Jerusalem Market on Elm

Located at 310 South Elm Street in Downtown Greensboro (the original retail store location remains open in the Sedgefield area), Jerusalem Market serves Middle Eastern cuisine for lunch and dinner. It is open from 11-7 Tuesday-Thursday, 11-8 Friday-Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. Online ordering is available, and specials change regularly.

The mantle of best Middle Eastern in Greensboro is a matter of considerable debate, but for those seeking this type of food anywhere near downtown, Jerusalem Market should be a no-brainer. Upon entry, you’ll see a drinks and dessert case and minimal seating, but don’t let that dissuade you: there’s a more spacious dining room in the back. It’s low-key but tastefully appointed.

Jerusalem Market’s menu offers platters, salads, mezze (small plates), and wraps. There are plenty of vegetarian options as well as lamb/beef/chicken options plus combination plates for those who want a little bit of everything. You order at the counter and take a number back to your table. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

I went with the Armenian wrap, which featured basterma (thinly sliced seasoned dried beef), provolone, baba ganoush, and cucumber yogurt with zaatar pita chips on the side. My wife was hoping for the Turk (similar but with sojouk sausage instead of beef) and upon finding they were out opted for the lamb burger on special instead. Given the day’s humidity, hibiscus iced tea seemed too good to pass up.

Jerusalem Market makes everything fresh, so the food understandably took a bit to arrive. However, it was well worth the wait. The basterma was salty, and the refreshing yogurt balanced it nicely. The zaatar chips were crisp and full of flavor and dangerously addictive (seriously, I could eat a bagful). My wife enjoyed the lamb burger with feta and a side salad, and we were both glad that we went with the hibiscus tea (free refills).

While they may not have the huge portions of a Nazareth Bread, Jerusalem Market’s prices aren’t unreasonable given the downtown location. The wrap was $14 or so and the burger $16.

All told, Jerusalem Market promises a healthy meal using quality ingredients and prepared with care.