Forget the standard tourist fare; some of the best comfort food in Bethlehem comes with a side of monastic charm. At the Casanova Guest House, located just steps from the Church of the Nativity, we sat down for a legendary Italian lunch that felt like a bridge between two worlds.
The star of the show? Nun-crafted, homemade spaghetti. This isn't just pasta; it’s an immersive culinary tradition brought to the hills of Judea by the Franciscan community. Perfectly al dente and served with a rich, authentic sauce, it’s the ultimate “soul food” for a weary group of explorers.
To top off the meal, we were served a basket of tiny Jericho bananas. Grown in the tropical microclimate of the world’s lowest city, these miniature fruits are famous for being incredibly sweet and creamy. It was the perfect, sun-ripened finish to a Mediterranean feast.
The historic dining room of the Franciscan Casanova Guest House near Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.
Dine on fine china featuring the coat of arms of the Custody of the Holy Land.