Jerusalem Café

We love Mediterranean cuisine. We've eaten a lot over the years in different places. The Jerusalem Cafe was by far more incredible than any other. The variety of vegan choices, flavors, and the entire experience was incredible! It was our first time to visit for my wife and I, and we will DEFINITELY be returning. This place is highly recommended. Enjoy!!

Our waitress is very friendly and sweet beginning to end! Didn’t get her name but she is like a sunshine ☀️

Great food. Nice quiet place to have great conversations. First time trying. Highly recommended.

Went to this Mediterranean spot last weekend and had a pretty good experience. The place has a cozy vibe and the staff were friendly, though a bit busy. I tried the lamb gyro and it was flavorful, juicy, and came with a nice side of hummus. The baklava for dessert was sweet but not overwhelming, which I appreciated. Prices were reasonable for the portion sizes. Nothing was mind-blowing, but I’d definitely come back if I’m in the area again. Overall, a solid option for a casual Mediterranean meal.

All the food here was literally INCREDIBLE. I want to move in and never leave. The hummus and baklava were both the best I’ve ever had in my life. The salad was so unique and fresh, the soup was deliciously creamy and savory, the shrimp was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. The grilled vegetables were crisp and flavorful, with just a hint of smokiness from the grill. The server was so sweet and helpful. She checked on us the perfect amount, and all our food came out quickly. I could eat here every day and never get tired of it. 10/10 no notes.

When I arrived, I was met by a friendly young lady who seated me. I went to the restroom before being seated because I was by myself. She quickly returned and took my drink order. After a few minutes passed she came and took my order. Within minutes it seemed, my salad arrived, it was the prettiest salad I've seen yet. It was different (I've never had Mediterranean food before) but in a good way. It was beautiful and delicious. Moments after finishing, she stopped to let me know my appetizer should be out shortly, she was going to check on it. She returned with it immediately. It too, was a beautifully plated and very tasty. About halfway through the appetizer, my main dish arrived... It looked like something from a magazine, all of it did. It was equally as delicious! The hostess, checked in several times and was very friendly and attentive and the inside of the restaurant was serene and inviting, very elegant. Overall, it was hands down one of the best dining experiences I believe I've ever had.

When we originally walked in the young lady wasn't that friendly. When I asked her name, her attitude changed some. If you sit in the booths, the table is far from the seats so since we were the only ones in the restaurant, we slid everything to make it more comfortable. The hummus was really good. The lentil soup is with yellow lentils and very thick. The croutons are good but you must ask for them, they don't come automatically. The falafel Sandwich is good, just with they added hummus to the sandwich. They do not serve pine nuts in the Lebanese tea, bummer. The grape leaves are really small with not much in them for the price. I doubt I will be back.

I was visiting Mobile and came across this place, ambiance and service was great. For food i will say it was ok. We ordered combo plate for appetizer. Falafel was cooked to perfection but didn’t like the taste. In the main dishes we ordered the combo kabab plate (chicken, kifta and lamb) . Rice was too sticky and didn’t seem was Mediterranean rice, all kababs were bland in taste. Other plate was gyro wrap, which my nephew mentioned it was ok.

We stopped by today to try this restaurant for lunch and it was definitely worth the trip! They have an outside patio and the dining area is roomy so wheelchairs would easily get around. We had their falafel and hummus appetizers then shared the chicken shawarma dinner. Our server Abby was super nice and helpful with questions. We are definitely going back!

My first visit to Jerusalem Cafe to their location on Old Shell Road. I ordered my favorite Chicken Pastry plate and it did not disappoint. Delicious chicken wrapped in phyllo pastry. The dish comes with rice, sautéed veggies, dill sauce and a Mediterranean salad. Enough to share so I took home a "to go" box.

Ambiance is kind of mid just feels like a Panera bread that doesn't match Panera prices, the food is mid at best, incredibly bland and is outmatched by any actual middle eastern food/restaurant. The hummus is incredibly bland, the lentil soup tastes like cardboard, none of the food is even from Israel. On top of that the shawarma is not shawarma, it's a mid gyro with no flavor, the beef tastes like a Philly cheesesteak with a watery yogurt sauce on it. Service was great waitress was nice, just incredibly bland and boring food. The Jerusalem combo was $18 for a measly amount of food as well, why are their only 2 falafels and 2 stuffed grape leaves, the price does not match and neither does the flavor!!

