For kosher food enthusiasts, South Florida is truly a culinary paradise. This vibrant region is filled with diverse markets, bakeries, ice cream parlors, and catering services, while new restaurants, cafés, and food trucks continue to pop up regularly.
Since our last roundup of kosher restaurants in July, many new establishments have emerged. Below, you’ll discover both newly opened venues and some that didn’t make our earlier lists. Each place adheres to the high standards set by the Orthodox Rabbinical Board (ORB) of Broward and Palm Beach Counties, a reputable agency that has been overseeing local restaurants for over two decades to ensure compliance with Jewish dietary laws.
Keep in mind that these establishments close on Jewish holidays and during the Sabbath, typically from Friday afternoon until Saturday night after dark; some may remain closed until Sunday. Be sure to check their operational hours prior to your visit, and let us know about any additional venues that should be featured in future editions. You can reach me at AskLois@sunsentinel.com.
BROWARD COUNTY
A La Carte, 613 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach; 786-309-7201; alacartemia.com
A La Carte specializes in fresh salads, bowls, wraps, and sandwiches. Popular options include the Za’atar Bowl with quinoa, mango, cucumber, mint, and salmon ($25.95) and the tuna and avocado wrap ($18.95). Notably, the restaurant uses only avocado and olive oils, avoiding seed oils completely. They also offer dedicated menus for desserts and kids, in addition to catering services.
Abby’s Restaurant & Bar, 2721 N. Hiatus Road, Cooper City; 754-465-5026; abbyscoopercity.com
This venue features a variety of creative dishes, such as the Abby’s Breakfast Tower (two eggs, locally made Jerusalem bread, salad, dips, and a drink; $28) and the Vegan Avocado Smash ($16). Other notable items include Arancini (risotto balls with melted mozzarella and truffle, served with tomato cream sauce; $18) and the Salmon Schnitzel ($37). Additionally, pizzas, pastas, and sushi are available.
Frena, 2700 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale; 954-459-7675; frenafood.com
The name “frena” in Moroccan Arabic translates to a delightful flatbread similar to pita, and also refers to the communal oven where it’s baked. This food truck serves crispy, puffy bread alongside various Moroccan and American favorites. Try the Moroccan Merguez Bowl with your choice of cilantro lime rice or quinoa, homemade sausage, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and two sauces ($18.99), or the Frena Special Bowl featuring sliced entrecote and sausage ($24.99).
Panini, 5978 SW 40th Ave., Hollywood; 786-607-7878; paninifl.com
At Panini, you can enjoy a variety of grilled sandwiches, including brisket, burgers, pastrami, turkey, and schnitzel. They also serve salads and large catering platters. Cholent, a traditional Jewish beef stew often served during the Sabbath, is priced from $6.94 for a single serving to $32.99 for a VIP Plate. A Surfside location can be found at 9454 Harding Ave.
Subaba Subs, 4806 SW 28th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale; 954-589-5775; subabasubs.com
Patrons rave about Subaba’s signature combos, including the Brisket Pastrami Sub ($19.55) and the original Subaba Sub, which features turkey, salami, and pastrami ($17.55). As diner Rachel Renee Sabti shared on the Sun Sentinel’s foodie Facebook group, “Was SO GOOD and worth the money. I know it’s a little pricey, but it’s only because it’s kosher and of super high quality.” This strip center is a convenient spot for kosher shoppers, boasting a bakery, fish market, and other kosher options.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Falafelim, 3775 W. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach; 786-200-2430; Instagram.com/falafelim_
This falafel stand is located within the kosher KC Market and received ORB certification in January. Here, enjoy crispy fried chickpeas stuffed in pita bread, topped with a choice of five fresh toppings, including cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, and fried eggplant ($12.99). For a creamy, flavorful bite, be sure to try their silky tahini and spicy schug (Yemenite hot sauce).
The Kosher Smoke Shack, 8214 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton; 561-594-4540; koshertexasbbq.com
This food truck, located in West Boca Raton, offers an array of smoked meats and Texas-style barbecue without the need to travel out west. Don’t miss the Pulled Brisket Sandwich ($22.99) or the Smoked Chicken Wings ($12.99). A smoked hot dog with condiments costs $8.99, and a full Sabbath meal for four can be ordered for $136, which includes chicken soup, brisket, a whole chicken, turkey, rice, potato salad, grilled vegetables, and a smoked apple dessert.
Grill Place, 265 NE Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton; 561-334-2935; grillplaceboca.com
This eatery features a menu loaded with Middle Eastern and Eastern European comfort foods, such as sabich, a pita stuffed with eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and salad ($16), and schnitzel with hummus, tahini, spreads, and salad ($20). Planning a hassle-free Friday night? They offer Sabbath packages for two ($116) or five ($191), which include chicken soup and various choices for main dishes, sides, and salads. For dessert, indulge in Glyk non-dairy gelato for $5 a scoop or $12.99 for a pint.
