Top 10 Best Miami Kosher Restaurants
While there are several exciting “foodie” destinations in the vibrant and ever-dynamic world of kosher restaurants, such as the ever-expanding landscape of trendy kosher restaurants in Lakewood, NJ, and the classic restaurants of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York, more recently, Miami has seen a flurry of world-class kosher restaurants come on the scene. Some of the growth of Miami’s kosher food scene is spurred by the trend of orthodox Jews moving south en masse from the NY Metro, while a significant driver of growth is its place as a popular travel destination for Jews.
Here we overview the top 10 best Miami kosher restaurants to help guide you to the city’s best kosher food (some restaurants are in the surrounding or adjacent but nearby areas of Miami, such as Surfside and Aventura).
Our ranking is based on various metrics, including reviews, general popularity, uniqueness, and first-hand experience.
Holy Bagels & Pizzeria
Best For Breakfast
Downtown Miami
While we strongly believe it is not feasible to get an authentic New York bagel (or, for that matter, a New York slice) outside of NY, Holy Bagel & Pizzeria is an excellent choice for bagels that come close enough.
Zak the Baker
Best For Brunch
Wynwood
A serious contender to be the best kosher bakery in Miami, Zak the Baker offers an array of artisan sourdough bread, pastries, and sandwiches and is spearheaded by the legendary Zak. Unsurprisingly but certainly exciting and unique for a kosher restaurant, Zak the Baker was a 2022 James Beard Awards Finalist. We highly recommend the salmon egg and cheese sandwich and the croissants, but practically every item on the menu is a must-try.
41 Pizza & Bakery Or Lenny’s Pizza
Best Pizza
Miami Beach
We have yet to find a genuinely stellar NY-style kosher slice in Miami, and there is no clear winner, hence our tie between 41 Pizza and Lenny’s. Lenny’s is a more traditional pizza joint, while 41 Pizza has personal pies and other items. Also, note that our “Best for Breakfast” pick, Holy Bagels & Pizzeria, is quite good in the pizza department.
Rustiko
Best Casual/Fine Dining (Dairy)
Surfside
Rustiko is a dairy restaurant in Surfside and is our choice for a more upscale option for your favorite dairy dishes. A mix of Italian and Mediterranean fare, Rustiko’s lineup includes pasta and pizzas, among other dairy fare. Their airy, beach-style vibe, beautiful dish presentation, and bold and delicious flavors make Rustiko an excellent spot for a romantic dinner or night out with friends.
STREET Kitchen
Best Casual/Fine Dining (Meat)
Surfside
STREET Kitchen is one of the rising stars in the Miami kosher food scene. Self-described as offering “kosher beef, birds and beers,” some of the favorites are the dry-aged beef, chicken with waffles with maple chile syrup, and the hummus platter.
Hadekel 1
Best Israeli Cuisine
North Miami Beach
When in Miami, one can’t help but see and feel corollaries with its sister city Tel Aviv. It is no wonder, then, that Miami has a sizable community of Israelis. As a natural consequence, Miami is home to several best-in-class spots offering Israeli cuisine. Hadekel 1 is one of the places one can go for a reliably great falafel, sabich, or shakshuka. In true Israeli style, you are sure to get fresh ingredients with the hallmark Israeli suave.
Mendel’s Backyard BBQ & Brew
Best BBQ
Surfside
If there were one kosher restaurant that a meat-lover should visit in the Miami area, it would be Mendel’s Backyard BBQ & Brew. Founded by Rabbi Mendel Segal of Kansas City, an OG trailblazer of the kosher BBQ game (which gave rise to other kosher BBQ favorites such as Izzy’s of Crown Heights and now Miami too), the smoked meats at Mendel’s are second to none in our view.
The menu offers a range of fan favorites, including brisket, beef ribs, craft beers, and cocktails.
Morelia Ice Cream Paletas
Best Dessert
Wynwood
Paletas are a dessert of Mexican origin that comes in the form of ice cream or fruit popsicles where you can put on a wide range of inventive and delicious toppings ranging from chocolate to sauces and even spicy toppings. On a hot Miami day, nothing is better than a cold Paleta!
26 Sushi & Tapas
Best Sushi
Surfside
26 Sushi & Tapas serves up a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, with a focus on sushi and tapas. The flavors of the unique and creative rolls and tapas are fresh, and the ambiance is sleek and modern. 26 Sushi & Tapas is a must-visit for anyone looking for high-quality kosher fusion cuisine in Miami.
Fuego by Mana
Best Steakhouse Fusion
North Miami Beach
Loved by locals and tourists alike, Fuego by Mana (why such a bizarre name?!) transports one from Miami to Israel. From perfectly cooked and seasoned lamb shawarma to crispy falafel and creamy hummus, Fuego by Mana brings Israel’s diverse cuisine to the Sunshine State. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is also a major draw, with a warm and welcoming ambiance and friendly staff. You’ll feel right at home from the moment you walk through the door.
Two Interesting New Entrants
Neya – Israeli Cuisine
Illustrative of the dynamic nature of the Miami kosher food scene, YEAHTHATSKOSHER reports that Neya, an acclaimed restaurant in Surfside focusing on “modern Israeli cuisine” in Surfside, which was previously not kosher, is now kosher certified. Neya adds to the growing trend of popular non-kosher restaurants going the kosher route and seeing great success. Examples include Sen Sakana’s Nikkei Cuisine and Bravo Pizza.
Ostrow Brasserie – French Cusine
TimeOut reports on the opening of Ostrow Brasserie near Wynwood, Miami’s first and only kosher brasserie. Founded by French-born Chef Olivia Ostrow, Ostrow Brasserie harkens to the Chefs varied professional career where she worked in France as well in Israel. The Brasserie offers the usual French fare, from tartars to desserts, with a fusion effect.
Shabbat Meals
For those looking for Shabbat meals in Miami, there are several options. The first and most obvious is Chabad.
There are several other dine-in options in addition to Chabad, including the below:
- Ovo At The Altair (Near Bal Harbour)
- 41 Miami (Miami Beach)
- Glatt Miami (Miami Beach)
Many restaurants also offer take-out for Shabbat as well as the standard kosher supermarket take-out options.
An Ever-Expanding Kosher Food Scene
Miami is one of the most exciting kosher food scenes (as evidenced by MiamiFoodYenta, a Jewish Miami-focused kosher foodie influencer), and we expect, as there is an increasing move of Jews from up north, combined with continued vacationers to the city, for the kosher options to expand. During the peak vacation seasons, such as midwinter break, the restaurants are notorious for being packed, and hoping to get a table by just walking is not advised.
Wishing you fun in the sun and great kosher food!