Wonderful service. Very good food. Casual and inviting ambiance. Will definitelybe back.

It's nice to find a change of pace from the same ole' stuff. Jerusalem Cafe offered up just that with its Mediterranean options. Located just across the street from USA's campus, my son and I stopped in for a quick lunch. Fresh hummus with gyro meat and warm pita was our appetizer and it was great. We had the Beef Shawarma and Falafel with Malaki sandwiches and they were both delicious. The service was nice and attentive and we were in & out on no time. This was a pleasant surprise for our trip for Mobile. Definitely worth a try.

Travel a ton for work and took a locals recommendation. I always eat this genre of food because it tends to be healthier and filling. I started with the lentil soup and was thick and hearty. It was not as hot as other places but was seasoned well. For starter had a baked spinach pie that was perfect and not as greasy as some I have had. For main had the chicken Kebob and only thing would have liked different would have been the veggies grilled longer. Never order dessert when dining alone but they had multiple options. Would stop here again!

Jerusalem Cafe is one of the restaurants I'd been looking to go back to. It's been a few years since my last visit. I don't even remember what I had but I do remember I always wanted to return. This time I had a difficult choice choosing between two dishes. Those dishes were the gyro platter and the chicken pastry plate. Ultimately my decision came down to one factor. I had never had a chicken pastry. The chicken pastry plate was the only choice. I ordered the chicken pastry plate which came with rice and grilled carrots, zucchini, and squash. You also get a choice of a side salad or soup. I ordered the side salad. My order was ready when I arrived at the restaurant. There were a number of patrons dining while I picked up the food. The last time I went to Jerusalem Cafe it was at the Airport Boulevard location. The new building on Old Shell looks very nice. I will have to dine in the next time I go. When I opened the plate the food looked absolutely amazing. It smelled lovely as well. The salad was the first thing I tried. What delighted me about the salad was the green salad dressing. I'm sure the name of the dressing is on the menu somewhere but I didn't look. Anyway, the dressing had a citrus flavor that really took it to a new level. My only complaint is that I wish it came with more olives. The chicken pastry plate was definitely the right choice. It came with a sauce that again I had no idea what it was called. I put the sauce on the rice, vegetables, and pastry. Although I said I never had a chicken pastry plate before, it was much like a chicken pot pie. Although the seasonings and structure were different the breading texture seemed consistent with a chicken pot pie. It was tremendously delicious. I definitely would recommend this to anyone who hasn't tried it. Five stars for a great meal at Jerusalem Cafe.

Deliciously authentic Mediterranean food with a cultural ambience that is an admirable and beautiful tribute to the authentically indigenous Jerusalem, along with a super kind staff! I had the Chicken Shawarma sandwich wrapped in pita bread with a cucumber yogurt sauce similar to taziki sauce and Greek salad. The house sauce on the Greek salad is quite flavorful with a seemingly lemon zest and light twang. I also tried the Chicken Kabob for takeout which was served with a delicious veggie mix and basmati rice. The Krass Stuffed Pastry was also tasty and similar to spanakopita if you're familiar with Mediterranean foods of different origins. Overall, a great spot for a freshly made meal in homage to the cuisine of the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea. Will definitely be back to try more menu items!

Great food, pleasant atmosphere, wonderful people who provided excellent service. Price of meals was very affordable.

Really good! We went in knowing that Mediterranean food is not my favorite and were pleasantly surprised. Their hummus is nice and the pita was warm and soft. The salad dressing is the bomb, made with avocado and lemon. The eggplant parm sandwich was yummy and the gyro was also good. Would like to go back and try the lentil soup.

Solid Mediterranean staples (with a few things that aren't found on most other menus of this type) w/ hood service in an intimate and upscale but casual setting. A little on the pricey end compared to what I'd expect but definitely a good meal.

Smaller portions, higher prices, a lot less flavor from previous location. Service was excellent food appeared fresh but there is hardly a hint of Middle Eastern flavor in most of the foods. If you are looking for something authentic you will be disappointed because when they moved locations, they changed their recipes to meet the desires of the University community. Most things have VERY mild flavors, it seemed that somethings seemed very watery. Nothing punchy and exciting like I'm used to with the exception of the hot sauce and the olives. Even the feta cheese was the mildest feta cheese I've ever had in my life, it hardly tasted like feta cheese but it was the right consistency.

