Israel is one of the most diverse culinary destinations for many. With Michelin Star chefs and cutting-edge gastro experiences, the country packs a lot into it's small space. Yet, when a place that brings back the classic French technique opens, it is worth the effort and time to check it out.
With an infusion of Israeli tastes and produce, The gastro pub Hotel de Ville, which opened in 2018 and is located in the heart of Tel Aviv brings that classic French flare to the Eastern Mediterranean. The restaurant is the brainchild of Ariel Liesgold and the Monkey Business Group, founders of many high-end Israeli restaurants.
But the story here is not the owners, it is the chef, Yogev Yehros, whose resume includes some of the famous Italian restaurants across Tel-Aviv. Yehros is considered to be one of the most creative chefs in the country, who developed a classic French-Bistro menu to serve the populace in the bustling and urban heart of Tel Aviv.
Chef Yogev Yehros' handmade #gnocchi with spicy vine pesto, seared tomatoes and fresh #mozzarella pairs perfectly with a dry, fruity wine such as Yarden Pinot Noir and will transport you directly to a rustic Italian village. pic.twitter.com/rF9KNBefE7
— Yarden Wines (@YardenWines) October 30, 2020
Typical of a new haunt in the White City, the restaurant is typically packed after 8 PM with locals and those from the North and South of Israel that want to experience the latest in fine cuisine. The space the restaurant occupies, blends in well with Dizengoff’s iconic scenery. The Parisienne-style red shed and small light poles are visible from a fair distance so it is nearly impossible to miss the bistro, one that truly has the feeling of Paris at night.
As with any fine dining experience, the event begins with cocktails. The colonial margarita with tequila, lime, red tea, pink maple & Saint Germain is just one of the amazing drinks on the menu and is highly recommended. The margarita stands out for its fruity yet oddly savory kick. It is a peek into what culinary delights await.
Next, are the appetizers. Innovative dishes like ravioli de legumes, made with Israeli staples kohlrabi and pickled beets are combined with Roquefort cream and hazelnuts to deliver an amazing carnival of flavors that excite the palate. The sourness of the pickling combined with the smoothness of a truly flavor-packed blue cheese cream with the texture and aroma of hazelnuts make for a dish that resembles culinary divinity. It is a creation that takes the best Israel has to offer and melds it with the classic technique of French culinary artisans.
The atmosphere too resembles Tel Aviv. A youthful vibe complimented by modern electronic music, it is no secret why the place is packed - if only simply for their cocktail menu. It is so popular, many diners order a different one to pair with each course they get. With such amazing produce grown in the start-up nation, a nation that began its start-up roots with agriculture, The Hotel de Ville easily perfects the internationally loved French cuisine.
While the restaurant strives to be like 'just any other' Parisian bistro, the Israeli twist Chef Yehros adds places it on a higher level and it is truly felt in each dish. In a society as culturally diverse as Israel, local chefs can’t help but use their traditional spices to enhance flavors and Yehros seems to be leading the pack in this effort.
If you are in Tel Aviv and truly want a unique experience, visit Hotel de Ville: 230 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv. +972 3-974-6999.
