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Jerusalem Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
4777 Leslie StToronto, ON M2J 2K8
(416) 490-7888
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Jerusalem Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"They got belly dancing every evening." In 5 reviews -
"The lamb well seasoned, not so tender, but delicious." In 7 reviews -
"This buffet is really good if you time it right." In 15 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from J N.
North York, ON
5/13/2012
I've been here a few times over the past few years. I've only had the lunch buffet and the take out. For ethnic cuisines I'm not super familiar with, i think buffets are the way to go. I get to taste tiny bits of everything, then go back for more.
Lunch buffet - good selection, everything seemed really fresh. On the weekend lunch (can't remember if it was a Sat or Sun) they actually had an entire roasted lamb. I've never seen the entire animal roasted, it looked pretty amazing and tasted good too. Notable buffet items include the kofta kabobs, chicken on rice, small whole fish, eggplant, hummus and the hummus-like dips (they dont label them, but they have like 4 or so big bowls, the waiter described each one, but i cant remember the names). They are delicious.
The dessert buffet items were nothing special, the last time i was there they didn't have the baklava out, which was annoying. They do sell the baklava separately for take out though. Excellent rice pudding.
Never experienced the music or belly dancing.
The take out is pretty standard fare, a bit expensive, but very large portions from what i remember.
The price is a bit steep, but I find the quality of the food to be quite good.
I like going here and plan on visiting a few times a year. -
Review from Cynthia G.
Toronto, ON
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been to the original location of Jerusalem that was just down the street a number of times and loved everything about it ......I've only to this location twice.
Tonight, my friend Jill and I went for the buffet.......I think I regretted it soon as I got up to it. And truth be told, I don't think Jill really wanted the buffet, but I didn't think we could order off the menu.....There was allot of food but it was not labelled so for me I was not sure what everything was. There was a great deal of cold (salad type) items, I did try many of them and some of them I never had before, but couldn't tell you what they were, as there were no signs indicating the names of the dishes..
The hot items were somewhat recognizable and the standard middle eastern fair; baked fish. pork & beef skewers, falafel, roast beef, and lasagna (don't know how that last item is middle eastern and it made it to the buffet - kind of odd?), there was rice, roasted cauliflower.
They had some interesting flatbread/pizza items.....didn't try it though.....they had baba ganoush which they do really really well here and we ordered the baked eggplant off the menu because-its just wonderful !
There was a very large dessert station. however neither one of us tried it.
The buffet was $20 each and we certainly didn't eat $20 dollars worth.....it would have been better if we had ordered off the menu...we would have then gotten exactly what we wanted which was Baba, Ganoush, Humus, Turnip, Baked Eggplant, Kebe, Tubule and all with lots of pita for sharing and dipping (didn't really like there pita - it was made fresh, but it was too hard for my liking.....
So all in all, great place to try middle eastern food because there is a wide variety, but you need either have someone with you that knows what everything is or to ask someone.
Not sure if I will actually go back ....there are a couple other places I think might be a little better,..... -
Review from Johnny A.
2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Sunday lunch buffet is amazing. Roasted lamb, BBQ meats, fresh salads, hot from the oven bread and excellent service. Highly recommended for authentic Middle Eastern food. Pace yourself and try everything. Oh and save some room for dessert.
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Review from Keziah T.
Toronto, ON
1/7/2012
Yeah I'd eat here again, maybe on weekends. It was not that bad, although some food were cold. It was pretty tasty. I wish I was more hungry when we came and did not have a sore throat, I would've totally pigged out. Authenticity? lemme remind you that it's a buffet restaurant. Would I recommend it? Sure why not. Belly dancer, haha that was fun, although I think they should only do it on weekends. It's kinda weird and awkward when the restaurant is half empty and there's a girl prancing around the restaurant and people seem less interested about it. All in all I had fun!
-
Review from Kiwi M.
Toronto, ON
9/8/2011
If you want Mediterranean buffet, this is the place.
Food is well prepared with a variety of dishes.
They have special dishes for holidays, the seasoning tends to be on the salty side.
There's middle eastern music and belly dancing at dinner times which makes for a good entertainment.
This place is good. 3.5/5 -
Review from Sergey S.
8/21/2011
Not recommended.
Food was actually not too bad for a buffet - if you don't mind barely warm plates with the dishes burning your hands. Drinks menu was rather simplistic and brief. The place was packed Saturday evening, service and the crowd were authentic.
What was killing it all was the "music". That dude torturing a Hammond was discovering the basics of harmony and rhythm for a very first time - and it was loud, intrusive and horrible. Sort of like a kid playing with dad's cellphone, making some weird squeaking noises, mixed with automated "orientalish" tremolo.
At first we laughed, but when one of the guests took his place and for about ten minutes was showing the public that Middle Eastern music is actually not just a horrific noise - and the bum-box boss was standing next to him with a face of a baby who got his caramel stolen - the whole scene started to look completely miserable.
Belly dancer was there, by the way. Comfortably doing her routine, positively accepted by the public. It would be a silly overestimation, though, to consider that a show. Not even a one-person show.
And then came a bill. 100$+ for two.
So they actually call that place a "restaurant" for a reason. -
Review from Marie F.
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
***2.5 stars***
My best friend has been going here with her mother since we were kids and I've had some pretty high expectations with regards to the food.
- There were never staff at the meat stations
- Some of the food trays are grouped on top of each other making it hard to serve yourself
-There are barely any signs indicating what you are plopping to your plate
- The pita bread was cold, hard and stale
Overall I'd say the food was decent but definitely not worth the $33 price tag for dinner. Lunch looks like a better deal.Listed in: A-OK but, Meh I've Had Better
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Review from Raymond W.
Toronto, ON
3/26/2011
For years I've passed by this place, not daring to step in. I've finally reached the age of reason, where the idea of having to be Israeli to dine here is no longer probable. What?
The place is as big as a buffet, makes sense because it becomes all you can eat after dark. The service however, is anything but. You'll feel as if you're in a very large family restaurant. That is actually the fact, but I won't tell you how I found out.
The place has a takeout section where it's almost like it's own individual stand at a food court. Well, it is that, by the entrance.
When you sit down, you will make friends with your server, and that's the person who's got your back the entire night.
This place has some very macho food. Meat of all kinds..except for pork of course. On weekends, they got a whole lamb roasted, served on some kind of rice. Both the Lamb and beef station are manned by a chef to cut just the slice you want. The salad bar is extensive, you won't be able to try everything in one visit.
In Chinese buffets, I always bomb my plate with every dish. I do that as well here, but more people tend to judge me when I do, as opposed to when I do it at Mandarin.
They got whole pieces of fish here, I still haven't figured out whether I'm supposed to take sections, or just take the entire thing. So far, I've had no fish.
I loved the desserts here. It's not much different from any other buffet, but somehow it tastes better here.
The wine here are ridiculously reasonable. It's almost like picking off from a LCBO shelf (non-vintage). They got belly dancing every evening. Sometimes the dancer is nice, sometimes otherwise.
It's get pretty rowdy on the weekends. The MC will wish whoever has a birthday a happy birthday. He will also sing you the birthday song...to each person....I never heard someone sing the same song so many times repeatedly in what seemed to be one breath.
There is a bunch of hot married Women here on weekends for dinner, or cougars. I don't know, they're hot. Israeli, Iranian, Palestinian..everyone's welcome here. -
Review from Darren S.
Markham, ON
5/24/2011
I'll be honest, I'm a bit biased since Middle Eastern food isn't my numero uno preference. But I was invited here for a birthday dinner and I must say, it wasn't bad!
I couldn't comment on the price since I didn't pay for it, but it must be quite reasonable as it was a Monday dinner. Unfortunately the famous stuffed lamb is only for weekends. In its place was a lovely fresh roast beef. This was definitely the highlight of my meal. Not very Middle Eastern perhaps, but I did warn you!
