Chef Rafi Cohen Returns With New Italian Cafe Near Jerusalem

Renowned Israeli chef Rafi Cohen is preparing to make a major comeback to the culinary scene nearly a decade after the closure of his iconic Tel Aviv restaurant, Raphael. Cohen is set to open a new Italian café named "Chanale" in about two months at the Harim Compound in Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim, near Jerusalem.

The upcoming project is a collaboration with the Harim hospitality group, with which Cohen already works as a culinary consultant for local venues such as the Nora bistro and the Kerem Wine Bar. The café will feature a large tabun oven and offer a menu focused on Italian cuisine, including specialty pizzas, pastries, sandwiches, and breakfasts. Confirming the details, Cohen stated that the new spot will bring a fresh culinary experience to the area.

Cohen’s return marks a new chapter following a tumultuous period in his personal and professional life. His former flagship restaurant, Raphael, was a pioneering force in Israel's fine dining scene before closing in 2017 amid financial difficulties and legal disputes. Despite these setbacks, his culinary expertise remains widely respected in the industry, with fellow chefs frequently praising his past contributions and rigorous kitchen management.

Alongside the Kiryat Anavim project, reports indicate that Cohen is actively searching for a suitable property in Tel Aviv to eventually open a new restaurant and return to the city where he built his reputation.