The Tree Opens Trendy New Kosher Restaurant in Ashkelon’s Old City

A new kosher restaurant called The Tree has opened in Ashkelon’s most fashionable area near the city’s central square, bringing a fresh culinary vibe to the southern city. Located next to an ancient tree and the iconic clock tower, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring meat, fish, burgers, and Asian-inspired salads. The venue emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere with white tablecloths, a carefully curated playlist, and excellent sound quality, aiming to create a unique nightlife experience reminiscent of Tel Aviv’s Nachalat Binyamin.

The Tree was founded by local nightlife veterans Tal Hollander and Dror Simon, who previously owned the nearby Kopman bar. They designed the restaurant to appeal broadly, avoiding niche concepts, with dishes priced up to 125 shekels. The menu was developed by chef Dudu Ben Abu, known for his work at Amaya in Rehovot, and executed by chef Ben Winter, former manager of Flor at Komiran in Tel Aviv. Offerings include charcoal eggplant carpaccio, Asian cucumber salad, foie gras bruschetta, brioche burgers with truffle aioli, crispy rice with tuna tartare, and summer ceviche, alongside traditional dishes like kebabs and schnitzel.

The Tree operates from 7 p.m. daily with outdoor seating currently available and plans to open an indoor area soon. The founders highlight the importance of high-quality food paired with a lively yet stylish environment, reflecting changing expectations in Ashkelon’s dining scene. The restaurant is kosher and represents a significant step in the city’s evolving culinary landscape, which has long been dominated by longstanding institutions but is now embracing contemporary trends.

The Tree is located at 4 HaNasi Street, Ashkelon, open Sunday to Thursday from 7 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on Saturdays. The restaurant aims to be a pioneering venue in Ashkelon’s emerging nightlife and dining culture, blending quality cuisine with a vibrant social setting.