Si Cafe Kosher at Gaash

June 2026
Iko Levy has done it again. You may not know the name, but you have surely enjoyed the many kosher restaurants that have his signature. Do you remember when Pizza Hut did not have branches with a teudat kashrut? That teudat kashrut has Iko's name on it, as were the kosher branches of Burger King.

It took them long enough, but the executives at the Si Cafe restaurant chain finally agreed to follow Iko's lead and turn the Si Cafe in Gaash, kasher L'mehadrin. When they chose Gaash for the first kosher branch in the chain, they chose well. This location just off highway #2 could not be better. On the main road, it is easily accessible to the heavy north/south highway traffic. Follow Waze.

Si Cafe at Gaash is another quality restaurant in a gasoline station, a phenomenon seen only in Israel. This restaurant does not look like much from the outside. Don't let your first glance be your last glance. Pull over, park in one of the free parking spots in front or around the back, and stop in for just for a cuppa and a fresh pastry or a full meal. You won't be sorry.

The first thing you will notice is the counter at the front of the restaurant with a display of sandwiches and pastries, and staff working the coffee machines behind. This is for the grab-a-quick-coffee crowd. The quick grab and full breakfasts are available from 6:00am till noon with sandwiches, egg dishes, and outstanding coffee. From noon till 10:00pm the restaurant has a full evening menu. "But we are flexible" says Iko. If you want to order from the breakfast menu after noon, we can do that. We want everyone to enjoy.

We met Iko and his staff over breakfast one weekday. We quickly realized that this is not just a restaurant. This is a home. Iko and his staff have been together for the better part of a decade. Iko inroduced us to Shai his brother and partner and Vered, the waitress who is the "mom" of the restaurant. This team does not serve their customers, they care for their customers.

And how do you take your coffee? Out came an Americano for me and a (hafuch) cappucino for my companion. and without asking, a platter of selected fresh pastries that looked fresh out of the oven. in fact they were, heated up just enough.

The morning menu offers a selection of cooked breakfast dishes and sandwiches. There is the Israeli Shakshuka that inclues two eggs poached in a rich tomato sauce, served with tahini, olives, a fresh side salad, and focaccia fresh from the on-site taboun oven. Not just for breakfast, shakshuka is available throughout the day, The breakfast menu also includes other egg dishes, a bagel and lox platter or just a fresh salad.

At the top of the breakfast menu, and the dish that caught my eye, was the Croque Madam. This dish is not often seen at kosher restaurants as the classic dish is traditionally prepapred with non-kosher meats. At kosher Si Cafe the Croque Madame is made with avocado, a creative twist. Si Cafe Gaash Croque Madame is grilled cheese toast on buttery brioche, topped with fresh avocado salad, arugula, and a sunny-side-up egg.

"This is fresh avocado" Iko pointed out. "None of that packaged avocado spread at our restaurant." My companion promptly chose this dish from the menu, passing up his favorite shakshuka. The dish was beautifully presented, generous, and very tasty, My companion is an avocado officianado and this avocado passed his test.

The dinner menu is served from noon till closing and includes a variety of classic Italian dishes. There are fresh salads, pasta dishes and pizzas baked in the taboun oven. The signature evening dish is the Ravioli Polenta. This will be our choice when we visit the restaurant in the evening.

The calling card of the restaurant is the large outdoor garden overlooking the open fields of Kibbutz Gaash. This is where you want to enjoy your Si Cafe breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here you will catch the breezes from the sea at all times of the day. The garden is clearly the area of choice and you will see many people dining in in this pastoral setting, either on their laptops or with friends.

Si Cafe at Gaash is an excellent choice for smachot. It is a popular venue for bar/bat mitzvot, britot, etc. Iko will be pleased to tailor a meal for your occasion. The restaurant can host up to 120 guests. Free parking for up to 70 cars.

From the Menu:

Breakfast
Croque Madame Avocado
Shakshuka
Small Breakfast – Two eggs with chopped vegetables, Bulgarian cheese, labaneh with za'atar, tuna salad, olives, and sourdough bread.
New York Breakfast – Pretzel bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, fried egg, and green salad.
Mushroom Frittata

Evening Menu
Mozzarella Caprese
Roasted cabbage
Baked goat feta with confit tomatoes
Salads including Caesar, Burrata & Endive, Panzanella Artichoke, and Rustic salad
Pizzas from the taboun: