Where to Eat in Tel Aviv-Yafo Right Now: 5 Trending Restaurants Locals Actually Love

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.