The buffet variety was, in my opinion, way too small. There were, I think, only about 7-8 types of meat, and a large cold salad table in the middle, and the dessert was very limited too (no ice cream? eep). The food that was there was good though, and a particular unexpected #2 highlight was the lasagna (OK, OK, I'm really losing the respect of people who want to hear about Middle Eastern food here).
Well their falafel was good. That counts, right?
The service was very good. Our server was very nice and, upon noticing that we were trying to lean up to take pictures of the live belly dancing, he kindly told us not to worry as she would be making her way around the entire restaurant. The dancer herself was very nice and posed for pictures with other guests, you could tell she's used to huge crowds of adults and kids alike. This was a very nice touch.
Overall would I come back? Maybe not, but again that's just because Middle Eastern food isn't my thang. But I could really see the appeal in it, and I would recommend people to try it. Maybe you'll like it. -
Review from Tom T.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2010 13 Check-ins Here
Homemade Mediterranean foods and belly dancing on weekends, can you beat that combo? Yes, its a buffet!
This isn't a gourmet place so don't come expecting fine dining. In a sea of suburban chain restaurant menus, Jerusalem delivers honest food, clean environment and courteous servers.
If you live in the area, you can stop by for rotisserie chicken and take homemade middle eastern dips! -
Review from Melisa K.
East York, ON
1/16/2011
I was worried that I might not enjoy the food. But when I arrived with my friends and saw what was offered up during the buffet I was pleasently surprised. They had plenty of vegetarian options, though the falafal was really dry.
We went when they had a belly dancer performing. It was entertaining. And the staff were nice. -
Review from Ktimene G.
8/19/2009
Land of milk and honey. And hummus, baba g, sundried tomatoes, tahini, falafel, tipapia, beet salad, kofte, calamari, buttery bean salad, garlic shrimp, and rice pudding.
The best $20 I've spent in a long time, and by far the best buffet I've visited in my life. Instead of feeling lethargic after 3 plates of colorful foods, I felt amazing!
Although there were plenty of meaty options (such as rice with lamb and grilled chicken) there were a bounty of dishes fit for a vegatarian-- or a gluten-free-- feast! -
Review from Bern D.
Markham, ON
2/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Food was very flavorful and filling. Stopped off here with my mom for lunch. Hot food was hot and steamy, salads were plentiful. Agree with previous poster that it's a sin that sheaths and baklava are not available on the buffet, but the other options are plentiful. Beef, chicken, and roasts, 3 kinds of fish, and the lamb and stuffing should all be sampled.
The Tabbouleh had zing without being acidic, perfect balance!
Total bill after tip, with drinks, $40.00 -
Review from Ariel G.
6/17/2009 1 Check-in Here
This is the sister restaurant to the one on Eglinton. It features a Mediterranean Buffet. On Saturday nights it also features entertainment and belly dancing.
Firstly you have to bring an appetite. The food is rich plentiful and varied. The full range of Middle Eastern foods is available. They also have a good choice of vegetarian selections, particularly the dips and the ubiquitous fallafels.
My favorite were the Lamb Shanks, which were nicely displayed in the buffet. They were succulent! I also very much liked the keftas and the other mechoui (grilled meat). The fallafel are good but I have had better.
I natural ate copious amounts of the pickled turnips, always one of my favorites. That and a few hot pickled peppers and olives will always make me happy. If you are a grazer there is a nice selection of salads, and for the lady some delicious stuffed vegetables.
You can finish off the meal with some baklava, or some other very sweet middle eastern dessert. Its a busy place, not a romantic dinner locale, but the food is very good and consistent.Listed in: A taste of the Middle East
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Review from Alan Z.
North York, ON
5/26/2010
After a five year hiatus due to travel I recently returned to the the Jerusalem Restaurant.
The food was good and the staff friendly. I must say though that the experience was a little less than satisfying. What I remembered most was the fantastic buffet with lots of great dishes, especially the shawarma.
Much to my dismay on my recent visit the shawarma was not available at the buffet but only as take out.
