There’s a restaurant nestled in the hills south of Jerusalem in a small village called Nes Harim that is worth a visit the next time you’re looking for something a little quiet, better than average. Pichonka is a rustic, spacious place with comfortable wicker chairs and a comfortable ambiance that surrounds you from the moment you enter until your meal is complete.
When you enter the restaurant, the aroma of baking bread from the hearth permeates the air. If you order the oversized lafa (which they call focaccia, *sigh*) from that oven, you will enjoy the fresh garlic and olive oil brushed on deliciously crispy bread, sprinkled with salt and fresh oregano. Spreads to order include green olive tapenade, pesto, and roasted red pepper.
The mixed grill came on a sizzle platter with five different meats. The roast chicken was moist and tender, the lamb was good, the chorizo had a flavor of turkey that threw off the flavor of a little. The entrecote was a disappointment, as it was chewy and undercooked. The fillet sparerib however was the star of the plate; it was cooked very well and was well-seasoned. The plate was served with what I could swear were haricot vert, which was surprising and delicious.
The side order of french fries were served separately, with a chimichuri/gremolata sauce on the side which went better with the rest of our focacci-lafa.
Everything had a sprinkling of parsley on it, which has its drawbacks, and I was disappointed that a meal that was quite obviously enough for two people only came with one side dish. Other than that, the meal was well-paced, the pricing reasonable and the waiters accommodating.
The mixed grill was not nearly enough for 2 people when we went. Had to order a second dish. Make sure to call for reservations since they are frequently booked for weddings.
Just ate there last night and had a wonderful meal. Will definitely be going back.