Pinati is a long-standing veteran of the Jerusalem food scene and started decades ago on the corner of King George and HaHistadrut Street with one small restaurant. The restaurant was always packed with Jerusalemites from all walks of life – rich, poor, Ashkenazim, Sephardim, politicians and street performers. The throngs of people would crowd into the tiny space, delighting in the thick mix of hummus and camaraderie and it was not usual for it to get so crowded that patrons were asked to share a table with the next guy in line.
The original Pinati has to a large extent maintained its character, so that those out for a leisurely meal and some personal space – beyond elbow room, that is – may prefer to opt for one of the other Pinati’s that have cropped up over the past few years. Although dipping is still very much the thing, over time Pinati has also embellished its menu with a large selection of non-hummus foods, such as shawarma, schnitzel and soups.