In the same way my favourite dessert, their fantastic baklava is only available at the take out counter and not at the dessert buffet.
The two best parts of the Jerusalem dinning experience aren't available in their buffet.
In my mind this renders the Jerusalem a fine place to grab a meal to take home but its buffet leaves two specific things to be desired. -
Review from Original E.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2011
You know, I'm a pretty picky SOB, but I must admit that in all things simple and honest Jerusalem Restaurant is alright by my standards.
It's a big buffet setting offering Middle Eastern food, along with a live belly dance show.
http://www.youtube.com...
The highlight for me at this place is the whole stuffed roasted lamb that they serve. The lamb well seasoned, not so tender, but delicious. It's stuffed with rice that has been perfumed with aromatic spices, and minced lamb.
I love their cold section, much to choose from: salads, spreads, olives, cheeses, marinated veggies, among many other wonderful options.
Hot food options are plenty: meats, stuffed pasta, fish and seafood, it's no wonder the place was packed.
Desserts, not so hot, but they had a few items I recognized from my galavanting days in the Middle East.
Price: it varies, if you read the website it shows that on weekdays it's cheaper. I went on a Saturday night and it cost about $35 a person, with taxes. Mind you I only drank water, and had a soothing mint tea afterwards.
Would I go back, for sure! Next time I will plan my eating strategy, there's so much to choose from.
I hope you'll enjoy this place as much as I did... Over and out. -
Review from Leeor J.
5/20/2010
This buffet is really good if you time it right. As with any buffet, you're going to have the following: obnoxious little kids running around the food counter giggling. Ridiculously large parties where everyone is yelling. People picking at things. And of course, lots of waste. Its always painful to watch.
But with that said, the food here is generally quite high quality. Go during a busy time when the turnover is high and you will get great food. One of the cooks there used to work at Sababa (a favourite middle-eastern place of mine) and they have dishes there that are only really possible in a mass-consumption sort of situation: a whole stuffed lamb (really good but horribly unhealthy!),
I would steer clear of the seafood (the preparations they have are not particularly middle-eastern - I suspect they are just filler and to have a seafood option). They also have shawarma which is pretty good, but its off the menu. You can ask your server for it and they usually have it. -
Review from Michael S.
Markham, ON
8/8/2011
Great food served in a fun and exciting atmosphere. I keep coming back.
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Review from Rafi N.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2010
I had the lunch buffet. The food was good and the servers were courteous. The restaurant is clean and has an inviting feel to it.
As I mentioned, the food was good, but it's not something that will blow you away. Very good for a lunch buffet. -
Review from Sylvain P.
Newmarket, ON
7/11/2010
Let's be honest on this one. Skip-it! I've eaten food on the side of an abandon road in the middle of Indonesia, with the risk of HEP-A, and HEP-C, that tasted better. And they had this Belly Dancer in her 70s, who, again let me be honest, shouldn't be dancing but tending to the local bingo soiree. Never again, avert your eyes as the power of Christ compels you, the power of Christ compels you.
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Review from Merijaan J.
Toronto, ON
9/24/2011
Food was delicious and the ambiance had a very middle eastern feeling. The staff was attentive, but the decor was outdated and the walls had peeling paint/stains. It could use some updating and a good clean. We had the buffet @ 24.00/pp which I felt was a little pricey, but it was good food, so we felt it was ok to pay that. They just need to add some descriptions on the food because we did not know what some of the food was.
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Review from Alon G.
Toronto, ON
6/20/2010
this was an alright restaurant. the food tasted good, and there were plenty of choices. i went during the buffet time, and although the food was good, i wasn't blown away.
the service was quick and efficient. our waitress was very polite and sat us right away. there were plenty of seats, especially if you're a big group.
what i particularly enjoyed was the belly dancer that came out around 8:30pm on sunday (father's day). she must have danced for 30 minutes! she was very fun to watch, and it definitely made this restaurant stand out compared to other middle eastern restaurants.
