Caffit Café: The Must-Try Restaurant in Jerusalem, Israel’s German Colony
Dairy restaurant in Jerusalem, Israel ✈
Over the years, I've dined at Caffit, a kosher dairy restaurant and café located on Emek Refa'im Street in the German Colony neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel, more times than I can count. This place has a long-standing reputation in the city, having been around since 1987. It started as a small neighborhood café and has grown into a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
One of the things I appreciate about Caffit is the seating options. You can choose to sit inside, where the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, or outside, where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the lively street scene. The outdoor seating is particularly pleasant on a nice day, and it's a great spot for people-watching.
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“Caffit is a solid choice if you're looking for a kosher dairy meal in a comfortable setting. It's a place I keep returning to because of its consistent quality and the pleasant dining experience it offers. You can’t truly say you’ve been to Emek Refa'im Street until you’ve dined at Caffit.”
The menu at Caffit is extensive, offering a wide range of options. As a kosher dairy restaurant, you’ll find everything from fresh salads and pasta dishes to pizzas and fish. Some of their standout dishes include the "Jerusalem Bagel," which is filled with a variety of cheeses, and the "Caffit Breakfast," which comes with eggs, cheese, fresh bread, and an assortment of salads. They also have a nice selection of desserts, with their cheesecakes and chocolate soufflé being particularly popular.
Caffit has expanded over the years, and you'll find other branches across Israel, including the Botanical Gardens in Jerusalem. While the Emek Refa'im location is my go-to, it’s good to know there are other options if you find yourself in a different part of the city or even the country.
Caffit's morning menu, available until 12:00 PM, offers a range of breakfast options. You can choose from lighter dishes like Muesli with sheep yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, and date honey, or indulge in a full Caffit Breakfast, which includes eggs, cheeses, spreads, salads, fresh bread, juice, and coffee. For those dining with a companion, the Caffit Breakfast for Two offers an expanded selection with additional spreads and sides. Classic breakfast options like Eggs Benedict and shakshuka are available, along with unique twists such as Focaccia Benedict and various frittatas. The menu also includes a selection of pastries, cookies, and sandwiches, featuring fillings like cream cheese, guacamole, tuna salad, and smoked salmon.
Caffit's Starters menu offers a variety of flavorful appetizers. The Meze plate is a highlight, featuring a selection of dips and spreads like tahini, tzaziki, cream of artichoke, and guacamole, accompanied by focaccia and fried eggplant in vinegar marinade. Other starters include fried cauliflower served on raw tahini with sweet chili, flame-broiled eggplant topped with fresh tomato salsa and olive oil, and leek and Bulgarian cheese patties with a sour cream and chives dipping sauce. For those who prefer something crisp, the menu also offers crispy sweet potato pancakes and classic fries.
Caffit's Salad menu features a variety of hearty and fresh options. The Oreganato series offers three variations, each combining mixed nuts and croutons with either stir-fried zucchini, golden sweet potato, or a mix of Portobello and wild mushrooms, all served over a bed of fresh vegetables and Bulgarian cheese. The Caesar salad is a classic choice, with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and homemade croutons tossed in Caesar dressing. For something more unique, the quinoa and roasted cauliflower salad combines red and white quinoa with roasted cauliflower, nuts, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of raw tahini and date honey. The menu also includes a crispy haloumi salad with mixed greens and pine nuts, as well as a Greek salad, featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and kalamata olives, all topped with Bulgarian cheese and a sprinkle of za'atar.
Caffit's main courses offer a selection of flavorful dishes. The menu includes browned haloumi cheese and mushrooms served in a rich wine and plum sauce over mashed potatoes with crispy onions. For seafood lovers, there's a grilled salmon fillet accompanied by mashed potatoes, green beans, and roasted cherry tomatoes, as well as a classic fish and chips dish with crispy fish chunks, french fries, tartar sauce, and spicy aioli. For a unique vegetarian option, the cauliflower shawarma is served in frena bread, featuring baked cauliflower, grilled tomatoes, onions, parsley, tahini, arisa, and homemade pickles. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to provide a balanced and enjoyable meal.
Caffit's focaccia and pizza menu features a variety of options that blend classic and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. The focaccia offerings include a simple olive oil version served with tahini and coriander pesto, as well as the Bedouin Focaccia topped with Bulgarian cheese, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, green onions, olive oil, and za'atar. The pizza selection ranges from the classic Margherita with tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella to more adventurous options like the Mushroom Pizza with a mix of portobello, champignon, and wild mushrooms, and the Mediterranean Pizza with eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and Bulgarian cheese. Other notable choices include the Spicy Sicilian Pizza with anchovies, chili, and kalamata olives, and the Bianca Pizza with spinach, onion, mozzarella, and cream sauce. Each option is crafted to deliver a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
Caffit's pasta menu allows you to mix and match different types of pasta with an array of sauces. The pasta options include ravioli filled with four cheeses or sweet potato, gnocchi, and both short pastas like penne, busiate, and radiatore, as well as long pastas like spaghetti and fettuccine. You can choose from several sauces, ranging from classic tomato with basil and olive oil, to richer options like cream and mushrooms, cream and smoked salmon, and cream with pesto or parmesan. For those seeking something with a bit of a kick, the Neapolitan Aglio Olio features garlic, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, herbs, chili, and pine nuts, while the seared artichoke sauce pairs lemon artichoke cream with cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Each pasta dish can be customized to suit your taste.
Caffit's drink menu offers a wide selection of cold and hot beverages to complement any meal. The cold beverage options include classic soft drinks, sparkling and still mineral water, and a variety of freshly squeezed juices, including orange, apple, and carrot, with an optional ginger twist. For a refreshing choice, you can opt for lemonade, lemon-mint, or a crushed lemon-mint drink. Other cold options include iced coffee, fruit shakes with various bases like water, orange juice, milk, milkshake, and malt beer. Additionally, you can order pitchers of lemonade, orange juice, or crushed lemon-mint for sharing.
The hot beverages menu features espresso-based drinks such as macchiato, Americano, cortado, and cappuccino, with flavored variations like mocha or hot chocolate. For tea lovers, there's a selection of teas and herbal teas, along with chai latte and hot apple cider, with an optional wine addition. Unique offerings like affogato—espresso with vanilla ice cream—and sahlab, a warm drink served with coconut, cinnamon, and nuts, round out the hot drink options.
Caffit is a solid choice if you're looking for a kosher dairy meal in a comfortable setting. It's a place I keep returning to because of its consistent quality and the pleasant dining experience it offers. You can’t truly say you’ve been to Emek Refa'im Street until you’ve dined at Caffit.
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