Jerusalem’s Machneyuda Group to Open Kosher Steakhouse, Relocate Vegetarian Restaurant

The Machneyuda Group, renowned for its culinary contributions to Jerusalem, announced today it will replace its vegetarian restaurant Tzemach with a new kosher meat restaurant, Steakiya, in the Mahane Yehuda Market, with the transition expected within two weeks.

Steakiya will be a pop-up-style eatery inspired by the traditional Jerusalem skewer houses that were once a staple of the city’s dining scene. Chef Assaf Granit explained the decision, stating, “There are no places like this left in Jerusalem… That’s missing now, so we decided to bring it back.” The move signals a shift towards simpler, locally-focused cuisine for the group, which also operates restaurants across Europe and Israel.

The menu will feature classic skewer dishes grilled over charcoal, alongside items like hummus (NIS 32), French fries (NIS 32), and arayes (NIS 42). Steaks, including prime rib, tomahawk, and beef fillet, will be priced by weight (NIS 58–82 per 100 grams). Desserts will include traditional options like malabi. This change comes as the hospitality industry continues to adapt to evolving tourism patterns and consumer preferences, with a renewed focus on local experiences. The group also plans to relocate Tzemach to a new, unspecified location.

Granit noted that while Tzemach was successful, it became “less relevant” without the usual influx of tourists. He added, “And yes, it was vegetarian, but now it’ll be nice to do the opposite — go back to meat.” The Machneyuda Group’s restaurants are known for their vibrant atmosphere; you can learn more about their culinary philosophy on their official website. The Mahane Yehuda Market itself is a central hub for Israeli cuisine and culture, as detailed by Visit Jerusalem.

The group anticipates Steakiya will quickly become a popular destination, offering a nostalgic and flavorful experience for both locals and visitors.