Miami kosher restaurant Mutra gets first Michelin star

A restaurant in North Miami has become the first kosher establishment in the world to receive a Michelin star. Mutra, led by Israeli-born chef Raz Shabtai, earned the distinction on Thursday as part of the Michelin Guide's 2026 selections for Florida. The award marks a historic milestone for kosher fine dining.

The restaurant, which opened in February 2025, was the only new Michelin-starred restaurant in Miami this year. Michelin inspectors praised Mutra's approach, noting its interpretation of kosher cuisine creates a broad range of rich and distinctive flavors while adhering to a strict farm-to-table philosophy. The menu is hyperlocal and rotates often, featuring Middle Eastern cuisine inspired by the multicultural food of Israel.

Inspectors highlighted several dishes, including a plate of beets served with ajo blanco and beetroot sorbet, a lamb kebab with smoked eggplant cream, and chicken à la Tunis served with a harissa-studded chickpea stew. They also emphasized the dining experience, describing an intimate chef's counter where guests are encouraged to try a variety of dishes in a communal atmosphere.

Following the announcement, Shabtai and his team celebrated the news,...