Logo
10 out of 11 Articles
Michelin star guide

Mutra Becomes First Kosher Restaurant to Earn a Michelin Star

As golden confetti rained down on Thursday, May 28, Israeli chef Raz Shabtai broke into tears and was embraced by his cheering staff. Moments earlier, a livestreamed Michelin ceremony had announced that his Miami restaurant, Mutra, had become the first kosher restaurant ever to receive a Michelin star, long regarded as the highest honor in the culinary world. The milestone marked a historic breakthrough for kosher fine dining, which operates under strict dietary rules.

Shabtai, who has cooked in kitchens across New York and Israel, opened Mutra in February 2025 and named it after his Jerusalem-born grandmother, whose cooking inspires the menu. He describes his food as Jerusalem cuisine, built from the flavors and memories of wandering the city’s markets with her. For Shabtai, who has kept kosher for more than a decade, the award proved that culinary excellence can flourish within those boundaries — a way, he said, of bonding with God while still serving food that everyone can enjoy.

Shabtai said the recognition belonged not just to his restaurant but to “the entire Jewish community,” and that he felt a deep sense of responsibility in carrying it. The honor placed Mutra among the world’s most celebrated restaurants and made it the only Miami establishment to earn a new star this year. Looking ahead, he said he hoped the achievement would inspire other kosher chefs to take pride in their roots, believe in themselves, and refuse to compromise on their craft.

(JPost/VFI News)

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

Want to see more from VFI? Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visionforisrael and hit “like” if you like us!