New Fish Restaurant Revitalizes Eastern Sea of Galilee with Local Catch and Affordable Prices

The eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, long overshadowed by the bustling western shore and the city of Tiberias, is undergoing a revival with the opening of a new fish restaurant at the Ein Gev kibbutz marina. About a week ago, "Mifgash HaDayagim" (Fishermen's Meeting), a name that has been used for 70 years, reopened in a completely renovated white building featuring large windows overlooking the lake. The restaurant is managed by Asaf Spector, a former chef who moved north from Tel Aviv, and it offers a unique menu featuring only fish caught directly from the Sea of Galilee, including nearly forgotten species like musht (Amnon), lebnon (local sardine), mullet, and kasif.

The menu emphasizes farm-to-table freshness, sourcing vegetables mainly from the nearby Melamed farm, and offers a variety of starters such as fava beans with za'atar and unique caviar from local fish eggs. Fish dishes are priced surprisingly low compared to central Israel, with items like fish and chips for 78 shekels and whole fried musht for 114 shekels. This approach aims to revive not only the marina but also the local fish industry, which peaked in the 1980s before declining due to imported fish competition.

Alongside the restaurant, entrepreneur and farmer Arik Melamed has taken over the struggling fishing sector of Ein Gev, restoring the only remaining 1960s fishing boat and reopening a sardine processing plant that packages fish for local stores. Melamed stresses sustainable and ecological fishing practices, avoiding breeding areas and shallow waters, and ensuring transparency with authorities. He highlights the cleanliness of the Sea of Galilee's waters, free from mercury contamination, and the untapped potential of local fish species.

The eastern shore is also seeing broader development, with new luxury resorts under construction at Sirens Beach, Gal Beach, and Migdal, aiming to restore the area's tourism prominence from the 1980s. A planned marina renovation in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism is expected to enhance the area's attractiveness. Currently, dining options remain limited, with "Mifgash HaDayagim," Marindo, and Lagos as the main choices.

Melamed is optimistic about the future, envisioning luxury suites and resorts that will bring back the vibrant tourism of past decades. He acknowledges that while local fish prices are lower than Mediterranean fish served in high-end restaurants, they are higher than imported fish from China, which lack quality control. He hopes that increased efficiency and sales will reduce prices over time. "Mifgash HaDayagim" operates Tuesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.