Mojo’s Restaurant: Redefining Kosher Dining with Creative Meat Pizzas in Jerusalem
Kosher Meat Restaurant in Jerusalem, Israel ✈
During my recent visit to Jerusalem, Israel, I had the pleasure of dining at Mojo’s, a kosher restaurant located on Queen Shlomziyon Street. Mojo’s presents itself as a "Modern bistro meets pizzeria," and it lives up to that description in an interesting way.
Mojo’s was founded with the unique idea of bridging the gap between meat and dairy in kosher dining. As kosher law prohibits the consumption of meat and dairy together, traditional kosher restaurants typically serve either meat or dairy, never both. Mojo’s, however, found a creative solution: they use vegan, non-dairy cheese for their meat pizzas, allowing customers to enjoy the experience of a pizzeria alongside a bistro menu without violating dietary laws.
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“Mojo’s offers a fresh take on kosher dining in Jerusalem. The restaurant's innovative approach to combining a bistro with a pizzeria using vegan cheese makes it a unique destination for anyone looking to enjoy a modern, kosher meal in the city.”
Mojo’s is in central Jerusalem on a street named after Queen Shlomziyon (Salome Alexandra), one of the few female rulers of ancient Judea. Located in the heart of downtown Jerusalem, this street is just a short walk from major landmarks such as the Jaffa Gate, the Old City, and the bustling Ben Yehuda Street.
The area around Queen Shlomziyon Street is known for its mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It features many shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it a popular destination. The street is lively, especially in the evenings when people gather to enjoy the nightlife or dine at the various eateries.
In recent years, Queen Shlomziyon Street has seen a rise in upscale dining establishments, reflecting the broader trend of culinary innovation in Jerusalem. Mojo's, with its blend of modern and traditional influences, fits well into this dynamic environment.
Mojo’s restaurant is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Tzvi Maller, who saw a niche in the market for a modern dining experience that would appeal to both locals and tourists. Maller, whose background is in the food industry, wanted to create a space that felt both contemporary and welcoming while adhering strictly to kosher guidelines. His vision was to offer a diverse menu that could cater to a wide audience, from those looking for a casual bite to those seeking a full meal.
Maller, a former Southern Californian, is the original owner of Crave in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market. Maller, who has a reputation for creative and innovative culinary ideas, was inspired by the flavors and experiences of his youth, particularly the pizzas he enjoyed at Shakey's Pizza in California.
The atmosphere at Mojo’s strikes a perfect balance between urban sophistication and a cozy, welcoming vibe. It’s smart and chic, with a modern bar area that features a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu designed by Maller's eldest daughter, Eden. The restaurant also boasts an extensive selection of local wines and spirits, supporting the local craft beer scene.
Mojo’s menu reflects its dual identity as a bistro and a pizzeria. On the bistro side, you can find a variety of meat dishes, including burgers, steaks, and chicken options, all prepared with the attention to detail that one expects from a quality kosher establishment. The pizzeria side of the menu offers a range of pizzas made with vegan cheese, allowing customers to enjoy the traditional pizza experience without mixing meat and dairy.
The fusion of these two worlds is the standout feature of Mojo’s. The pizzas are a highlight, with the vegan cheese providing a surprisingly satisfying alternative to dairy. The menu also includes a selection of salads, sides, and desserts, making it possible to create a well-rounded meal regardless of your preference for meat or pizza.
At Mojo’s you can start with small plates like panko-crusted fried olives, umami-dusted French fries with truffle garlic confit mayo, and a variety of salads such as the Caesar with optional add-ons like chicken or lamb bā-kən, and the Italian salad with toppings ranging from pepperoni to mushrooms. Other small plates include butter wings, crispy fried rice with spicy salmon, crispy chicken focaccia, and lamb riblets with an Asian glaze.
For larger appetites, the menu features substantial plates like Korean fried chicken with jasmine rice, crispy dark meat chicken served with smashed potatoes, roasted chicken breast with seasonal vegetables, and ribeye steak. Mojo’s also offers a one-kilo tomahawk ribeye, available by special order.
The wagyu sliders section includes inventive options such as the O.G. with wild mushrooms and wasabi mayo, the Chili Crunch with caramelized onions and vegan mozzarella, and the Classic with bā-kən and vegan cheddar. The Trifecta allows for a taste of all three.
Pizzas at Mojo’s are phenomenal, featuring unique combinations like the Bianca with vegan feta and balsamic reduction, the Sausage with spicy steak sausage, the Chipotle Chicken with lamb bā-kən bits, and the Oaxaca with pulled beef and avocado. There are also options like Thee Animal with ground steak and vegan cheddar, and the Threesome, a hearty combination of pepperoni, spicy steak sausage, and lamb bā-kən. Gluten-free options are available for all pizzas.
For dessert, the menu offers sweet treats like lemon curd with balsamic berries, a hot chocolate pot, and nut bark.
Mojo’s drink menu features a well-curated selection of beverages, including wines, cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic options.
Wines are available by the glass or bottle, with choices among red wines like Cabernet, Syrah, and Pinot Noir, and white wines including Blanco, Brut, and Riesling.
Cocktails offer a variety of flavors, from the classic "Mojo Negroni" with Campari and gin to the refreshing "Cucumber Gin" with cucumber syrup. Other highlights include the "Spicy Margarita" with Patron and chili pepper, and the "Espresso Martini" for coffee lovers.
Spirits include an extensive range of "Hard Stuff," with selections of single malt whiskies, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and blended malt. The menu also features bourbon and aperitifs/digestifs like Limoncello and Jägermeister.
For beer lovers, options include Mikkeller IPA, Alexander Blazer, and Jems Pills, available in different sizes.
Soft drinks cover the basics, including Coke, Sprite, soda water, and San Pellegrino, along with options for espresso and hot teas with various flavors.
Mojo’s offers a fresh take on kosher dining in Jerusalem. The restaurant's innovative approach to combining a bistro with a pizzeria using vegan cheese makes it a unique destination for anyone looking to enjoy a modern, kosher meal in the city.
The history and vision of the owner add depth to the experience, making Mojo’s more than just a place to eat, but a thoughtful and creative response to the challenges of kosher dining. Whether you're planning a family celebration, seeking a bar with an excellent selection of classic cocktails, or searching for a new favorite spot for date night, Mojo’s has you covered.
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