan cheese, and truffle oil. Another popular dish is the ceviche, which is made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice and served with avocado and cilantro. For vegetarians, Touro offers a variety of options, including the endive salad, which is made with endive leaves, roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
In addition to its regular menu, Touro also offers a tasting menu that allows diners to sample a variety of dishes. The tasting menu includes dishes such as the lamb chops, which are served with a pomegranate glaze and roasted root vegetables, and the sea bass, which is served with a tomato and basil sauce.
To complement its gourmet menu, Touro also offers an extensive wine list featuring both Israeli and international wines. The restaurant’s knowledgeable staff can help diners select the perfect wine to pair with their meal.
Overall, Touro’s culinary style and signature dishes make it a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a unique and memorable dining experience in Jerusalem.
Chef Profile
Chef Benny Ashkenazi is the mastermind behind Touro’s culinary creations. With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Chef Ashkenazi has become a renowned figure in the Israeli culinary scene. He has worked in some of the country’s most prestigious restaurants, including the Ritz Carlton in Herzliya, the Hilton in Tel Aviv, and the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem.
Chef Ashkenazi’s culinary style is characterized by his emphasis on the freshness of the ingredients, innovative cooking methods, and the use of seasonal produce. He draws inspiration from his travels around the world and incorporates Asian influences into his Mediterranean menu. Touro’s menu features a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian options.
One of Chef Ashkenazi’s signature dishes is the beef carpaccio, which is made with high-quality meat that is sliced paper-thin and served with a tangy mustard dressing. Another must-try dish is the ceviche, which is made with fresh fish that is marinated in citrus juices and served with avocado and cilantro.
Chef Ashkenazi’s passion for food is evident in every dish that comes out of Touro’s kitchen. He is dedicated to providing his customers with an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the best of Israeli cuisine.
Customer Experience
Touro in Jerusalem offers a unique dining experience for its customers. The restaurant has an elegant and inviting atmosphere that combines the charm of the ancient building with contemporary accents. Customers are greeted with warm hospitality and attentive service. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can provide recommendations based on individual preferences.
The restaurant has an outside veranda with breathtaking views of the Old City, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinners or special occasions. The indoor seating area is spacious and comfortable, with dim lighting that creates a cozy ambiance. The tables are well-spaced, providing customers with privacy and a peaceful dining experience.
The menu at Touro features a variety of Mediterranean, European, and Israeli dishes that are prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant offers a wide selection of wines and cocktails that complement the food. Customers can choose from vegetarian, kosher, and non-kosher options.
The prices at Touro are on the higher side, but customers can expect a high-quality dining experience. The restaurant is suitable for couples, families, and groups of friends. Touro can also accommodate events for up to 120 people. Overall, Touro provides an exceptional dining experience with delicious food, attentive service, and a beautiful atmosphere.
Awards and Recognition
Touro Restaurant has earned numerous accolades and recognition for its exceptional cuisine and dining experience. Here are a few of the awards and honors that the restaurant has received:
- In 2022, Touro was named one of the “Top 10 Restaurants in Jerusalem” by Time Out magazine.
- The restaurant has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor every year since 2017.
- Touro has also been included in the Michelin Guide for Jerusalem since 2019.
- In 2018, Touro was awarded the title of “Best Restaurant in Jerusalem” by the Israeli culinary magazine “Al Hashulchan”.
These awards and recognition are a testament to the high quality of the food and service provided by Touro Restaurant. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and its innovative approach to traditional French cuisine have earned it a reputation as one of the top dining destinations in Jerusalem.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a venue for a special event, Touro Restaurant is sure to impress. With its stunning views of the Old City and its elegant, sophisticated atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Touro has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Community Involvement
Touro is not just a restaurant, but a community-minded establishment that takes pride in giving back to the community. The restaurant has been involved in various charitable events and initiatives in the past, including fundraising dinners, food drives, and donations to local organizations.
One of the most notable community initiatives that Touro has been involved in is the Jerusalem Marathon. The restaurant has been a sponsor of the marathon for several years, providing food and drinks for the runners and volunteers. In addition, Touro has also organized a team of runners to participate in the marathon, with all proceeds going to charity.
Touro also supports local farmers and suppliers by sourcing their ingredients locally whenever possible. This not only helps to support the local economy but also ensures that the food served at the restaurant is fresh and of the highest quality.
Furthermore, Touro is committed to reducing its environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices. The restaurant uses energy-efficient appliances, recycles waste, and composts food scraps. Touro also encourages its customers to bring their own reusable containers for takeout orders.
Overall, Touro is a restaurant that not only serves delicious food but also takes an active role in the community. Its commitment to charitable causes, local sourcing, and sustainability makes it a standout establishment in Jerusalem.
Sustainability Practices
Touro Restaurant in Mishkenot Sha’ananim is committed to sustainability practices, both in terms of its food sourcing and its operations. Here are some of the ways in which Touro prioritizes sustainability:
- Local Sourcing: Touro sources its ingredients from local, small-scale farmers and producers, reducing the carbon footprint of its food supply chain. The restaurant also prioritizes seasonal produce to ensure the freshest and most flavorful ingredients are used in its dishes.
- Reducing Waste: Touro aims to minimize food waste by carefully planning its menus and utilizing every part of the ingredients it uses. The restaurant also composts its food waste and recycles as much as possible.
- Energy Efficiency: Touro uses energy-efficient appliances and lighting throughout the restaurant, reducing its energy consumption and carbon footprint. The restaurant also uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Water Conservation: Touro is committed to conserving water and has implemented water-saving measures throughout the restaurant, including low-flow faucets and toilets.
Overall, Touro Restaurant is dedicated to sustainability practices that minimize its impact on the environment while also providing delicious and high-quality food to its customers.
Future Plans
Touro restaurant in Jerusalem has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike due to its Mediterranean, European, and Israeli cuisine. The restaurant has gained a reputation for providing excellent food and impeccable service.
Currently, there is no information available regarding any future plans for Touro restaurant. However, given its popularity and success, it is likely that the restaurant will continue to innovate and provide new dishes and experiences for its patrons.
It is possible that Touro may expand its operations to other locations in Israel or even internationally. However, this is purely speculation at this point, and no official announcements have been made regarding any such plans.
In the meantime, Touro will continue to provide its customers with high-quality food and service, ensuring that they have a memorable dining experience.
