Quick answer
Jerusalem, a city steeped in history and spirituality, has quietly cultivated a thriving and surprisingly diverse pizza landscape. Beyond the ancient stone walls and bustling markets, a new generation of pizzaiolos is crafting everything from classic Neapolitan pies to unique Israeli-fusion creations, drawing crowds and earning fervent praise.
- Best overall
- Pizza Flora
- Top pick
- Pizza Flora
Top verdicts
- Pizza Flora: Couples and small groups looking for a sophisticated, authentic Neapolitan pizza dinner in a stylish setting.
- Bardak: Friends seeking a vibrant social atmosphere, craft beers, and delicious, unconventional pizza toppings.
- Talpiot Pizza (פיצה תלפיות): Families and anyone craving a nostalgic, hearty Israeli-style pizza experience with plenty of toppings.
While pizza might not be the first food that comes to mind when thinking of Jerusalem, the city's rich cultural tapestry and its enthusiastic embrace of international cuisine have paved the way for a remarkable pizza renaissance. Influences from Italy, alongside local Israeli flavors and a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, have created a unique pizza identity.
Visitors and locals alike can now find a wide array of styles: thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas cooked in scorching wood-fired ovens, substantial New York-style slices perfect for a grab-and-go lunch, inventive gourmet pies featuring local cheeses and vegetables, and even classic Israeli-style pizzas found in neighborhood bakeries and takeaways.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pizza Flora | Neapolitan | mid | City Center |
| 2 | Bardak | Gourmet | mid | Nachlaot |
| 3 | Talpiot Pizza (פיצה תלפיות) | Israeli-Style | budget | Talpiot |
| 4 | Pizzeria Sabich | Gourmet | mid | Mahane Yehuda Market |
| 5 | La Piedra | Stone-Baked | mid | Nahalat Shiv'a |
| 6 | Pizza Meter | Gourmet | mid | Mamilla |
| 7 | Pizza Baladi (פיצה בלדי) | Middle Eastern | budget | Old City (Muslim Quarter) |
| 8 | Pizza Agvania | Israeli-Style | budget | Multiple Locations (e.g., Ben Yehuda St) |
| 9 | Ben-Yehuda Pizza | Israeli-Style | budget | City Center |
| 10 | Dominos Pizza | Chain | budget | Multiple Locations (e.g., Keren HaYesod) |
1Pizza Flora
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Couples and small groups looking for a sophisticated, authentic Neapolitan pizza dinner in a stylish setting.
- Strengths
- City Center
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Pizza Flora brings a touch of authentic Naples to Jerusalem with its perfectly charred, chewy crusts and high-quality, fresh ingredients. It's a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a classic Italian pizza experience.
- What to order
- The 'Margherita DOC' for a true classic, or the 'Pizza Bianca al Tartufo' for a luxurious truffle experience.
🕐 Opening hours
2Bardak
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Friends seeking a vibrant social atmosphere, craft beers, and delicious, unconventional pizza toppings.
- Strengths
- Nachlaot
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Bardak offers a lively beer garden atmosphere paired with truly excellent, creative gourmet pizzas. It's the perfect spot for a fun night out, combining a vast selection of beers with unique, flavorful pies.
- What to order
- Their 'Pear & Roquefort' pizza for a unique sweet and savory blend, or any of their seasonal specials.
🕐 Opening hours
3Talpiot Pizza (פיצה תלפיות)
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and anyone craving a nostalgic, hearty Israeli-style pizza experience with plenty of toppings.
- Strengths
- Talpiot
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- A true Jerusalem institution, Talpiot Pizza has been serving up classic Israeli-style pies for decades. Known for its generous toppings, substantial crust, and consistent quality, it's a beloved spot for family meals and quick, satisfying lunches.
- What to order
- The 'Talpiot Special' with olives, mushrooms, and corn, or a classic 'Bulgarian Cheese' pizza.
🕐 Opening hours
4Pizzeria Sabich
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Adventurous eaters and vegetarians looking for creative, locally-inspired pizza fusion in a bustling market setting.
- Strengths
- Mahane Yehuda Market
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Pizzeria Sabich takes inspiration from the classic Israeli sabich sandwich and transforms it into creative and delicious pizzas. It's a vibrant spot in the Shuk offering unique flavor combinations, especially appealing to vegetarian diners.
- What to order
- Naturally, the 'Sabich Pizza' with eggplant, hard-boiled egg, and tahini, or their 'Shakshuka Pizza'.
🕐 Opening hours
5La Piedra
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Couples and small groups desiring a romantic or quiet dinner with well-executed Italian pizzas in a picturesque neighborhood.
- Strengths
- Nahalat Shiv'a
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Tucked away in the charming Nahalat Shiv'a pedestrian area, La Piedra offers delightful stone-baked pizzas in a cozy, rustic Italian setting. Their menu features classic combinations made with quality ingredients, perfect for a relaxed meal.
- What to order
- The 'Quattro Formaggi' for cheese lovers, or the 'Diavola' if you like a spicy kick.
🕐 Opening hours
6Pizza Meter
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups who want to share and try various gourmet topping combinations on one fun, shareable pizza.
