May 2007
Beit Hama’ayan Restaurant is housed in a beautiful refurbished historic Jerualem buildings, in one of the most charming areas of Jerusalem. The village of Ein Karem, with its rolling hills, winding paths amidst rich vegetation is absolutely enchanting. Ein Karem has inspired artists and musicians for decades. For some time the village has enjoyed visitors from other parts of Jerusalem and from the coastal towns, who wander through its picturesque streets and take in the natural beauty of the area. In their wake, a number of restaurants and coffee shops have opened. Most of these are not kashrut certified.
Now for the good part. The new Beit Hama’ayan restaurant, certainly among the most beautiful buildings in Ein Karem, is kosher. Not only can you dine in an absolutely gorgeous setting, but you will enjoy fantastic gourmet fish, vegetable and pasta dishes.
Getting there:
From Jerusalem, follow the signs to Hadassa Hosptal and then Ein Karem.
From Tel-Aviv exit the Jerusalem highway at Mevaseret Zion. This is about 20-30 minutes faster than going into the city and then to the village. Follow the signs to Hadassa Hospital. At the large traffic circle turn left, away from Hadassa, and follow the signs to Ein Karem. Pass the Chabad house on your left and continue down till the large corner Agua restaurant. Turn right and continue straight till you see the restaurant on your left.
First about the building:
Beit Hamaayan is located near the water well that the street is named for. The well and church adjacent to it has Christian significance. There is also a mosque on this street and a Beit Chabad not far away, making this the true meeting of the religions.
We visited this restaurant in the evening. After dark the brightly lit building is gorgeous and inviting. But you’ll have to come again during the daytime hours to take in the most fantastic view in Jerusalem. This is not just our opinion – we heard this from everyone.
The beautifully refurbished structure, combining the lovely lines of historic Jerualem buildings with their arches, Jerusalem stone and windows, with modern elements such as lighting, temperature control and a great sound system.
Seating is on wooden chairs and on wooden window-benches with pillows. There are several rooms on the entrance level and additional seating on the roof of the building. A staircase was added to access the rooftop. The restaurant is extremely comfortable and the ambiance is special.
Note that there is a spacious parking lot outside the restaurant and complete handicap access (except to the roof).
Now about the Food:
It would be worth visiting Beit Hama’ayan for the ambiance alone, but this is just the beginning. Beit Hama'ayan is a culinary treat, and a festival of gourmet fish and dairy dishes. The kitchen is under the baton of Oren Chemo.The menu is rich in Middle Eastern foods beautifully presented and delicious. Note that most of the ingredients are mehadrin. Ask about the mehadrin dishes or see them marked on the menu.
I started with the mousaka. The Beit Hama’ayan version of this traditional Greek dish is a gourmet delight of layered eggplant rounds and cheese on a bed of vegetables. My dining companion deliberated between several of the soups listed, but finally chose the fish soup with root vegetables. The soup is served with bread, which is worth ordering separately if it does not come with your menu choice. The crusty bread is produced in a local bakery according to Chef Chemo’s recipe and it is delicious.
The chef treated us to small tastes of two other signature soups – eggplant soup and potato/mushroom soup. Both of these were outstanding. The eggplant soup captures the smoked flavor of the Middle Eastern style eggplant. This was quite unusual and delightful.
 For a main course the restaurant offers either fish or pasta. My companion enjoyed the Sea Bass (Denis) with mustard and caper sauce. I chose the Mullet (Buri) covered in almond crumbs, pine nuts and citrus. Both fish dishes were outstanding, served with perfectly cooked vegetables and pureed potatoes. Each of our dishes had a distinct flavor and both were beautifully presented, delicious, and filling. What more could you want?
Dessert! Since the courses are not heavy, you may be up for a nice dairy dessert. If so you are in the right place. The restaurant offers lovely individual size elegant desserts which can easily be shared, but who wants to? Have the other half and diet tomorrow.
Bottom line: We cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. Beit Hamaayan is the perfect combination of setting and cuisine and the final word in civilized dining. Dinner for two can come to NS 300 without wine, which we consider very reasonable for this quality restaurant. This is certainly a special occasion restaurant, but a visit to this restaurant will make any day special.
The restaurant offers their full menu from 8am, when they open. But you may want to try one of their breakfasts served till 1pm. The restaurant welcomes private parties of up to 25 guests.
Appetizers NIS 43, Salads NIS 38, Soups NIS 30 – 46, Pasta NIS 45, Main fish NIS 80’s, Dessert NIS 29.
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