Tel Aviv’s Iconic Fish Restaurant Shatzpok Celebrates 31 Years of Culinary Tradition

Shatzpok, a renowned fish and seafood restaurant in Tel Aviv, has been a staple of the city’s culinary scene for 31 years. Founded in 1995 by Gadi Shafi, a former Israeli Navy officer, the restaurant quickly became famous for its pioneering concept of serving a table full of various appetizers before the main fish dishes, which are grilled, baked, or fried. Despite the evolving food scene in Tel Aviv, Shatzpok has maintained its original charm, including its vintage chairs and a signature limoncello recipe that has been unchanged for two decades.

In 2011, ownership changed hands when Amir Davidovich and his partner Chen Winkerman, both former staff members, bought the restaurant from Shafi, who wanted to retire. Winkerman later left to manage a kibbutz dining hall, leaving Davidovich as the sole owner. Davidovich, who transitioned from nightlife to restaurant management, emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to preserving its traditional menu, which now includes fish fillets, seafood curries, and ceviche, alongside the classic shared appetizers.

Shatzpok’s early days featured no reservations and long queues, contributing to its local hype. Prices have risen over the years, with a whole meal now costing around 125 shekels, reflecting inflation and recent geopolitical tensions. The restaurant also adapted to modern demands by introducing delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges such as rising costs and the impact of regional conflicts, Davidovich remains dedicated to maintaining the restaurant’s unique atmosphere and legacy.

The restaurant’s founder, Gadi Shafi, passed away in 2017 while on vacation in Thailand. He was remembered as a principled and respected figure who fostered a loyal community, including a Friday gathering of former security personnel who sang Israeli songs. Davidovich highlights the demanding nature of restaurant ownership, sharing how he remains available around the clock to manage operations, even remotely while at sea.

Shatzpok stands as a rare example of a longstanding, family-run establishment in Tel Aviv’s dynamic food landscape, preserving a sense of history and community amid constant change.