Where to Eat in Tel Aviv-Yafo Right Now: 5 Trending Restaurants Locals Actually Love
From iconic brasseries to buzzy courtyards, these Tel Aviv-Yafo spots are heating up the city’s food scene.
This guide pinpoints Tel Aviv-Yafo restaurants that are getting real traction right now. High ratings, fresh reviews, and serious neighborhood buzz make these five spots essential stops for anyone who wants to taste where the city is heading next.
Hotel Montefiore - Iconic brasserie energy
Hotel Montefiore is not new, but it is having a fresh moment. With a 4.5 rating across more than 3,000 reviews, it stays booked and talked about, and its steady stream of recent reviews shows it is aging like good wine.
Inside a restored Bauhaus building, the vibe is polished but relaxed: white tablecloths, soft lighting, and a bar that feels like it could be in Paris or Saigon. The menu leans French with Southeast Asian touches, which fits Tel Aviv-Yafo’s love of bold flavors and comfort food.
Why it is trending now
- Still one of the most reliable “this will impress everyone” restaurants in the city
- Strong review momentum despite its age, which signals real consistency
- Popular for brunch, business dinners, and late cocktails, so it keeps popping up in social feeds
What to order
- Beef fillet or schnitzel if you want classics done right
- Seasonal crudo or tartare for something lighter
- A cocktail at the bar if you just want to soak up the atmosphere
Good to know
- Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch
- Dress smart casual, but nothing too formal is needed
&Moshik - Creative plates, intimate vibe
&Moshik is a smaller spot with a big reputation. With a 4.8 rating and rising review count, it has the kind of numbers that food-obsessed locals pay attention to. It feels like a chef’s living room: personal, focused, and detail driven.
Expect modern Israeli plates with global techniques, lots of seasonal produce, and careful plating that still feels generous rather than fussy. The room is intimate, which makes it ideal for dates or small groups who want to talk about the food as much as eat it.
Why it is trending now
- One of the highest rated restaurants on this list, with recent reviews pushing it into “must try” territory
- Word of mouth from food industry people and locals looking for a chef led experience
- Works perfectly for special nights that do not feel stiff or overly formal
What to order
- Tasting style: share several starters and mains to get a sense of the kitchen
- Any dish that highlights local vegetables or seafood, which is where the menu often shines
Good to know
- Space is limited, so booking ahead is important
- Ask about off menu specials, especially on slower weeknights
Villa Mare - Seaside crowd pleaser
Villa Mare pairs a 4.7 rating and thousands of reviews with a setting that feels like a mini escape from the city. It is the kind of place that keeps drawing both locals and visitors back, which is why it maintains strong growth and a steady flow of new feedback.
The atmosphere is relaxed Mediterranean: open, breezy, and social. Think long tables, groups sharing plates, and a soundtrack that leans upbeat rather than background only. It suits everything from family dinners to birthday gatherings.
Why it is trending now
- Big review volume plus fresh reviews show it is not just a tourist favorite
- Instagram friendly setting that still feels authentic
- Ideal for groups, which keeps it constantly in circulation for celebrations
What to order
- Grilled fish or seafood platters if you want to lean into the coastal setting
- Fresh salads, mezze, and bread to share across the table
- A bottle of Israeli white or rosé to keep things light
Good to know
- Can get loud and lively at peak times, so book earlier for a calmer vibe
- Ask for outdoor or window seating if views matter to you
Bicicletta - Garden bar with serious food
Bicicletta is one of Tel Aviv-Yafo’s most beloved courtyard bars, and its 4.5 rating over nearly 4,000 reviews tells you it is not a secret. What keeps it trending is the mix of atmosphere and food: it is a place you go for drinks and stay for dinner.
Hidden behind a modest street entrance, the backyard garden fills up early with a young, creative crowd. The menu hits that sweet spot between bar food and bistro: shareable plates, good burgers, and enough vegetarian options to keep everyone happy.
Why it is trending now
- Still a go to recommendation for “where should we start the night” in the city center
- Strong growth score fueled by constant foot traffic and social media mentions
- Perfect for casual dates, group hangouts, or solo bar sessions
What to order
- Seasonal small plates to share with the table
- A solid house cocktail or a local craft beer
- The burger or a pasta if you want a full meal
Good to know
- Arrive early or be ready to wait for a garden table on peak nights
- The vibe is more laid back and social than formal dining
ALALI - Modern Israeli with a twist
ALALI is building a reputation as a modern Israeli restaurant with personality. Its 4.4 rating and rising review momentum show that it is resonating with diners who want something current but not overly experimental.
The menu often plays with local ingredients, Middle Eastern spices, and updated comfort dishes. The room feels contemporary and polished, but still approachable enough for a midweek dinner.
Why it is trending now
- Growing attention from diners who have already tried the city’s big name spots
- A solid growth score that reflects steady new reviews instead of hype only
- Works well for both food focused nights and pre going out dinners
What to order
- Any dish that highlights seasonal vegetables or slow cooked meats
- Starters to share, so you can sample more of the menu
Good to know
- Reservations help on weekends, but weekdays can be more flexible
- Ask staff for pairing suggestions with local wines or arak
How to use this list
All five of these Tel Aviv-Yafo restaurants are trending because real diners keep coming back and talking about them. Use this guide to match your mood: polished brasserie, chef driven intimacy, seaside energy, garden bar buzz, or modern Israeli comfort.
MapsBuddy tracks ratings, review growth, and local chatter so you can find the spots that are heating up before they go fully mainstream. Save this list, book ahead where you can, and let the city’s most interesting tables shape your next night out.
Places featured in this guide
1. Hotel Montefiore
Montefiore St 36, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
2. &Moshik
Zvi Strahilevitz St Strachilevitz 4, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6473957, Israel
3. Villa Mare
Retsif Herbert Samuel St 88, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6343126, Israel
4. Bicicletta
Nahalat Binyamin St 29, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
5. ALALI
Walter Moses St 10, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel