Jerusalem Kitchen Announces it Will Close as of Jan. 14

Jerusalem Kitchen will close as of Jan. 14. Photos by Kevin Gibson

A Louisville dining favorite is closing. Jerusalem Kitchen, the Palestinian restaurant in Okolona, announced on its Facebook page that its last day of business will be Sunday, Jan. 14.

The restaurant, which originally on South Third Street and was called Little Jerusalem Cafe, was known for its ample portions and reasonable prices.

“It is with humble gratitude and a heavy heart and sadness that i must announce that The Jerusalem Kitchen's last day to be open is Sunday night January 14, 2024,” owner Sami Barghouthi wrote on Facebook. “This is very difficult and we are so sad to say goodbye.”

Barghouthi said the building in which the restaurant does business, located at 4413 Saint Rita Drive, has been sold to new owners.

He continued, “You trusted us with your most treasured events and it was always our pleasure. I want to thank everyone for your heartful support, business and loyal patronage over the years. Please come out this last week and show us your support, we would love to accommodate your purchase by dining in or carry out and say our goodbyes.”

Barghouthi said gift certificates will be honored through Sunday.

I wrote about Jerusalem Kitchen in 2017 for new-defunct Insider Louisville, and I also included a chapter in my book Unique Eats and Eateries of Louisville. Here is an excerpt from the book:

Jerusalem Kitchen bills itself as “authentic Palestinian cuisine,” and I have to admit I wasn’t even sure what that was when I first went there. The restaurant, owned by the friendly Sami Barghouti, was for many years called Little Jerusalem, until he moved it from South Third Street to the Okolona neighborhood, into what appears to have once been a local tavern.

But the unique Palestinian menu offers plenty of familiar Middle Eastern fare, like some of the best hummus you’ve ever had and traditional gyros. Sami will make sure your taste buds are pleased and your belly is full, and he’ll lead you through the menu if you’re a newbie.

Meals come in entrées or “light meals,” and the “light” meal I had for lunch on that first visit came with kalaya and chicken shawarma, plus a choice of three different salads, all served with pita. And after I ordered, Sami told me, “I’ll start you off with some lentil soup.” The value was almost ridiculous—and definitely delicious. And yet, still somehow one of Louisville’s best-kept secrets.

But you’d best arrive hungry.