02

Menu
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I would make the call to 02 - but beware! The bill will look like the phone number.

A newer phenomenon in Israel is using the upscale space in a five-star hotel to host a chef-based restaurant. Obviously, every restaurant needs a chef. But, in Israel, preceding the word ‘restaurant’ with the word ‘chef’ connotes an upscale experience. Much like one would find at 1868, Lotte, Tsemah, D’Vorah, Jacko’s, and even 02, the relatively new fine dining experience located in the lobby restaurant of the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem. 

One of the most noteworthy contributions shared by 02, is any patron can come in before Shabbat and pay for a meal that will be table waited on Shabbat with menu choices and wine pairings. Of course, anyone is able to choose a Shabbat meal to partake in at any given hotel, but they will enjoy a gluttonous buffet that is as much a demonstration of opulence and waste as it is delicious food. Frankly said, it is too much food and makes people overeat and wasteful.  That will not happen at 02.

02 is a fine dining Shabbat experience without hotel-buffet feel. Many dishes are shared family style but it is much more intimate and special. 

The décor is chic, upscale and complements the new feel of the hotel lobby and rooms, though this space is sectioned off and closed by doors and walls. 

02 is most likely a nod to the area code of the city of Jerusalem as are many of its dishes. My only draw back is that often, when traveling to a city I like to eat out and about to see city life and experience the full gamut of the dining and communal/country feel. Eating in any hotel limits that option, and so too at 02. Nonetheless, it is an exceptional meal and unique taste.

The options are masterfully prepared and as pleasing to the eye as the taste buds. The menu is dynamic and offers dishes that fit the desire of the renowned chef. 

When I had the pleasure of dining at 02, I enjoyed delicious breads, tasty endive salads, scrumptious sashimi (which was more like a ceviche) and other mixed Mediterranean fish. 

We got our freekeh on (IYKYK) with fantastic grain salad that came with perfectly flavored chicken thighs and very well charred steak. The pareve desserts were extremely good. 

Everything about this meal, including the service was excellent. Except the bill. This looked more like the phone number than the final tally, which might explain the title and dial prefix of, 02. It was very expensive. Still delicious but, beware. 

I would make this call to 02 and get your freekeh on for a fantastic culinary experience that will break the bank but will also excite the taste buds!