Azura

For more than 25 years, Azura has been a Jerusalem gem, offering homemade Iraqi and Kurdish dishes to all, from lunch-time industrial workers to some rather famous Israeli celebs. Even when this restaurant is not open yet for the day, the amazing smells of their delicacies pour onto the streets and alleyways of the market, luring in passerby, tourists, and locals alike. Elran and Ezra Shreffler prepare their wholesome sofrito every day, along with kubbeh soup, and much more. The cooking begins when the sun rises, so as to allow the flavors to steep on the kerosene stove. Leftovers and complaints are slim, as the menu at Azura is vast. Worth the wait, it is recommended to arrive early to snag a seat, as this is one of the most popular and budget-friendly restaurants in the center of Jerusalem.