An esteemed, time-honored fishmonger, Batshon’s Fish and Seafood Bar tells a story that commenced in 1960 in Jaffa. Deeply rooted in the fishing trade, the Batshon family opened a modest fish shop on Kedem Street, showcasing the daily bounty hauled in by their nets. Following the passing of founder Tawfik Batshon in 1977, the store shuttered its doors. Fast forward to 2010, and Tawfik’s grandchildren resurrected the family’s enterprise, establishing several fish shops across the city including a compact store on Laskov Street operated by Tawfik (Toto) Batshon. But, the limited space posed a challenge. In 2019, when he secured a more spacious venue on Carlebach Street, he realized his dream of combining a fish shop with a seafood bar. Here, he serves what he personally enjoys eating: fresh and straightforward dishes — from the fisherman to the plate. The direct sourcing allows for affordable prices. There’s no middleman — just his fishing boat, his catch, and his restaurant.

Bathson. Photo: Noam Preisman

“On a Friday afternoon, after immersing myself in a few hours of cinematic escape at the Cinematheque, when the craving for something tasty and satisfying but not too heavy strikes, I make my way to Batshon, one of the finest fish shops in Tel Aviv and a premier fish restaurant in the city,” remarks Adeena Sussman. “The experience at Batshon is ideal: the freshest fish are transformed into straightforward yet high-quality dishes. The selection mirrors the offerings of the sea — a simple sea bass fillet grilled on the griddle, served with well-seasoned bulgur; grilled shrimp bathing in their own broth; impeccably crispy red mullets accompanied by a simple, well-seasoned tomato salad; citrus-glazed grouper skewers — and, of course, wine! It’s simplicity at its finest, and oh-so delicious.”

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