Popular Ashdod seafood restaurant damaged in suspected arson, reopening planned after move

A fire broke out overnight, into Wednesday, at Pescado, a popular fish restaurant in Ashdod. The restaurant was closed at the time, no one was hurt, and the damage was described as minor, but it will have to shut for about a week. Police and the owners believe it was likely a deliberate arson attack. Owner Yechi Zino said security footage showed “two bored children,” and added, “It will be fine, this is a small hit to the fish’s fin.”

Pescado is considered one of Israel’s leading fish restaurants and has also received international recognition after being included in the Middle East “50 Best” list. Despite the fire, the restaurant, owned by Zino and his partner Eran Z’ano, a major fish supplier, is preparing for a separate relocation after 17 years.

The new site will be on Givat Yona in Ashdod, overlooking the sea near the city’s lighthouse, on what Zino called the city’s most historically significant hill. He said the area includes an old Navy base where he once served and delivered food to lighthouse personnel. Zino, 43, lives in Ashdod, is married, has three children, and says his wife, a lawyer by training, works with him in the restaurant.

Until Saturday, Pescado will operate at Yulia in Tel Aviv Port as part of the Port Chef festival, which hosts restaurants from around the country. The menu there includes fish wing, a “Saigon bite” of tuna in lettuce, Moroccan Friday-style challah with tuna cooked in chili oil, crispy fish cigars, and tuna in challah, with two dishes priced up to 45 shekels each. Zino said the new Pescado will be larger, more comfortable, and have a sea view, and that the group will also soon open a new food truck called Kiosk Pescado.