Jerusalem Middle Eastern Cuisine

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)!

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.

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.

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.

this is our first time to try this restaurant. actually, as an asian people, our tongue are difficult to meet the taste of middle east cuisine. but this is the nearest halal food we can access around campus. and masyaAllah, surprisingly the taste (everythings) is very good. we can enjoy all of the meal. you can look at the clean plate hahaha. may we have an opportunity to back again. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