North Miami Restaurant Becomes World’s First Kosher Establishment to Receive Michelin Star
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Multiple Michelin Awards of a restaurant that document the continuous awarding over many years in the Guide Michelin. Photo: DPA/Picture Alliance via Reuters Connect
The North Miami restaurant Mutra became the world’s first kosher establishment to earn a Michelin Star when the Michelin Guide unveiled its 2026 selection for Florida on Thursday afternoon and expanded the guide statewide for the first time ever.
Mutra, which opened only a year ago, shared on Instagram a video that shows its Israeli chef Raz Shabtai and his team crying and celebrating after learning that they officially earned one Michelin Star. The award also made the establishment serving Middle Eastern cuisine the only restaurant in Miami to receive a new Michelin Star in 2026. The Michelin Guide said it will provide a restaurant plaque to Mutra in the coming months.
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Mutra and Shabtai were both highly praised by the Michelin inspectors in their notes.
“Israeli chef Raz has brought his take on classic Middle Eastern cuisine to diners in sunny Miami. Named for his grandmother, this is a place where snagging a seat at the expansive chef’s counter is a must,” inspectors said. “The menu is hyperlocal and rotates often, so don’t be surprised when something runs out. Fear not, however, as the excellent staff will help you discover your new favorite.”
Inspectors also mentioned some “notable dishes” at Mutra, including a “show-stopping plate of beets, earthy and perfectly cooked in a pool of ajo blanco and topped with a stunning beetroot sorbet and almond crumble.” They also wrote that “the signature lamb kebab with smoked eggplant cream and tomato oil is pure comfort, as is chicken a la Tunis, juicy and flavorful with harissa-studded chickpea tomato stew and some of the lightest, fluffiest, and well-seasoned couscous this side of Marrakesh.”
“Muhallebi, a creamy Middle Eastern milk pudding with aromatic rosewater, tahini crumble, and pistachio, is a sweet and satisfying finale,” they said in conclusion.
Mutra serves cuisine inspired by the multicultural food and flavors found in Israel. In a lengthy statement on Instagram after the Michelin Star was announced, Shabtai thanked God, his team, guests, friends, and supporters “for believing in us and allowing us to share our story through food.” He also expressed immense gratitude to his late grandmother, Mutra.
“The woman who raised me. The woman whose love, strength, and values shaped the person I am today. I named this restaurant after you so that your spirit would live on through every guest we welcome and every dish we serve,” Shabtai wrote. “This moment carries your name, your legacy, and your love.”
“This moment is bigger than a restaurant. It’s about faith, family, perseverance, and the courage to believe before anyone else does,” the chef added. “With gratitude, humility, and a full heart – Thank you. Food is Holy.”
Shabtai also talked to Miami New Times about being the first kosher restaurant to receive a Michelin Star.
“We’ve always believed kosher dining deserves the same ambition and creativity as any great restaurant in the world” he said in a statement. “Growing up in Jerusalem, I was surrounded by incredible flavors, spices, and food that told stories. I wanted to bring that same feeling here, not only for the local Jewish community, but for all of South Florida.”
The Michelin Guide’s restaurant selection now covers the entire state of Florida for the first time ever. The 2026 Florida guide includes 200 restaurants spanning 41 cuisines.
