Food with a view

The Rooftop restaurant at the Mamilla Hotel in Jerusalem gets high marks for its superb menu and spectacular surroundings.

By DEBBIE KANDEL
Food at the Mamilla hotel 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Food at the Mamilla hotel 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Situated on the top floor of the uber-trendy Mamilla Hotel, the Rooftop restaurant has arguably the best setting in Jerusalem, with incredible views overlooking the Old City and its surroundings. Popular for a romantic meal for two, family celebrations and tour group dinners, the relaxed atmosphere and high standard of food provide something for everyone.
The menu is varied without offering too much choice. For those looking for a lighter and perhaps less expensive meal, there are two meat sandwiches and some pasta options.
My companion and I tried various dishes on the menu and agreed that our perfect meal would start with the veal sweetbreads, followed by the entrecote as the main course. I only recently discovered the joy of eating sweetbreads, and they are a rare treat. At the Rooftop they were served with field mushrooms. The dish was a delicious combination of flavors and textures (NIS 49).
The entrecote was without a doubt the best I have ever had, and I like to think of myself as a steak connoisseur. The very large portion was served with a simple garlic confit, and the meat was tender but juicy without any toughness and very little fat (NIS 129).
For dessert, we had the baklva and almond sakhleb, which was served with a coffee truffle. Both dishes can be ordered in numerous authentic Israeli restaurants across the city, but the Rooftop’s versions are the finest of them all. Not too heavy and not too sweet, they were a perfect finish to a delicious meal. We also tried the chocolate millefeuilles. While beautifully presented and tasty, it did not resembled the familiar French dessert by that name.
Despite the cooler Jerusalem evening, the space heaters did their jobs without being oppressively hot. For those who prefer a quiet drink with their friends or partner, there is also the option to sit at the bar or at one of the high tables and enjoy a very well-rounded drinks menu.
My main criticism of many top restaurants in Israel is the service. This is slowly improving, but alas at the Rooftop we found the service to be lacking, and that is a pity. Other than that, it was a perfect evening.
The writer was a guest of the restaurant.
Rooftop, at the Mamilla Hotel Kosher 11 Hamelech Shlomo, Jerusalem Sunday – Thursday, noon to midnight Fridays 11 a.m. – Shabbat; Saturdays, noon – 11 p.m. (cold food only) For reservations, call (02) 548- 2230