Pescado in Ashdod has been included in a few lists of the best kosher restaurants in Israel (Haaretz and Mako) but I was slightly skeptical as sometimes restaurants are included in these lists either because they have good PR or there are fewer good places to choose from in Southern Israel outside of Eilat.

I recently visited a friend in Ashdod so took the opportunity to try Pescado for myself.  Although it is very close to the beachfront, the view from the restaurant is actually of a car park so don’t imagine a picturesque fish restaurant with a sea view. The inside restaurant is beautifully decorated, but the outside is very simple and they should buy some new furniture or jazz up the outside somehow. However the place was packed because the food is so good, which is the most important thing.

We all enjoyed everything we ate.  We started with the Panko Zucchini (NIS 24) and Crispy Cod (NIS 65) – both were lightly fried and not overly heavy at all.  We also received a delicious portion of Mushroom a la plancha with pesto sauce (NIS 38) on the house (they didn’t know I would write a review).

Three of us ordered the Whole Sea Bass (NIS 118) and the fourth had the Salmon (NIS 92) with a cherry tomato cream.  The sea bass was perfectly cooked and was succulent and flavorful – one of the best grilled whole fish dishes I have had in Israel.  The baked potato side dish was addictive – the skin was slightly burnt and was drizzled with a nutty olive oil – I would go back just for the potatoes and next time I would try the raw fish options.

If you find yourself in Ashdod or are happy to take a drive for a good meal, check out Pescado in Ashdod – here is the full English menu.

Pescado is close to many of Ashdod’s beachfront hotels, click here for a list.