A North Miami kosher restaurant has made culinary history by becoming the first kosher establishment ever to receive a Michelin star, achieving one of the food industry’s most prestigious accolades in under two years of operation.
Mutra, owned by Israelis and helmed by Jerusalem-born chef Raz Shabtai, launched in February 2025 and has now earned recognition from Michelin inspectors for its innovative approach to kosher cuisine.
The Michelin Guide noted that this selection was unexpected, given that kosher dietary laws inherently limit certain ingredients typically used in high-end restaurants. Despite these constraints, Michelin praised Mutra for its kosher food interpretation, commending the establishment’s success in developing diverse, rich, and unique flavors while maintaining strict farm-to-table principles.
The restaurant’s unique dining format also caught inspectors’ attention, who emphasized the communal setting where diners sit around a bar and sample various dishes together.
Chef Shabtai celebrated this historic moment through an Instagram post featuring video footage from the announcement ceremony.
“First, thank you, God. For every blessing, every challenge, and for giving me the strength to keep going when the road seemed impossible,” he wrote.
The chef also recognized his restaurant team’s contributions.
“To my team – this honor belongs to you. Every long day, every late night, every sacrifice, every detail, every plate. Your passion and dedication turned a dream into reality. I am forever grateful to walk this journey beside you,” Shabtai stated.
In his message to patrons and supporters, he expressed: “To our guests, friends, and supporters – thank you for believing in us and allowing us to share our story through food.”
Chef Shabtai also revealed the personal significance behind his restaurant’s name in another social media post, explaining that Mutra honors his grandmother.
“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. This moment carries your name, your legacy, and your love,” he shared.
This recognition represents a groundbreaking achievement for kosher restaurants in Michelin Guide history.
