The bustling Florentin neighborhood of Tel Aviv has welcomed a new culinary sensation that has captured the attention of food enthusiasts across the city. Koko Neko, a traditional Japanese ramen bar that opened just over a month ago, has quickly become one of the most talked-about dining destinations in Israel, drawing massive crowds and creating the longest restaurant queues currently seen in Tel Aviv.

Authentic Japanese Experience in the Heart of Tel Aviv

Located at Florentin 5, Koko Neko represents a collaboration between Dudi Afriat, one of the owners behind the famous La Tigra Neapolitan pizza restaurant, and Misato Becher, a talented Japanese chef who immigrated to Israel 12 years ago. This partnership has created something truly special - an authentic Japanese ramen experience that transports diners straight to the streets of Tokyo.

The restaurant embodies the traditional ramen bar concept with its compact design featuring wooden stools, Japanese paintings adorning the walls, hanging paper lanterns, and a striking red neon sign. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the skilled team of eight workers, mostly Japanese, as they craft each bowl with meticulous attention to detail. The atmosphere is enhanced by the traditional Japanese greeting of "Irasshaimase" that welcomes guests as they enter.

The Menu: Simple Yet Perfect

Koko Neko's approach exemplifies the Japanese philosophy of doing a few things exceptionally well. The restaurant offers a carefully curated menu featuring three distinct ramen varieties, each priced between 68-72 shekels:

Ramen Selection

Tonkotsu Ramen (72 shekels) features crispy pork chashu, handmade noodles, bamboo shoots, egg, green onions, and seaweed in a rich pork bone broth.

Shio Ramen (68 shekels) offers a vegetarian option with silky tofu chashu, handmade noodles, bamboo shoots, corn, egg, green onions, and aromatic oil.

Tori Paitan Ramen (72 shekels) combines chicken chashu with handmade noodles, bok choy, cabbage, bean sprouts, egg, and seaweed.

What sets Koko Neko apart is the customizable spice level, allowing diners to choose their preferred heat intensity on a scale of 1-3, ensuring each bowl meets individual taste preferences.

Gyoza and Appetizers

The restaurant serves three varieties of handcrafted gyoza (34-36 shekels for three pieces): - Beef with Japanese curry sauce - Chicken with sesame soy sauce
- Vegetarian option with soy-sesame sauce

The gyoza are particularly noteworthy for their perfect hand-folded technique using thin, delicate dough that encases juicy, flavorful fillings.

Appetizer options include: - Soba noodle salad - Chuka salad - Pickled shiitake mushrooms - Soba bowl with gluten-free buckwheat noodles, broccoli, bean sprouts, green beans, cucumbers, cilantro, walnuts, and edamame (69 shekels)

The Star Dessert: Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

Perhaps the most Instagram-worthy item on the menu is the Japanese soufflé pancake, available in three variations (48-52 shekels): - White chocolate and matcha - Milk chocolate and strawberries - Whipped cream with amarena cherries

These towering, airy pancakes require advance ordering as they're prepared fresh every 15 minutes by a dedicated team of two specialists.

The Experience: Worth the Wait

The restaurant's popularity has created a phenomenon unique to Tel Aviv's dining scene. Wait times average around an hour and fifteen minutes, with queues forming daily as food enthusiasts patiently line up for their chance to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant currently accommodates 38 diners across its compact space, having expanded from its original 20 seats to meet overwhelming demand.

The dining experience itself justifies the hype for many visitors. The tonkotsu ramen has been praised as superior to other ramen available in Israel, offering delicate flavors, perfect texture, ideal temperature, and a flawlessly cooked egg with delightful handmade noodles. The attention to detail extends to table condiments, including traditional Japanese accompaniments like spicy chili oil and seasoned garlic-ginger paste that enhance the already exceptional broth.

Practical Information

Address: Florentin 5, Tel Aviv
Hours: Monday-Saturday 12:00-16:00, 17:00-22:00
Reservations: Currently not accepting takeaway orders or Wolt delivery
Payment: No checks accepted, credit cards accepted for purchases over 15 euros

The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early or being prepared for a wait is essential. The compact size and popularity mean that patience is required, but the authentic Japanese experience and exceptional food quality make it worthwhile for those seeking genuine ramen culture in Tel Aviv.

A Cultural Bridge for Israel's Asian Community

For Asian residents and visitors in Israel, Koko Neko represents more than just a restaurant - it's a cultural touchstone that brings authentic Japanese flavors and dining traditions to the Middle East. The presence of Japanese staff and authentic preparation methods creates an environment where Asian expatriates can experience a taste of home while introducing local Israelis to genuine Japanese culinary culture.

The restaurant's success reflects Tel Aviv's growing appreciation for authentic Asian cuisine and its position as a cosmopolitan city welcoming diverse culinary traditions. As part of the recent wave of Japanese restaurant openings in Tel Aviv, including HaYapani, Nobo, Saka-Ba, and Zo, Koko Neko stands out for its commitment to traditional preparation methods and authentic atmosphere.

Conclusion

Koko Neko has successfully established itself as more than just another ramen restaurant in Tel Aviv's competitive dining scene. Through its commitment to authenticity, quality ingredients, and traditional preparation methods, it offers both local food enthusiasts and the Asian community in Israel an opportunity to experience genuine Japanese ramen culture without leaving the country.

While the wait times may test patience, the exceptional food quality, authentic atmosphere, and unique dining experience make Koko Neko a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the finest Japanese cuisine in Israel.

For more information about businesses in the Asian community, visit our businesses section.