About Us

Let your taste buds transport you across the ocean into The Heart of Jerusalem. As you enter the door, the aroma of Za’taar spices and Sage Tea give you a hint of the delightful delicacies awaiting you. The sizzle of lamb kabobs over an open flame mingle with the wistful strains of an Arabian tune in the background. All of this, and more, awaits you in downtown Manitou.

Due to a transfer with his government job, Hussein Abukhdeir and his family came from California to Colorado Springs in 1998. Already an ocean away from their Jerusalem homeland, their search for Authentic Middle Eastern food had them traveling to Denver for the nearest restaurant. Mr Abukhdeir and his wife began to dream of opening a restaurant that offered fast, affordable, and deliciously authentic cuisine. In 2007, this dream became a delicious reality. They have since opened a sister store on Austin Bluffs, in Colorado Springs.

The Heart of Jerusalem is not only family owed, but family focused, with a wide variety of foods and drinks to satisfy all, including a children’s menu, vegetarian and gluten-free foods. Authentic recipes for prize winning hummus and falafels are seasoned with imported spices, kabob meat is hand cut, and the ice cream is homemade and hand dipped. Let us share the Heart of our family with yours.