Casual Cafe: A Hidden Gem in a Jerusalem Alley
Tucked away in a 160-year-old complex in the Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, Casual Cafe is the heart of Jerusalem's bohemian scene. Offering specialty coffee, creative breakfasts, and a wine bar, it is a must-visit spot with a unique, relaxed atmosphere.
Casual is something of a Jerusalem secret. Opened just over six months ago in the Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, it occupies the historic Hasbon complex—a 160-year-old site featuring four buildings and a charming inner courtyard. While it functions as a cafe, it possesses a distinct culinary identity that shifts throughout the day, all wrapped in a relaxed, cultural atmosphere.
In the mornings, you will find people working on laptops, sipping specialty coffee, and chatting about cinema and culture. The courtyard is stunning, offering shaded seating and a refreshing Jerusalem breeze. Food is prepared behind a long bar; you place your order at the register and receive a notification when it is ready. The character of the ancient building combined with vintage furniture gives Casual a unique vibe—effortless Jerusalem hipsterism with a kosher certificate.
Their morning menu includes sandwiches, salads, pastries, and toasts, with no dish exceeding 52 shekels. Highlights include:
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A ciabatta sandwich with salmon mortadella, gouda, butter, lettuce, mayonnaise, and mustard (46 shekels)
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Salmon or ricotta French toast (46 shekels)
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Zucchini and stracciatella ciabatta (52 shekels)
For something truly unique, try the savory bread pudding made from challah with fresh zaatar, sour cream, grated Leshem HaNoked cheese, silan, and olive oil (39 shekels).
The evening menu features sophisticated small plates, such as cold-smoked trout salad (52 shekels), matias bruschetta on rye bread (46 shekels), and oven-baked potatoes with butter and herbs (29/41 shekels). On Fridays, they serve a special brunch menu featuring small plates like fattoush salad, charred eggplant, and various toasts. As the day turns to night, the place transforms into a bar with an excellent selection of wine, spirits, and coffee, served until 23:00. There is even an in-house roastery where you can buy fresh beans to take home.
Casual is more than just a cafe; it is a place with an atmosphere that is hard not to fall in love with. It is tucked away, so we recommend using Google Maps to find it.
Address: 6 HaMatmid St., Jerusalem.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 08:00–24:00, Friday 08:00–15:00. Kosher.
