When one thinks of ideal locations for a fish restaurant, images of sun-drenched seaside boardwalks with the salt tang of the sea and the crashing of waves on the shore probably come to mind – because when it comes to fish, everyone likes to think their dinner is a local. If that tops the list of fish restaurant locations, somewhere near the bottom is "above a gas station located on a busy street in the midst of an inland city" – but that's exactly where Ahavat Hayam is.

Occupying the upstairs of the Paz gas station on Ben-Tzvi Boulevard with a commanding view of Sacher Park, the government quarter and the red tile roofs of Nachlaot, Ahavat Hayam (Love of the Sea) lives up to its name with a no-nonsense menu of Israeli fish favorites (mullet, St. Peter's fish and more) prepared to order.

For a nice touch, every meal starts out with a basket of garlic pita and a large sampling of mezze, Middle Eastern salad appetizers, and the main course comes with a generous portion of French fries.