Pepa Café in Jerusalem: Great Food, Lively Conversation, and a Delightful Owner

Feb 2, 2026 by Chef David

By: Susie Rosenbluth (the author of Blurred Vision, forthcoming this year from Red Adept Publishing)

On a busy Friday morning on Aza Road in Jerusalem’s lovely Rechavia neighborhood, everyone seems to take a moment to glance at the packed tables and chairs nestled under a vine-covered awning at Number 43, just steps from the Prime Minister’s residence. Some pedestrians rest their “granny carts” as they pass Pepa Café; others stop their strollers, looking to see if there might be a seat inside the small restaurant since everything outside is full.

“Is Meira there?” one older gentleman asks.

Meira Hayot

A nod from a bustling member of the wait staff encourages him—and a few others—to rush inside, for Meira Hayot is the beating heart of this popular spot that offers a mix of traditional Spanish and Israeli dishes. On this particular Friday morning, she’s serving shakshuka, considered by many locals to be the best in the city; Daniel’s Lemon Pie, the café’s mile-high, light-as-a-cloud signature dessert; and a wide assortment of other breads and pastries.

Her shakshuka, a one-pan meal consisting of eggs poached in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, spiced with cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, is served with a generous helping of crusty breads and pita that are just perfect for scooping every morsel of this rich, savory dish.

Daniel’s Lemon Pie

Although it’s been open for only a little over a year, Pepa is noted for its curated variety of teas and great coffee, including espresso-based drinks.

Originally from Barcelona, Meira named the café for her late grandmother, Pepa, whose portrait graces one of the walls. Meira says Pepa taught her to cook.

Ten years ago, Meira met her husband, Elad, a Jerusalem native, in Spain. He is now a chef at the King David Hotel, and she runs the café that it seems everyone raves about.

Kosher, Shomer Shabbat, and affordable enough to attract hordes of students and other young people,Pepa Café is a great place to grab a chair outside and spend time people-watching on Derech Aza while enjoying some of the best food in the city. If you’re lucky, you get to chat with Meira.