This is one of my favorite places to eat in Mobile. Th food is great! I have pretty much eaten everything on the menu. Except the lamb but that's because I don't like lamb. They opened a new one across from the university and it was nice and open and clean. Service was good.

Fantastic. Even better since they moved to the larger location on Old Shell! The food is fresh and flavorful with a menu full of traditional Middle Eastern favorites. The staff is always friendly and attentive. The old location in the strip mall was all right, but now it seems so spacious and bright. We always have to save room for dessert because the baklava is tasty and delicious!

The food was great the service was great (although she seemed stressed) but other than that the food was amazing. I'm 21 years old but I would only suggest turning the music a bit down!

I landed at this place mainly because it was open on Labor Day. If I were rating on portion sizes, they'd definitely get five stars; the pile of boxes I received for my $16 will end up producing three meals. I added a side of feta to my falafel platter for more substance, and honestly, I don't think I could have bought feta at a store for this cheap. But let it not be said that this is a cheap restaurant. The dining area was more pleasant than the strip mall location suggested, and I got the option to substitute a bean salad into my platter suggested to me, and a side of rice and veggies run out to my car after I'd left without that box. Even with takeout, there's still such a thing as good service. Tastewise, it was all enjoyable. The hummus in my platter went into two sections of my takeout box, each of which was seasoned differently. A variety of vegetables accompanied my meal. The falafel was fine but not exceptional; honestly the rice that was so hastily delivered might have been the tastiest thing I got, which sounds mean but this was a very nicely spiced side of rice. So it wasn't just portion size, this place really succeeded on every level and was money well spent.

Superb Mediterranean food! Appetizer combo has an excellent variety with stuffed grape leaves, falafel, hummus and baba ghanoush. Lentil soup and Tabouli are super sides. Gyro and shawarma are great choices. They should consider opening in other markets as well.

I've been here a few times now, and it hasn't disappointed. On my first visit, the tawook mashwi (Cornish hen) was outstanding. This most recent time, I had the mousaka (eggplant, ground beef, tomatoes,). Wow! This was something unique that I had never tried before, and it was delicious (double bonus). To me, mousaka is kind of like an eggplant lasagna. What made it truly special was the flavor of the spices. There was a slight acetic taste that really enhanced the flavors of the eggplant, meat, and tomatoes. The bechamel sauce was a great complement. The veggies were also grilled and seasoned to perfection. At many restaurants, the side veggies are neglected and served simply steamed or boiled (yuck). But these veggies were actually worth paying money for. Hummus was great too! For all of the dishes to have held their character and taste sitting in those takeout boxes was another plus.

Always absolutely delicious and the staff is always so friendly! Its a modest affair tucked in a shopping center behind other restaurants BUT...it's a must for me! You can't go wrong starting with the Jerusalem Combo Appetizer (enough for 4 people to sample) - per menu it comes with Falafe, hummus, baba ganouj, stuffed grape leaves, tabouli salad, feta cheese and calamata olives. I love their grape leaves and the tabouli salad is a great fresh side if you really like fresh parsley! I've had about all their menu items but took pics this time of the grilled chicken Greek salad and the gyros Greek salad. I LOVE their citrus Greek salad dressing. Prices here are very reasonable and the staff make you feel like there not rushing you etc. See you again soon!

Jerusalem Cafe has amazing Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food! I love their hummus, grape leaves, and lamb gyros. The service is also great as the servers are attentive and helpful in offering menu suggestions. I've only visited during lunch hours and, even with a crowd, I appreciate that I'm promptly seated and the service remains consistent. Cheers!

Hate to give them a less than 5 star rating because the food was actually very good - but the staff was lacking. I ordered to go. When I showed up there was only one family dinning in. YET. They forgot both my drink and side salad. I walked out the door and checked my order in the bag before I realized. When I came back in and explained, the waitress didn't really care. Didn't offer a refund or additional thing, didn't really say anything. Just walked away to get my items, and handed them to me. Beyond that, the wrapped grape appetizer was good, could have used more lemon. The side salad had a delicious green dressing that I have no idea what it was. The falafel wrap was moist and full of herbs. If I lived here I would give it a second shot, but I'm here for travel.

