Authentic Georgian delights by the sea

Sometimes, all you need is khachapuri: Petra, a Georgian restaurant, has exactly what you're looking for

If you're craving Georgian pastry while enjoying the sunset, we've found a beach restaurant with a rich menu that caters to all tastes. Oh, and there's also a sheltered space.

In the past six months, many businesses in the south and north of the country have been affected by the tough times we've faced. Nevertheless, many Israelis rush to support farmers and business owners who have suffered the most severe damage. I traveled to Ashdod to Petra, a Georgian restaurant located on the front line of the sea on the coast of the arches. Yes, the situation in the country is not encouraging, and a trip south is not the best idea right now, but if you're considering supporting any business and going out, especially if you're a fan of pastries from the Georgian kitchen, it seems I found the right place.

As soon as I arrived, I noticed a young man, the owner, assisting the waiters in the open kitchen area, serving dishes and even helping them clear tables – creating the impression that you've arrived at a modest and rustic place. In the background, Georgian music plays, and the smell of the sea wafts through the air. I started with the first course, artichoke karchofi (NIS 78) - sliced artichoke hearts tossed in chili cream, butter, Parmesan, and coriander. The dish was tasty, but the artichoke was a bit soggy in the cream. I would prefer it roasted, but if you like cream, maybe try other starters.

Immediately after, I decided to taste the flagship Georgian dish - of course, Acheruli khachapuri (NIS 60) - a large and indulgent pastry filled with a mixture of cheeses topped with a sunny-side-up egg, baked in a stone oven, and served with butter. If you want to know how khachapuri is really eaten, ask the waiter to mix it for you. Note - the pastry is very tasty, suitable for more than one person, and definitely fulfilling.

Alongside the pastry, I also ordered Petra salad (NIS 78) - cherry tomatoes and figs, mini cucumbers, zucchini, artichoke, basil, purple onion, and rocket leaves in balsamic, olive oil, lemon, and burrata cheese. As someone who could live on cherry tomatoes and balsamic, the salad hit the spot for me. The salad is relatively large and can be shared with one more person (or two).

I really wanted to try dishes not only from the Georgian kitchen but who can resist khinkali? So, I ordered meat khinkali (NIS 68) - five dumplings filled with beef cooked in water alongside a traditional tomato dip. Forget about the knife and fork. Just grab the khinkali from the top, take a small bite (careful - it's hot!) from the bottom, and drink the broth inside. Then allow yourself to eat the meatball inside with the fork. This dish leaves you wanting more.

But enough about the food, now to the desserts, which I was very undecided about which to order from the selection. I chose ponchiki - a Georgian donut filled with ptisier (originally it comes with boiled milk cream), it was a bit heavy for me because the filling is definitely rich but suitable for lovers of fried dough. Alongside, I also tried blini (blinches) rolled up in finger size, filled with ptisier cream. The filling was the same as in ponchiki, with a drizzle of forest fruit jam. Simple and so delicious.

The dishes are photogenic (in case you want to photograph the food for an Instagram story), and although it's not a fancy restaurant with extravagant design, it's a relatively simple place, pleasant for sitting with a sea view, and most importantly - you leave satisfied. And if you're wondering, like me, they have a sheltered space.

Petra offers a menu from the traditional Georgian kitchen, alongside classic European dishes. In addition to the endless selection of pastries, you can also order breakfast, pasta, pizza, burgers, and a variety of fish. What's fun is that it can cater to brunch and dinner against the backdrop of the sunset. And if you meet Tony, pass on my regards from Rachel from Maariv.

Petra, Mafkura Street 1, Ashdod. Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday, between 09:00 in the morning and 01:00 at night. Phone for reservations, events, and deliveries: 08-8651610