Flavors in Ashkelon: food and restaurants in the big city

Culinary in Ashkelon - to meet the different tastes of the city

The combination of the worlds and countries of origin of the residents of Ashkelon means that the culinary world of the region is an endless weave of tastes, smells and combinations. African immigrants with European immigrants, Ethiopians and Iraqis, French and Yemenis - Ashkelon is a microcosm of Israeli society. And this winning combination creates a rich, diverse and above all surprising culinary world, for those who have not thought of Ashkelon as a culinary destination until now.

Here is a representative sample of the restaurants that you must visit during your visit to the city, as well as gems within driving distance that are worth a visit. Most of the places on the list can be reached by public transportation, but there are some on the list and outside of the city that are outside the city, with an emphasis on moshavim and kibbutzim in the area, so their accessibility by public transportation is often insufficient. You should travel to these places with a car, which can be rented from a car rental agency in Israel.

Anona - Ashkelon Bistro

We start the list with Anona, because not only is it an excellent place with high-level cuisine, but it is also specifically famous for its breakfasts. A selection of dairy dishes, pastas and fish and vegan dishes await you in this unusual location, far from the sea and shopping centers and deep in a residential neighborhood. Similar to some French pâtisserie, Banona is careful not only about the quality of the products and dishes, but also about a relaxed and family atmosphere, therefore choosing not to gather in the business hustle and bustle that characterizes most restaurants.

Mayor shawarma

So although it's not haute cuisine, if you come to a place that cherishes meaty and high-quality street food, it's a shame to miss the claimant to the crown of the best shawarma in Israel. Perhaps the pretentiousness can be debated (although some will completely disagree and say that the title is completely justified) but there is no doubt that if you are looking for a place to eat without getting involved with an expensive restaurant and excessive service, this is the place.
At shawarma the mayor will prepare all types of meat for you with great love, and treat you to fine salads, fresh breads and what not. If you are coming as a family, you might prefer to buy the family dish that will satisfy everyone and save you a few shekels.

Joyce in Moshav Bitzeron

It is not clear how Joyce should be defined. Is this pastry? coffee shop? Deli? Either way, there is no doubt that this is a culinary gem that is definitely worth a visit the next time you are in the south. Joyce is located in Moshav Bitzeron near Ashdod, about half an hour's drive from Ashkelon. In the place you will find fresh and decadent pastries, basic dishes for a light meal, and the highlight of the place - the crazy view that spreads out in front of the diners.

Anania

With the large Ethiopian community in Ashkelon, it would be surprising if there wasn't an Ethiopian restaurant on this list. But the truth is that Anya should have appeared here regardless. It is about authenticity for its own sake, a restaurant that brings to our palate the essence of the taste of Ethiopian cuisine. The spacious injera loaded with dips, the fresh salads, the bright colors - all of these create a culinary experience that, although it is not of high design, but you will not forget the flavors. The original way to eat injera is with the hands, when each of the participants tears off a piece and dips it in dips. At Ennia you can eat like this, but you can also sit at the table and they will serve you smaller pieces of injera to eat with a knife and fork, if that's what you want. We prefer the original.

In Ora's yard

In the village of Kfar Maimon (about half an hour from Ashkelon), in one of his first houses, lived Reuven Rosenblatt. Until recently he lived at home with his wife, Ora, who had recently passed away. The story of Reuven and Ora is one that must be heard, because this country is woven from such stories. Reuven is a Holocaust survivor, born in Lodz and a survivor of the Bergen-Belsen extermination camp. The late Ora left Yemen on foot when she was a child, and lost both of her parents on the way. The two met as soldiers of the War of Attrition, got married, and lived together until Ora's death. Their story has many more fascinating details and twists that sound imaginary, and you can hear all of them during a visit to Kfar Maimon In the orchard that Reuven planted there are over 120 varieties of trees, from which he makes fine liquers. When Ora was alive, visitors would also receive a full meal of the best Yemeni cuisine. Since Ora passed away, he can't serve the meal and groups (by prior arrangement), tells them the unbelievable story of him and Ora, and lets them taste the products of the orchard that he continues to cultivate with love.

In conclusion, Ashkelon and its surroundings offer its visitors a wide variety of culinary options, and the special thing about them is that they almost always have a story as well. It's almost never just food. And the opportunity to enjoy a story together with fine food from a wide variety of cuisines, is one of the greatest advantages of the Ashkelon culinary world. Our recommendation is to invest, and look for the more special places to eat. Take a car, your own or from a car rental agency in Ashkelon, and go looking for the restaurants, cafes and stalls that are just waiting for you to arrive. It is likely that Ashkelon is not necessarily the first destination you thought of when it comes to food, but you are in for some tasty surprises.