Mamilla Mall, Jerusalem

The area between Independence Park and the Jaffa Gate, along Mamilla Avenue, has undergone significant transformation over the years. Initially a poor Jewish neighborhood during Mandate Palestine, it experienced attacks by Arab mobs in 1947 following the UN's partition plan for Palestine. Between 1948 and 1967, it lay abandoned as a derelict no-man's-land; however, it has since been revitalized as the Mamilla development, now home to some of the most luxurious residences in Jerusalem.

Central to this revitalization is the Mamilla Mall, a pedestrianized open-air shopping destination with high-end fashion outlets, gift stores, and cafés. The mall also features a variety of restaurants offering diverse culinary options, making it an ideal spot to dine, people-watch, and enjoy the atmosphere.

For those seeking a more refined dining experience away from the crowded hummus restaurants in the Old City, the sleek Rooftop brasserie on Mamilla Avenue provides a nice retreat. Offering kosher meals designed for discerning palates, guests can savor their dishes while enjoying picturesque views of the Jaffa Gate area. Reservations are recommended to secure a table at this establishment.