Pompidou Bistro and Bar: A Lunch Experience in Jerusalem, Israel’s German Colony
Dairy restaurant in Jerusalem, Israel ✈
I recently had lunch at Pompidou Bistro and Bar, a kosher dairy restaurant located on Emek Refa'im Street in the German Colony neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel. The restaurant has become a well-known spot in this historic area, named after the former French president Georges Pompidou. It’s a place that combines the charm of the neighborhood with a European-style dining experience.
Book a Tour: Top Jerusalem Tours
“Pompidou Bistro and Bar is a solid choice for a meal in the German Colony. The combination of its prime location, comfortable seating options, and varied menu makes it a convenient spot for both a quick bite and a leisurely lunch.”
Pompidou offers two seating options: you can sit inside, where the ambiance is cozy with a casual yet stylish design, or enjoy your meal outside on the patio. The outdoor seating is particularly nice, especially on a mild day, as it allows you to take in the lively atmosphere of Emek Refa'im, with its mix of locals and tourists passing by.
The indoor dining area is spacious yet cozy, with tables arranged to allow for both privacy and a lively dining experience. The bar area is a focal point, highlighted by a well-stocked display of premium spirits and an impressive wine selection, adding to the upscale feel of the place. Large windows let in natural light during the day, while at night, the lighting is soft and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal or a casual drink with friends.
The menu at Pompidou features a range of dishes from classic bistro fare to more contemporary options. Starting with appetizers, the menu features options like Burrata Focaccia, which is topped with colorful cherries, rocket leaves, and basil, all on a crispy stone oven-baked dough. There’s a Green Vegetable Risotto with peas, zucchini, and truffles, as well as Cheese Arancini served in a rose sauce. Other options include a Cabbage Steak with roasted cabbage, Mushroom Polenta with spinach and truffle oil, and a range of salads such as the Caprese Salad with buffalo mozzarella, or the Bindella Salad with endive, apples, and blue cheese. Additionally, there are classic choices like Bruschetta, Avocado Salmon Ceviche, and the Alla Romana Salad with artichokes and mushrooms.
Other options include the Chef’s Salad with purple endive, crispy gnocchi, and pecans, or the Pompidou Salad, which includes mixed greens, mushrooms, and walnuts. The Mediterranean Halumi Salad offers stir-fried halumi cheese with sweet potatoes, while the Classic Greek Salad provides a more traditional option with lettuce, tomato, and olives. The Caesar Salad with anchovies and poached egg, and Salmon Salad with sautéed salmon cubes and mushrooms are also popular choices.
The pasta section features dishes like Fettuccini or Gnocchi with a choice of sauces, including Pomodoro, Creamy Pesto, and Fungi. Specialty options include Chestnut Artichoke Ravioli in a cream sauce, Beet Gnocchi in pistachio cream sauce, and Pappardelle with roasted peppers. There are also dishes like Goat Cheese Ravioli with roasted beets and Pappardelle Salmon with fresh salmon cubes.
The menu extends to pizzas like the classic Pizza Margarita, Pizza Bianca with smoked salmon, and Pizza Alla Pesto with sun-dried tomatoes. For fish lovers, there’s a Grilled Salmon Fillet, Bream Fillet served with mushroom and truffle polenta, and traditional Fish and Chips.
For something heartier, the Shakshuka options include Classic, Eggplant, and Italian versions, each served with home-baked bread and salad. Dessert offerings range from classic Crème Brûlée to more elaborate creations like the Pompi-boom, a Nutella mousse with hot fudge, and the Lemon Meringue Pie with a fresh lemon filling.
Pompidou offers a tempting array of desserts that combine classic flavors with creative twists. Their dessert menu features delights like bread pudding drenched in salted caramel sauce, served with warm cinnamon milk, vanilla ice cream, and various toppings. The apple crumble, topped with cinnamon-butter streusel and vanilla ice cream, is a comforting choice. For cheesecake lovers, there's a chilled crumbled version with a butter cookie crust and berry sauce. Chocolate enthusiasts can indulge in the "Pompi-boom," a rich Nutella mousse with hot fudge, or the decadent chocolate and pretzel fudge heart with salted caramel and chopped pecans. The menu also includes a vanilla and coffee mille-feuille, pavlova with vanilla berries, and a refreshing lemon meringue pie. Classic offerings like crème brûlée round out the selection.
To accompany these desserts, the drink menu provides a variety of soft drinks, including popular sodas, sparkling mineral waters, and fresh juices like orange and lemon. Coffee options range from espresso to cappuccino, made with premium Italian beans, and there's also a selection of teas and mint tea. For those looking for something stronger, the cocktail menu features refreshing options like a gin-based "Summer Time" with watermelon and tonic, or the "Pompi-Beach" with rum, mango-passion fruit juice, and coconut. Classic cocktails like Aperol Spritz and Mojito are also available, alongside an assortment of beers, liquors, and premium whiskeys. For a fun twist, the menu includes a large cocktail bowl, perfect for sharing.
Pompidou is located on Emek Refaim Street, the main thoroughfare in the German Colony, a historic neighborhood in Jerusalem. The street and neighborhood are known for their unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
The German Colony was established in the late 19th century by German Templers, a Protestant sect from southern Germany. The Templers built the neighborhood with distinctive European-style homes, characterized by red-tiled roofs, arched windows, and spacious gardens. Many of these historic buildings still stand today, giving the area a distinctive architectural flair that sets it apart from other parts of the city.
Emek Refaim Street, which runs through the heart of the German Colony, has evolved into a bustling hub of activity. It’s lined with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and cultural venues, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The street offers a mix of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale establishments, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of Jerusalem.
The neighborhood’s charm lies in its combination of historical significance and contemporary lifestyle. The German Colony is a place where you can enjoy a meal or coffee in a historic setting, while also experiencing the dynamic and multicultural atmosphere that characterizes modern Jerusalem. The area is particularly lively on weekends and evenings, making it a favorite spot for socializing and people-watching.
Pompidou Bistro and Bar is a solid choice for a meal in the German Colony. The combination of its prime location, comfortable seating options, and varied menu makes it a convenient spot for both a quick bite and a leisurely lunch.
Book a Tour: Top Jerusalem Tours
Comments