The Batumi Fish Market is one of those places tourists love to visit. Here, you can buy fish, ask to have it prepared at one of the many nearby restaurants, or simply enjoy the atmosphere and charm of a seaside fish market.
Working hours
The fish market is open every day from 10:00 to 20:00.
Pro tip:
If you want to savor delicious local fish, it’s best to come in the morning when it’s still fresh. In the evening, you can stop by the Boni Market, where vendors sell off some of the day’s goods. It’s a great chance to grab some greens or vegetables at unbeatable prices!
How to get there
Market address: Batumi, Baku street, 27.
Coordinates: 41.649154, 41.663300
The Batumi Fish Market is located slightly away from the city’s main attractions.
If you’re staying in the Old Town, you can walk there in about half an hour. From the lower station of the Argo Cable Car, it’s roughly a 20-minute walk. However, despite being a route along the sea, the walk might not be particularly pleasant, as it passes by the noisy cargo port surrounded by high fences.
If you’re staying in the New Boulevard area, taking a taxi is a better option—the ride will cost around 5 GEL—or you can take a bus to the stop with the same name as the market.
Bus numbers: 3, 6, 9, 9ა, 10, 10ა
Alternatively, you can hop on any minibus heading toward the train station.
If you’re driving, be prepared for some parking challenges. Parking along the main road isn’t an option, as the market is situated right on the Tbilisi-Batumi highway. Just past the market building, there’s a left turn where about 15 parking spots are available. A man in a bright vest usually assists with parking if spaces are free. If it’s full, you can drive a bit further, turn left, and find another 10 spots along the customs fence. Should those be occupied as well, your remaining options are to park on the opposite side of the highway or at a nearby furniture store parking lot, though both require some circling around to find a spot.
Market Structure
The fish market is housed in a small, rather unremarkable one-story building. If you’re picturing a large pavilion with numerous aisles and themed sections, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.
There are only a few stalls here, all of which can be spotted right from the entrance. The upside is that everything is compact and immediately visible. The downside: every newcomer becomes a “target” for vendors eager to sell their goods.
Be ready for a wet and not-so-clean floor—during summer, the ice used to cover the fish melts generously. And, of course, the strong fishy smell is much more noticeable in the hotter months.
What Fish to Buy
First of all, don’t assume that all the fish neatly displayed on the stalls came straight from a fishing boat. Yes, they do look quite presentable and fresh, but looks can be deceiving. The Black Sea and Batumi bay aren’t very rich in a wide variety of sea life (there are only about 200 fish species), so there’s a lot of imported frozen fish here.
The main “local” sea fish available are:
– Various types of Bullheads
– Flounder
– Mullet
– Anchovy
– Red Mullet
– Sardine
– Whiting
There is also trout from nearby river farms.
Among the imported fish on the stalls, you’ll find dorado, sea bass, salmon, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and even caviar.
Note:
Almost any fish you buy here can be cut and cleaned for you! This service costs 3-5 GEL per kilogram. Additionally, you can purchase fish and ask to have it cooked at one of the many small restaurants, which I will talk about now.
Prices
Fish prices can vary depending on the season, the size of the catch, or even the vendor’s audacity. Below are some price examples for popular fish to give you an idea:
– Red Mullet — 20-25 GEL/kg
– Mullet — 15-20 GEL/kg
– Mackerel — 20-25 GEL/kg
– Sea Bass — 25-35 GEL/kg
– Trout — 15-20 GEL/kg
– Shrimp — 30-40 GEL/kg
Fish Restaurant in Batumi
Where else would you find fish restaurants, if not near the place where fresh fish is sold? If you’re facing the market building, there’s a small path to your right. Right along this path, you’ll find the “Balagan” tavern.
Continue down this path, and as you reach the other side of the market along the seafront, you’ll discover a few more fish restaurants. Among them are “Fishlandia,” “Sea Star,” “Blue Wave,” “Pontos,” “Black Sea,” and “Calligraphy”.
In most of these places, for 5-10 GEL, they’ll cook the fish you bought at the market. The advantage here is you know the quality of the product if you can pick fish well. The non-fish menu is quite modest: wine, grilled vegetables, potatoes, vegetable salads, and local pastries. Some restaurants offer beautiful terraces with sea views, but keep in mind the proximity to the cargo port and the areas being developed for new skyscrapers.
More about Batumi and Georgia:
Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia
Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift
The Best Adjarian Khachapuri in Batumi. Top 5 Places
Shekvetili Dendrological Park (48 km from Batumi)
My name is Vitaly Kibitlevsky, I am a tour guide and creator of unique quests in Batumi. If you want to walk around the city with a fascinating storyteller or plunge into an exciting adventure, write to the mail: vitkibit@gmail.com
Find out more about me and my projects here