Skip to main

The Gili’s Kitchen Story

How It All Began

How It All Began

At Gili’s Kitchen, we're more than just a restaurant—we’re a family story brought to life through food. Our journey began when I, Ricki Ben Simon, attended a dinner hosted by my brother-in-law, Chef Gili. After tasting his mouthwatering creations, I knew we had to share this with others. We started talking, dreaming, and before long, Gili made several trips from Israel to showcase his incredible kosher cooking. It didn’t take long to turn those dreams into a reality!

From Conversations to a Restaurant 🏙️

From Conversations to a Restaurant 🏙️
In 2017, Gili moved to Jacksonville, and together, we opened Gili’s Kitchen. Our goal was simple: bring the freshest, most flavorful kosher cooking to our community. But what we didn’t expect was how quickly we would become a hit, not just with the Jewish community, but with everyone who loves fresh, delicious food. Our restaurant quickly became one of the most popular lunch spots in Jacksonville, and we couldn’t be prouder!

We’re also proud to serve Ormond Beach at our second location, continuing our mission to bring delicious kosher food to even more people.

Kosher Food with a Twist 🌍

Kosher Food with a Twist 🌍
Chef Gili’s culinary journey has been a global one. Trained in Israel at the prestigious Tadmor culinary school, Gili’s skills were honed working with the best chefs in the country. He went on to cater events all over the world, from Vietnam to Thailand, Italy to France, picking up new techniques and flavors along the way. This rich experience shines through in every dish at Gili’s Kitchen.

Why You Should Visit Gili’s Kitchen 🍴

For those who have yet to try Gili’s Kitchen, we are excited for your first time. At Gili’s Kitchen, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re experiencing a story of passion, tradition, and innovation.