Peace Centre Restaurant - Bethlehem

Great food in the warm heart of Bethlehem

Almost a year ago to the day, I ate at this restaurant. It's in a great location the staff are great. I'd missed the last bus to Jerusalem and the manager, Khader Hadweh, contacted a friend of his who gave me a lift back to the Old City.

Located on Manger Square— between the Church of the Nativity and the Mosque of Omar, the Peace Centre Restaurant is one of the best and most reliable options for visitors.

The vibe is chilled with a mix of locals and tourists grabbing lunch between sites. It’s a safe bet when you want to eat well, rest your feet, and keep moving.

What to eat: first-timer favorites

The menu is Palestinian/Middle Eastern with international options, so it suits groups with mixed tastes. If you want a “welcome to Bethlehem” kind of meal, these are strong picks:

Makloubeh (Maqluba)

This classic Palestinian dish layers rice with vegetables (often with meat, too), then it’s flipped before serving. Travel sources specifically mention makloubeh here, and it’s a great choice if you want something more “home-style” than mezze.

Mansaf

Often associated with celebrations and gatherings in the region, Mansaf (Arabic: منسف is a traditional) Palestinian dish made of lamb, cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur hearty plate that is well reviewed here.

Mezze-style lunch

If you want lighter (or you’re sharing), go for the classics: hummus, salads, bread, and fresh juice—a combo travellers call out positively in reviews. Peace Centre Restaurant is listed as vegan-friendly (not fully vegan), and guides highlight staples like hummus and dishes such as maqluba that can work for plant-based diners depending on preparation.

Contact details and how to find it

Peace Center Restaurant (Bethlehem)

• Location: Manger Square / Bethlehem Peace Centre area, by the Church of the Nativity

• Phone: +970 2 274 7777

• Hours: Some listings show 8:00 AM–11:00 PM, but hours can change seasonally—best to confirm before you go.

• Online: Look up “Peace Centre Restaurant Bethlehem” on Google Maps or TripAdvisor for current hours, directions, and recent reviews.

If you want a meal that’s convenient, comforting, and rooted in local flavors—right at Bethlehem’s most famous landmark—Peace Centre Restaurant is an easy choice to bookmark for your visit.