We wanted a change tonight and we were extremely pleased. We got the meal for two that provided a little bit of everything. There was nothing we did not like. Everything was wonderful from the first bite to the last. If only they would tell what was in the salad dressing. We will definitely be back soon!

I'm from an area where Mediterranean food is everywhere and the competition is fierce, so I felt like I was walking into Jerusalem with an already negative bias. HOWEVER, the food (and ambiance- so cute!) immediately changed my mind. My husband had the lentil soup which was creamy and so flavorful. He also had the chicken shawarma sandwich, which he raved about. I had tebouleh and the vegetarian meal platter. Everything was beautifully presented, extremely fresh, and very delicious. I was particularly impressed with the baba ganoush, spinach pie, and hot sauce. We were so full and happy that we completely forgot to try the baklava, which is a cardinal sin. But that just means we have no choice but to go back and rectify the issue! Very happy, and very glad to have this restaurant in town.

Food and coffee is great. Quality meat and vegetables. Friendly staff and good location.

Really Delicious!! Great options for healthy eating!! Only wish they had Wi-Fi.... it's directly across from South and would make a great place to study and do homework

Was craving something Mediterranean, so we ate here. Great idea. Ordered the sampler appetizer and couldn't even finish it because there was so much on it. Hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, tabouli salad, with veggies and feta. I ordered the mousaka with lentil soup and grilled veggies. My husband ordered the gyro sandwich with the Greek salad. The lentil soup was delicious and the salad had an unusual sweet dressing. The mousaka was very hearty and the gyros were great. They have a "date" special that includes appetizers, entrees, and dessert. I wish I had seen it before we ordered. We totally would have done that.

Just alright. Food was average. Hummus average and sauce in middle was like cocktail sauce. Salad dressing was the most enjoyed thing we ate. Steak kabob had no seasoning or flavor really and zucchini on side was undercooked and hard still.

The girl who works here always has a bad attitude. Just seems like she hates life and needs to move on a home base job cause she is not good around the public. Food is good but the owner needs to send some secret shoppers

I was traveling and saw this place. Stopped to get a chicken kebab sandwich to go. It was surprisingly good and the service was great.

Excellent food, very fresh and homey, ample space, clean restrooms. Perfect for vegetarian/vegan (lots of delicious options) and for small kids (we have a one year old and are very picky about what we serve her, especially when we're out). Totally recommend!

Way too expensive for the quality of food served. I went to this restaurant regularly for over 20 years but whoever owns it now certainly does not use Mr Al-Azziz's recipes. Not at all spicy, way too little cumin in the lentil soup, hummus was grainy and just tasted like tahini and chick peas, no garlic or lemon. The chicken schwarmah was dark meat and I'm scared to know what part of the chicken it came from. This was the the third try at the new location. You know what they say about 3 strikes! I won't be back.

