The Big Apple is known for its superb culinary offerings, but which are the best kosher restaurants in New York City? While nearly every type of ethnic food can be found on the streets of New York, excellent kosher food is a little more difficult to come by. However, there are a handful of restaurants that serve delicious kosher food for the Jewish community and alternative palettes.
From swanky high-end options, to simple neighbourhood delis, the world’s most popular city has everything the foodie heart desires. In a previous article, we listed the 13 worst looking foods that taste great, emphasizing the fact that we should never judge a book by its cover. Similarly, kosher food is oftentimes ignored by a large part of the culinary community, due to its religious heritage and selective profile. Nonetheless, I recommend all open-minded foodies to take a look at this list of the best kosher restaurants in New York City and consider giving them a taste; you won’t be disappointed.
Let’s check out the list now of the seven best kosher restaurants in New York City.
7. My Most Favorite Food
Address: 247 W 72nd St.
This location is a double win: it features take-out goods, as well as an indoor dining area where you can indulge in innovative and contemporary dishes like vegetable kebobs or Chilean sea bass. Furthermore, the bakery also offers a wide variety of kosher pastries like macaroons, tarts and wheat-free cupcakes. Not to mention the upper west side flair that you get from the décor.
My Most Favorite Food was not my most favorite kosher restaurant. Keep reading to find out which of the best kosher restaurants in New York City earned that honor.
6. Abigael’s on Broadway
Address: 1407 Broadway
This modern and stylish kosher restaurant is one of the city’s best bets for locals and tourists alike. At the hands of PBS’s New Jewish Cuisine host and chef, Jeff Nathan, Abigael’s offers elaborate and well-presented dishes including chicken roulade with cornbread stuffing, motzo ball soup, and herb crusted salmon. There are also several vegetarian options and a triple strawberry shortcake which is to die for.
5. Toloache 82
Address: 166 E 82nd St
Fusion cuisine has established itself as one of the most popular dining options in New York, with the rise of several ethnic food blends and their respective specialty chefs. Following that trend, Mexican-born chef Julian Medina ventured into the world of kosher foods after marrying his wife and converting to Judaism. With a menu that changes every year, Medina’s proposal includes margaritas made with Agave 99 Kosher tequila and chipotle braised brisket tacos, amongst other interesting concoctions.
4. Mason & Mug
Address: 708 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11238
Manhattan isn’t the only place where you can indulge in kosher dishes. Located in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights, Mason & Mug’s farm-to-table policy is a highly recommendable go-to option for a casual dining experience. Decorated with pickle-filled mason jars and other quirky ideas, this spot is perfect for families and large groups of friends looking for an affordable kosher meal. Some of the exotic dishes on the menu include the Bahn Mi sandwich and deviled kale salad with miso-horseradish sauce.
3. La Marais
Address: 150 W. 46th St.
For those of you looking for a little French taste in your kosher food, this is certainly an excellent pick. The splendid dining room has a classy flair mixed with steakhouse ambience, and the kitchen offers everything the carnivorous heart desires. From starters like homemade duck and veal spread (Les Rilletes du Boucher) to entrees such as prime rib (Cote de Boeuf), this menu has some very delicious options. Classic French dishes like Coq au Vin Blanc can also be ordered for takeout.
2. Reserve Cut
Address: 40 Broad St., 2nd Fl.
Located on the second floor of the Setai Hotel, Reserve Cut is for the fine diner with an acquired taste in wine pairings. All of the meat tendered into the exquisite dishes is provided by the family butcher shop, Prime Cut, but red meat isn’t the only option on the menu. The chef proposes some spicy combinations like tamari-glazed green beans with Thai roasted garlic, and several varieties of sashimi, to be paired with Israeli or Australian wines.
1. Barney Greengrass
Address: 541 Amsterdam Ave.
One of New York City’s oldest kosher food institutions, Barney Greengrass has been in charge of producing traditional kosher dishes in its Upper West Side spot for over 100 years. From smoked fish platters, to corn beef sandwiches, and freshly made rugelach, this jam-packed restaurant knows how to rock a tradition. They also have the option of online shopping for your holiday catering for all you busy New Yorkers.
