Jerusalem Middle Eastern Cuisine

Owner who is also order taker and chef is very unfriendly, first red flag I should’ve not ordered and food was just edible-the place was not clean and very unpleasant atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

In a world of Green Street Sysco slop, Jerusalem is a standout. Consistently good but pleasantly surprising each time, you never know what vegetables and salad will be served up on the lunch platter that day.

The food is excellent and is easily some of the most nutritious you’ll find anywhere near the U of I campus. Hamid, the owner, runs the place singlehandedly. He can seem reserved at first, but once you get to know him, you'll find out that he is is an exceptionally nice person with an impressive work ethic. Overall, the restaurant is a favorite among many grad students, postdocs and faculty. And the classical music radio that’s always playing is a big bonus (imo)!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I explicitly asked for gluten free, but they did not understand my request and gave me bread anyway

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 1

DELICIOUS! great food and a good price for the quantity and quality. highly recommend if you’re looking for a good lunch off green st.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Great lunch experience - nutritious food (lunch plate had fruits, vegetables, protein and a curry) and it was homemade food that looked like homemade food.

Definitely going back sometime soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

You might have to wait a tiny bit since there's only one guy running the whole restaurant - but the quality and quantity of food is amazing. I don't think there is any other restaurant on campus that gives such healthy, filling food for this price. I ordered the vegetarian lunch platter and was very satisfied. The falafel especially was very good. Overall, the meal felt homemade which is what stood out to me.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing and extremely tasty authentic food served by a genuine owner!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The owner and only guy I’ve ever seen working there is an old guy who is not friendly at all, very to the point. But the food value relative to price here is the highest I’ve ever seen. If you get one of the lunch plates for $13 you get a coffee or tea, a salad, fish or chicken, rice, pita bread, some kind of soup-like thing, hummus and an assortment of fruits. I was blown away. I’ve never received so much value from a restaurant before. The food is good but it’s not your typical hyper palatable western food. It’s cooked to order, fresh, and feels healthy and balanced.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is delicious, also it is a good option for non-spicy lovers.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: Falafel, Hummus, Fish, Salad, Fish Platter

This place is a hidden gem for anyone who loves authentic, homemade-style food.
Every dish tastes great—it’s soft, juicy, and full of flavor, with delicious stews and sides.

Expect a line if you come between 11:30 am and 2 pm, but it’s well worth the wait. Hamid, the one-man show behind it all, may seem reserved at first, but he’s genuinely kind and often surprises guests with extra portions or fresh fruit on the side. The serving sizes are generous—often enough for two. One bite and you’ll be hooked.

Hamid is the GOAT!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always the best restaurant in town! Worth a revisit after years!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’m a fan of the owner. The baklava is wonderful too. Everything is good here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Combination Kabob Plate, Sandwich

Good food but slow service

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Healthy food