Open Sunday - Thursday 12:00 noon till 12:00 midnight. Saturday night after Shabbat. Closed Friday and Shabbat.

Ahavat Haiam is , at first glimpse, an almost generic fish restaurant. It is located over a gas station at the busy intersection of Sderot Ben Zvi and Rehov Bezalel. Don't be misled by this first impression. Yes, it has the array of salads (14 and an additional cucumber/tomato) served with split toasted garlic pita. Yes, it has the usual list of fish (albeit extensive) served either grilled or fried. Dessert does come with the meal.

So, what makes it special? The service is very warm and friendly and feels like it is based on a genuine desire to be hospitable. So far we have never been misled when we have asked which fish is the freshest. Some salads may be packaged but all are very fresh and tasty. The space is open with a wonderful view of Gan Saker and the Supreme Court Building. The table is beautifully set with linens. Given the fact that this restaurant is located where it is, there is a surprising sense of airiness, openness, light and space.

The restaurant makes an effort to accommodate children --our daughter is award winning picky - and usually scavenges rather than ordering her own meal. She had her plate of pickles untouched by olives, her own serving of chips and her own dessert each time we have eaten there with no extra charge. This being said, she has been the only child in the restaurant on three or four separate occasions. So adults looking for a relaxing evening alone and away from responsibilities can feel safe!

Tables are not crowded, there is definitely privacy and quiet. If the view outside is not what you are looking for, there is also interior space separated from the glassed area by two large aquariums.

Strongly recommended for lunch -- when it is also frequented by knesset members etc.

Fixed price menus: 110 - 130 shekels including starter and dessert.

From Our Readers:
Submitted by: eyellin Date: 11/16/2006 Description: What a wonderful place to eat. As soon as we sat down, our table was inundated with 15 different types of salads as well as a basket of hot, toasted pitas. All of the salads were fresh and tasty. The fish dinners are between NIS 110-130. Since I've never been fond of fish, I asked the waiter what to recommend, and he quickly mentioned the trout, which two of my companions had already decided upon. The fish was served grilled, and was absolutely delicious. French fried potatoes came on the side. Another companion chose the spaghetti, served in a cream and mushroom sauce, which he enjoyed immensely. A desert of ice cream, and bottomless pitchers of water and lemonade are included in the price. Service was professional and very polite.

Submitted By: Gaby & Stephen Markowitz, Date: Oct 31, 2000. Description: We went to this restaurant last night on your reccomendation & had a wonderful time! However there has been a change in management & they asked us to give you the following info: [There are] 2 set menus of 85 shekel or 99 shekel. Both include a large selection of salads, garlic bread, fish, chips and prigat orange juice. The set menu does not include dessert. Parking is available in the Paz Gaz station below the restaurant. They have an agreement so you can park anywhere in the gas station even though it might not look as if you can! It is a wonderful restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere and great decor. We highly recommend it.