We stumbled on Jerusalem Cafe several years ago while looking for a place for lunch. It's tucked away behind a closed down Applebee's. If you blink, you'll miss it. The restaurant is in a shopping center, so there's plenty of parking. You'll just have to dodge the folks coming out of the drive though at Wendy's who believe that area of the parking lot is reserved solely for them to ignore the rules of traffic. The decor is nice with booths and tables present with silverware and linen napkins. I like that. What I don't like is that the booths were made for Hobbits. I'm not a tall or overly large man by any means but the booths were just that uncomfortable for me. There was music, low enough to continue to be able to have a conversation and it was appropriate for the setting. I couldn't understand the lyrics and because I'm not a fan if middle eastern music it grated on my nerves after a bit. However, it was really interesting that they had their own Jerusalem Cafe music channel. It was professionally done and I was impressed. We came here for the Turkish coffee. You may be a fan of espresso or strong coffee, but I'll bet you'll like this more. This stuff is a coffee fiend's dream. It's made in a whole different process than what you've been used to. It's made in a special pot and served in shot sized coffee cups. What???? Oh yes!! And it's great. It's mildly sweet and super strong with a hint of cardamom. Yum! Beware the grinds that settle to the bottom of the cup. Turn your cup over after finishing the liquid pleasure and read your fortune in the grinds. I ordered the shawarma platter. It came with a large potion of chicken shawarma, some very tasty rice, grilled veggies and a bit of pita with some sort of red sauce splattered on the pita. I had the lentil soup instead of a salad. The soup was puréed and I would have liked to have had a bit more texture with some whole lentils cooked into it. But it was very good, having a bit of cumin sprinkled on top for a little more flavor. I could have had a much larger bowl of it as a main course and have been very pleased. The shawarma was moist and flavorful. I enjoyed it. The veggies, while cooked well, appeared to have only been seasoned with salt and olive oil. They weren't the main dish but I wish there had been a little oregano, turmeric, or sumac to give them a bit more flavor. I am not sure if the sauce in it's own little cup was tahini. It was good. I just liked the flavor of the rest of the meal without having to add this to the flavors. I wish the pita had not been placed under all of the moist meat as it was soggy by the time I realized it was there. In the past we have had desserts here. I'm just not a fan of the rose water used in some of them. It's such a different flavor; we have laughed about how terrible it made that portion of the meal for us. It's not that the restaurant didn't do a good job with the dessert. They did. Although I have a well rounded like for many different cultural foods, I can't handle rose water. You might be more adventurous with it. I just can't. Service was good. It's not 5 stars because I couldn't fit into the booth comfortably and I had hoped to find a feta and Kalamata olive appetizer on the menu. Those were the only disappointments.

Food was fantastic. We came at a weird time like 3:00/4:00 so service was ehh, since no one was really in there. It wasn't bad, just not superb. Food, however, was excellent! We will return

Hubby and I had lunch here today and it was good, not a 5 star, however it was fine. Let's begin with first impressions - it is located in an older strip mall that has seen better days. We are adventurous and know from our past dining experiences these nostalgic joints can "rock" some serious food. Inside the decor is tired in appearance and I am more than willing to overlook that if the food is outstanding. Service was excellent - 5 stars there! We were greeted and seated quickly and our drinks and food were served in a timely manner. Now to the food. I have a good friend and fellow foodie who raves about the hummus so I ordered it, along with the Baba Ganoush and warm pita bread. I also had a Greek Salad and it was outstanding. Back to the appetizer...not that impressed with the hummus. I make a more flavorful version in my home kitchen, so that was disappointing. Hubby had a Gyro and said it was mediocre. He does not plan to return for a second try. We wanted to love this place but the flavor was not there.

Hear me out. The south is definitely NOT known for it's Mediterranean food but this place was outstanding! The outside might be a little intimidating and the fact that it's in a strip mall doesn't help but it's a hidden gem. I came here for lunch because it was close to the airport and I was with a bunch of coworkers. I'm a vegetarian so the trip had been light on things I could eat. The servers were attentive and really helped us decide what was good. It's a good atmosphere for a business lunch. They first brought out a hummus plate app which was mind blowing. Some of the best hummus I've ever had! The dollop of spicy peppers in the middle really took the cake. I seriously recommend getting this and I could have just had the hummus alone. Definitely big enough to share (we had 5 people and it was plenty).My main meal was a falafel wrap. I felt like everything was fresh and the spritz of orange really added that something extra. The rice was kind of plain but it was rice soooo..... All and all, definitely add this to the places I want to try again when I am back in Mobile.

Good food and service. I recommend the gyro platter with the greek salad. The food was hot fresh and received in a timely fashion.

I have been thinking of this place since I was last here probably 3-4 years ago. Seriously it's that good. I am having the hummus and falafel for an app and the gyro with no tomatoes which comes with soup (lentil) or Greek salad. Now! For me the star of this place (other than the great food) is the TURKISH coffee. I have been dreaming of this coffee since I was last here and scouring for it in any middle eastern type place all over the country ever since and have not found it like this anywhere. The lentil soup is friggin' fantastic, I just don't understand how they make it this good. That combined with the hummus falafel and the gyro which was moist flavorful and filling I just cannot imagine it being any better than this wats.

