Israeli Chef’s Miami Restaurant Becomes World’s First Kosher Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Historic Michelin Win

Mutra, a kosher restaurant opened just one year ago in Miami by Israeli chef Raz Shabtai, received a Michelin star last night, marking a major achievement for Israeli, Jewish, and kosher cuisine.

According to the announcement, Mutra is the first kosher restaurant in the world to earn the prestigious distinction, making the win a historic moment for the kosher culinary world.

Jerusalem Roots

Shabtai, who was born in Israel and grew up in Jerusalem, built the restaurant around the flavors and memories that shaped him from childhood. The name Mutra means “rain of blessings,” and the restaurant draws heavily from the food traditions he first experienced through his grandmother, who inspired both his cooking and his view of food as a source of care, memory, and connection.

Before opening Mutra, Shabtai worked his way through the restaurant industry from a young age, gaining experience across both the front and back of house before moving into high-level culinary roles in Israel, New York, and Miami.

Israeli Flavors in Miami

After the win, Shabtai reflected on the Jerusalem roots behind his cooking and the vision that led him to bring those flavors to South Florida.

“I grew up in Jerusalem, surrounded by flavors, spices, and incredible foods that told stories,” he said. “I wanted to bring that same feeling here, not only for the local Jewish community, but for all of South Florida.”

Mutra’s menu draws from Levantine, Galilean, Northern Israeli, and Baladi influences, while using a modern farm-to-table approach. The restaurant presents traditional dishes through a contemporary lens, taking the foods Shabtai grew up with and reimagining them for Miami diners.

The Michelin recognition places an Israeli-led kosher restaurant on one of the world’s most prestigious culinary stages, turning Mutra’s win into more than a personal achievement. It is also a breakthrough moment for kosher dining and for the global recognition of Israeli cuisine.