The Walled Off Hotel: Behind theatrical red curtains lurks a plush, colonial-style piano-bar with uninterrupted views of the concrete separation wall across the street. It’s the project of British street artist Banksy.
2. Tent Restaurant
Tent Restaurant: Perched on a hillside above the Shepherds’ Fields, Tent Restaurant conjures up Bedouin chic through its tent-style canopy, low tables, and striped rugs.
3. The Tent
The Tent: An enticing menu includes hot and cold meze, tabbouleh and fattoush salads, makdous (baby eggplants pickled with walnuts, garlic and spice), spicy sausages, grills, chicken liver with pomegranate molasses — plus wine, beer, and gurgling nargileh pipes.
4. Abu Issa
Abu Issa: Food on the go is big in Bethlehem and Abu Issa street kitchen is a hot spot. The specialty is Palestinian pizza, manakeesh, with a choice of cheese and egg, za’atar or ground meat, rapidly baked before you in a rudimentary street oven.
5. Abu Shanab
Abu Shanab: Succulent grilled kebabs, lamb chops, chicken, and sheep’s testicles seduce diehard carnivores from near and far to this cult spot near the university.
6. Fawda Cafe and Restaurant
Fawda Cafe and Restaurant: This gastronomic secret tucked down a side-alley of the old town is minutes from the boisterous farmers’ market. Owner-chef Fadi Kattan worked in Paris and London before returning to convert this rambling Ottoman building into a boutique guesthouse and restaurant.
7. Al Karmeh
Al Karmeh: This elaborately decorated restaurant whisks you away to a colorful, airy setting where open terraces overlook the city.
8. Afteem
Afteem: Venerable and welcoming, this restaurant has tempted discerning palates for years. Inside the stone-walled basement hung with vintage utensils, you’ll find what is arguably the best falafel and hummus in town.
9. Ibdaa
Ibdaa: Inside this large Palestinian refugee camp lies a cultural center with a top-floor cafe serving simple food and non-alcoholic drinks.
10. Rewined M&D
Rewined M&D: This hot late-night venue is frequented by locals and expats who enjoy cocktails, local wines, and draft beers while nibbling on bar snacks. The ambiance is enhanced by low couches, lighting, shisha pipes, and music.
