While I was the Inlander’s food editor for several years (2017-2022), I don’t often get the chance these days to cover new restaurant openings. Yet I made a point to when Nekojita Ramen, Chef Joseph O’Neal’s Japanese-inspired eatery inside the Washington Cracker Co. Building, debuted last fall after many months of planning.
For a fellow avid admirer of Japanese cuisine, Nekojita was an exciting arrival to Spokane’s dining scene and O’Neal’s dedication to learning the culture’s traditional culinary techniques, paired with his infusing of elements from Southern American cuisine, offer a thoughtful and unique fusion of worlds. Thus, I knew I had to pay Nekojita a visit during Inlander Restaurant Week.
Reservations here are critical, and while it may be difficult to secure a seat this late into the event, the restaurant announced yesterday via social media that it plans to serve its three course ($45) Restaurant Week menu for an extra day, through service on Sunday, March 8. (The menu is only available for dinner, from 5-9 pm.)
Having been on staff at the Inlander since Restaurant Week began back in 2013, I’ve visited dozens of spots during the event over the years. Of them all, Nekojita’s menu and service falls in the top five on my list of excellent, memorable meals…