Moshiko Gamliyeli’s Tel Aviv Wine Bar 'Bob' Delivers Good Vibes Despite Service Hiccups

Bob, a wine bar located at 17 Trumpeldor Street in Tel Aviv and operated by the talented chef Moshiko Gamliyeli, offers a pleasant atmosphere, a fair wine menu, and tasty food. The bar is part of the Bar 51 family and benefits from a happy hour discount of 30% on all wines and dishes between 6 and 7 pm. The reviewer enjoyed the overall experience, including the wine, food, and ambiance, although some service and professionalism issues were noted.

The first notable mistake occurred when the ordered Santorini Assyrtiko wine was replaced with a Vidiano from Crete without prior notice. While the Vidiano was a good wine, the staff’s explanation about the grape variety and terroir was inaccurate, revealing a lack of wine knowledge. The reviewer emphasized the need for better staff training, especially given the bar’s association with Bar 51, which carries expectations of professionalism.

Another disappointment involved the "large charcuterie plate," which arrived as a single type of thinly sliced prosciutto crudo rather than a varied selection of cured meats as implied by the name. Despite this, the plate was considered acceptable at the discounted price due to the quality of the accompaniments like pickles and mustard. Similarly, the cheese plate offered three types of cheese with bread and orange marmalade but lacked bold flavors, reflecting a common issue with Israeli dairy products.

The reviewer also ordered a focaccia sandwich with mortadella, mozzarella, and pistachio pesto. Although generous in size and made with quality ingredients, the dish suffered from temperature imbalance, with warm bread but cold fillings, which diminished the overall taste experience. To finish, they enjoyed a Riesling from the Mosel region of Germany, priced at 210 shekels, which was highly praised.

The total bill after discounts was 522 shekels for two bottles of wine and four food dishes. Despite some shortcomings, the reviewer plans to return, appreciating the bar’s welcoming vibe, dog-friendly attitude, and well-priced wine selection, especially during happy hour. The experience felt like a pleasant date night for the couple and their older dog, adding Bob to their list of favorite wine bars in Tel Aviv.