Jacko Street

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The best kosher restaurant in the world! Yep…I said it!

In Hebrew the phrase goes, “on taste and smell – there is nothing to argue about.” Thus, in my humble opinion – of which you cannot argue - there is no better kosher restaurant in the world than Jacko Street.

The owner, Zachai Huiga, brilliantly fuses his unique flavors by walking the neighborhood of the restaurant, the well known Machane Yehuda Market, for the very freshest vegetables, fish and meat and chooses them with his own eyes and hands. He takes those ingredients into his laboratory and concocts some of the funkiest yet tastiest dishes you will ever sink your teeth into.

The location of Jacko Street is just as unique as the cuisine. In can be found in the hip and funky Shuk and fits perfectly into the themes of that location. Located near the famous yet, non kosher MachneYehuda restaurant, you will find a dark décor that is subtle with flashes of light and electricity. There is seating by the bar near the open kitchen and upstairs for larger parties, or of course in the main dining hall. It is perfect for a birthday celebration because that is when the entire staff will crank up the music, light up the sparklers and make you feel like King of the Castle!

It is hard to pinpoint only a few items on this unique menu for tasting. My personal favorites are the sweet breads (even if the idea repulses you, it is served with a sautéed selection of veggies that is worth the entrée alone), the beef cigars, rolled by hand and perfectly mixed with spices and flavor, the assado bruschetta which is a small taste of the world to come, and the goose liver which is as delicious as it is a rarity to find and enjoy. The sleeper for me is the tuna fricassee – when most would ask, why waste perfectly good real estate with fish? I would argue that you will not find a blend of these tastes on the palate anywhere else.

I have not had one item from the the menu that I would not order again. And, unlike many other places, the desserts are AS good as the entrees. It is hard to believe they are pareve. They are all crafted in house.

Here, the wait staff is amazing and part of the experience. You can anticipate receiving some items “on the house” and rounds of oouzo shots to lighten the mood. The staff knows their wine and will not hesitate to make you feel great and share their favorites on the menu. If you are lucky, the owner and head chef, Zachai will come by with a smile and pour you some drinks too.

I have been in Israel for one night and eaten at Jacko Street twice, in that time. It is my favorite kosher restaurant. It will cost you, but is worth every shekel.