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The Only Path to Kosher Michelin-Starred Dining: Xerta in Barcelona by Request

For kosher fine dining enthusiasts and travelers, the world of haute cuisine has long been a tantalizing yet often inaccessible realm. Michelin-starred restaurants, the “holy grail” of fine dining, have been a particular pain point in the kosher landscape as there are no kosher-certified Michelin restaurants. However, for those willing to take a circuitous path, there is a place in Barcelona that is changing the game, offering a unique opportunity to experience Michelin-starred kosher dining.

The Xerta Experience

Barcelona, home to approximately 45,000 Jews, is actively promoting Jewish tourism through campaigns like “Shalom Barcelona.” It is perhaps of less surprise then that nestled in the heart of Barcelona at the Ohla Eixample Hotel, Xerta, a Michellin-starred restaurant, has a unique offer for kosher diners seeking an exceptional culinary experience. While the restaurant’s regular menu is not kosher, Xerta has pioneered a remarkable approach to cater to the kosher community. With advance notice, Xerta prepares kosher meals in a separate kitchen under the supervision of a local Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi (Rabbi David Libersohn). This innovative setup makes Xerta the world’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant to offer a certified kosher dining experience.

A Culinary Journey

Xerta’s kosher offerings showcase the best of Catalan cuisine, drawing inspiration from the Ebro River delta. The restaurant, which has held its Michelin star since 2016, presents contemporary creations with subtle influences from Asian and French nouvelle cuisine. Kosher food personality Naomi Nachman went on this journey and has positively reviewed the experience.

Booking Your Kosher Experience

It’s important to note that Xerta’s kosher service is not available daily. The restaurant offers kosher dining on specific nights – generally Wednesday, and a minimum number of kosher reservations may be required to provide the service. Prospective diners should plan well in advance to secure their spot for this unique gastronomic adventure.

The Changing Landscape of Kosher Fine Dining

While Xerta remains the only Michelin-starred kosher dining option, the landscape of high-end kosher cuisine is evolving rapidly. Several notable developments are worth mentioning:

  1. Eyal Shani’s Culinary Empire: Renowned Israeli chef Eyal Shani, whose non-kosher New York restaurant Shmoné earned a Michelin star in 2023, has been expanding his kosher restaurant portfolio. His kosher establishments include Malka in Tel Aviv and two new Malka locations in New York, as well as several kosher-certified Miznon locations.
  2. Elevating Existing Establishments: New York’s kosher steakhouse Reserve Cut made headlines in 2019 by hiring Michelin-starred Chef Richard Farnabe, aiming to elevate their kosher dining experience to Michelin standards.

The Future of Kosher Fine Dining

As more renowned chefs and restaurateurs enter the kosher market, the quality and diversity of kosher dining options continue to improve. While Xerta remains unique in its Michelin-starred kosher offering, the growing trend of high-end kosher establishments suggests that more stars may be on the horizon for kosher restaurants. For now, kosher food enthusiasts can rejoice in the opportunity to experience Michelin-starred cuisine at Xerta in Barcelona. As the kosher fine dining scene evolves, we can look forward to an exciting future where kosher and haute cuisine increasingly go hand in hand.