- Strengths
- Mamilla
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Pizza Meter offers a unique 'pizza by the meter' concept, allowing diners to choose multiple topping combinations on one long, rectangular pizza. Located near Mamilla, it's a sleek spot for high-quality ingredients and a customizable experience.
- What to order
- Design your own meter with segments like 'Truffle & Mushroom' and 'Artichoke & Pesto'.
🕐 Opening hours
7Pizza Baladi (פיצה בלדי)
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Adventurous foodies seeking an authentic, rustic Middle Eastern pizza experience within the historic Old City.
- Strengths
- Old City (Muslim Quarter)
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Nestled within the Old City, Pizza Baladi offers a truly authentic Palestinian-style pizza experience. Their pizzas feature unique local spices and ingredients on a rustic, flavorful crust, often cooked in a traditional tabun oven.
- What to order
- The 'Manakish Za'atar' for a classic, or the 'Lahm b'Ajeen' (meat pizza) for something hearty.
🕐 Opening hours
8Pizza Agvania
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Budget travelers, students, or anyone needing a quick, no-fuss pizza fix while exploring the city center.
- Strengths
- Multiple Locations (e.g., Ben Yehuda St)
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Pizza Agvania is a popular, fast-casual chain known for its reliable and affordable pizzas, often sold by the slice. It's a go-to for students and anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal in a no-frills setting.
- What to order
- A classic 'Margherita' slice, or add some 'bulgarit' (Bulgarian cheese) for a local touch.
🕐 Opening hours
9Ben-Yehuda Pizza
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Tourists and locals looking for a classic, filling Israeli pizza in a prime downtown location, great for takeaway.
- Strengths
- City Center
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Another stalwart on the bustling Ben Yehuda Street, this pizzeria offers straightforward, satisfying Israeli-style pizzas perfect for a quick bite. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, known for its consistent quality and generous cheese.
- What to order
- A simple 'Cheese & Olives' pizza, a timeless favorite that never disappoints.
🕐 Opening hours
10Dominos Pizza
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families, large groups, or anyone seeking familiar flavors and convenient delivery or pick-up options.
- Strengths
- Multiple Locations (e.g., Keren HaYesod)
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- For those craving a familiar taste or needing a reliable delivery option, Domino's Pizza offers its standard menu of customizable pies. It's a consistent choice for comfort food and group orders, easily accessible across the city.
- What to order
- Your go-to Domino's order, but try adding 'Feta & Olives' for a local Israeli twist.
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical price range for pizza in Jerusalem?
The price range for a pizza meal in Jerusalem typically falls between ₪60 and ₪120 ($17-$35) per person. Budget-friendly Israeli-style pizzerias and chains can offer options for as low as ₪40-70 ($12-20), while gourmet and authentic Neapolitan spots might lean towards ₪80-140 ($23-40) per person, especially if you include drinks.
Are there vegetarian or vegan pizza options available?
Yes, Jerusalem is very vegetarian-friendly, and most pizza places offer ample vegetarian options, often featuring local vegetables, cheeses, and sauces. Many places, especially the gourmet ones, are also increasingly accommodating to vegans, offering dairy-free cheese or explicitly vegan menu items. Pizzeria Sabich, for example, is a great option for plant-based creativity.
Is it customary to tip in Jerusalem restaurants?
Yes, it is customary to tip in Jerusalem restaurants. The standard practice is to leave a tip of 10-15% of the total bill, provided the service was good. For exceptional service, you might round up to 20%. Tips are usually left in cash or added to the credit card payment, though a cash tip is often preferred by staff.
Can I find gluten-free pizza in Jerusalem?
While not every pizzeria offers gluten-free options, a growing number of establishments, especially modern Italian and gourmet pizza spots, do provide gluten-free crusts. It's always best to call ahead or check their online menu to confirm availability and discuss any severe allergies with the staff upon arrival.
What is 'Israeli-style' pizza?
Israeli-style pizza often features a slightly thicker, chewier crust than Neapolitan, a more robust tomato sauce, and generous toppings which frequently include yellow cheese, olives, corn, mushrooms, and sometimes even a sprinkle of za'atar. It's typically a more substantial and comforting style, popular in local takeaways and bakeries.
Are pizzerias open on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening)?
Many pizzerias in Jewish areas of Jerusalem, particularly those that are Kosher, will be closed from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening after sundown due to Shabbat. However, some establishments in non-Jewish areas or those that are not Kosher may remain open. It's crucial to check specific opening hours online or call ahead, especially if you plan to dine during Shabbat.
What's the best way to get pizza delivered in Jerusalem?
For pizza delivery in Jerusalem, popular local food delivery apps like Wolt and Ten Bis (which caters primarily to corporate clients) are widely used. Many larger chains like Domino's Pizza also have their own direct delivery services through their websites or dedicated apps. You can also call directly for delivery from many local pizzerias.
Is street parking available near popular pizza spots?
Street parking in central Jerusalem can be challenging and often expensive. Many popular pizza spots are located in pedestrian zones (like Nahalat Shiv'a) or bustling areas (like Mahane Yehuda Market) with limited parking. It's often easier to use public transportation (Light Rail, bus), walk, or park in one of the city's paid parking garages and walk a short distance.