I've had a lot of Mediterranean food, but I think this is the best I've had yet. And I don't say this as a local, but as someone living in Austin, which has its fair share of Mediterranean options. I had the vegetarian platter I believe, and my partner had a gyro. He was happy to find that although it was similarly priced to those we get back home, it came with a side of rice and grilled veggies and a cup of THE BEST lentil soup (he loved it and he doesn't even eat lentils). He was also shocked by the falafel, which he normally doesn't like, but which he kept eating until I got mad because that's my food, sheesh. I usually make falafel at home because no one makes it right, but I'll always order it in the hopes someone does it justice. I find most of the time the inside is a bit gloopy and wet and the outside hard and overfried. Fear not! These are the best falafel I've ever had. The exterior had the light crisp of a perfectly fried hushpuppy, and the inside was the perfect texture. He also raved about the gyro, the meat of which he said was perfectly ~moist~. The pita was soft and conveniently cut. The hummus was perfectly creamy, with a hearty helping of olive oil and a little spicy condiment on the side that made it taste very different in a very good way. The dolmas were the right texture and filling. The grilled veggies with the rice were a nice touch both aesthetically (everything was plated with an artistic eye) and in my tummy. Even the little block of feta on the corner of the plate tasted terrific. The only thing I can say I didn't like was the rice. My partner liked it, and it was fine, but I found it comparatively bland and of a stickier/softer texture than I'm used to. We ate outside, venturing in only for the restroom, so I can't say too much about the interior other than that it was surprisingly upscale looking, with good ambient lighting. The patio could use some shade; I can't imagine using it when the sun is out. I'd honestly come back just for the lentil soup.

We had been looking and looking for baklava to purchase for our Christmas party and for our family. We found it here and it was some of the best baklava that we've gotten. Thank you very much Jerusalem Café I would recommend you to anyone. We have had lunch there three or four times and always had a wonderful lunch, keep up the good work and happy holidays. Merry Christmas.

Yummy food that is nice and different to eat from time to time. Portions are pretty big. Service is good with the building interior being good and feeling cozy. Would recommend coming here

Jerusalem Cafe is yet another Mobile restaurant that I had driven past hundreds of times without stopping. I finally decided to give it a try, and I am so glad that I did. It was delicious! My wife and I tried the dinner for two, and it was more than enough food for both of us. The appetizer came with hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel. The main course came with three different types of kabob, gyro meat, and rice. The dessert was walnut baklava. Each of these courses was on point. The appetizers were tasty, the entrees were hot and cooked perfectly, and the dessert was just enough to finish the meal. We were very happy with our food, and we will certainly be back to Jerusalem cafe again! On yeah - the service was also good, and they only charge $1.50 for drinks (soda and tea). Another added bonus!

Super awesome and fresh food. I always have a good experience. Love the baba ghanouj and the different beef and chicken sandwiches

My wife and I had the dinner for two. Food comes out at great time, lentil soup is delicious. Dressing on salad has great flavor. Dinner had great flavor lamb was on point. appetizer grape wraps are pickled however. Excellent service, waitress was quick to refill drinks. Dessert was warm, nice touch. Thumbs up

This is one of our favorite places for date night. The chicken shawarma plate is my go to and it's always packed with flavor, is tender, and the portions are very large! We both love the lentil soup and the hummus too. The new location is nice and in a busier area of town.

Eaten at many Mediterranean restaurants... "Don't do it!".... Pretty rough! Could not eat. Was hesitant looking at it from the outside when we arrived. Do not let the "Award Winner" banner in the front window fool you. Better off getting Mediterranean at Arby's... I'm serious!

Lunch dates: A friend that I use to work with back in the day still meet up once a quarter at least to enjoy each other's company and get a bit to eat. On this weeks episode we chose to go Mediterranean and what a great choice. Decor is nice and the food is even better. This restaurant has withstood the test of time and I consider it a staple in our community. All the way up!

We just found out they have moved to a new location ...5817 Old Shell Rd ...about 1 mile from the old location on Airport Blvd. The building and decor is very nice...lots of windows and a outside patio.

I always love this place. If you enjoy different kinds of foods can't beat this. Grape leaves very good. Service is also very good and fast.

This place never disappoints. Consistently good every time I come in. The chicken dill is my favorite sandwich on the menu. The owner is very personable and cares a great deal about the dining experience. I've become friends with the owner just by dining here with my wife over the years. One of Mobile's best.