One of the most exciting parts for us about travel is experiencing new restaurants and delicious foods.
Food is a deeply rooted part of most cultures and experiencing the unique tastes and flavors of a given place is an exciting and sensory experience. Unfortunately, as kosher observant travelers, we often find ourselves in places where the food is off limits to us and we are unable to partake in that aspect of the local experience.
While we will always choose to go places off the beaten path where we may have to bring prepackaged meals, we love going to a place where the food is so fantastic that it’s worth traveling to just go eat at that particular restaurant.
With the Jewish foodie renaissance, kosher food the world over has been stepping up its game.
We’ve rounded up a few restaurants both domestic and international that we think are worth the trip.
INTERNATIONAL
Darjeeling – Paris, France
For years before I ever even went to Paris, I had been hearing about the incredible food and experience at Darjeeling. When we traveled to Paris a few years ago we of course added it as a must on our restaurant list. One of very few Glatt Kosher Indian restaurants in the world (there are none in NYC!), the food was of course incredibly delicious, and the beautiful Indian inspired decor and mostly Indian waitstaff made it feel like a truly authentic experience. Paris is of course full of excellent kosher food, but Darjeeling is in a class by itself.
Al Galope – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some of the tastiest kosher beef comes from Argentina. We were told that Al Galope was a must for incredible steaks at incredible prices. Al Galope is located in the heart of Once, one of the larger Jewish neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Be prepared for a hole in the wall with awful service but absolutely delicious, authentic, Argentinian grill. Chimichurri replaces ketchup when the steaks are served, and rightfully so. Note: Make sure to brush up on your Spanish since very few people speak English in the neighborhood.
Ca Phe Hanoi – Tel Aviv, Israel
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In a class by itself sits Ca Phe Hanoi. An authentic Vietnamese restaurant with a bit of Middle Eastern fusion in the heart of Tel Aviv (just across from Rabin Square), Ca Phe Hanoi offers an ambiance not generally found in kosher restaurants. From the large red doors and velvet curtains when you walk in, to the pulsing music and Vietnamese inspired decor, an incredible experience awaits. The menu offers dishes not found in kosher restaurants nearly anywhere in the world. Make sure you try the desserts and cocktails, which we found to be super unique and delicious.
DOMESTIC
Tierra Sur – Oxnard, CA
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The in-house restaurant at Herzog Wine Cellars, it is well worth the 70- to 90-minute drive from Beverly Hills for a classy experience here. Serving modern American and French cuisine, including a variety of steaks, charcuterie, alongside Herzog wines produced only feet away, the restaurant prides itself on using seasonal ingredients, sourced exclusively from local growers.
26 Sushi & Tapas – Surfside, FL
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As far as unique fusion cuisine go, “26” wins the originality category. Melding Japanese and Peruvian flavors, 26 Sushi and Tapas offers a distinctly unique eating experience. The staff is always incredibly attentive, and the flavorful, exotic cuisine never fails to disappoint. We always make a habit to stop in when we’re visiting Miami. Where else can you find kosher Peruvian dishes?
Izzy’s BBQ – Brooklyn, NY
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Kosher BBQ has come a long way in only a few short years and we have Izzy’s to thank for that. From their smoked fried chicken sandwich to their brisket, dino ribs, and wings, it’s rare to have anything less than a stellar meal at Izzy’s. Located in the heart of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, it is an oasis in an area already crowded with some of the best kosher food in New York. There’s a reason Sruly Eidelman (aka Izzy) was declared New York’s 2017 Brisket King. You owe it to your taste buds to make the trip.
While we are sure there are many more restaurants that deserve to make this list, we narrowed it down to our favorites that we think are worth the trip. Visit us at YeahThatsKosher.com for a more comprehensive list of restaurants around the world and let us know which kosher restaurants you consider worth traveling to.
