Many an Orthodox Jew has decried the lack of true gourmet kosher food; even in Israel, the Jewish state, gourmet cuisine often embraces all that is treif with unbridled enthusiasm. Apparently God heard the complaint of his children, for he sent unto them the founders of 1868, a ritzy restaurant that imports a taste of Tel Aviv gourmet to Jerusalem – and it's 100% kosher.

The restaurant exudes a class and refinement often lacking in the kosher restaurant world – from its menu to its location. The name 1868 refers to the year in which the building housing the restaurant was constructed, a classic Jerusalem stone structure conveniently located for city visitors across from the David Citadel hotel.

The menu does not lend itself to easy description – both French and Italian cuisines exert obvious influence (spaghetti in hazelnut vinaigrette, foie gras with Granny Smith apples), as does 1868's Middle Eastern locale (eggplant with techina), but dishes appear from as far afield as South America (ceviche). 1868 also stocks a huge selection of kosher wines and employs a sommelier to help you choose.