Mutra is a MUST
They won one Michelin Star. But actually deserve two....
Last April, while doom-scrolling on Instagram, I came across one of the Miami Herald’s posts written by renowned editor Connie Ogle. She was featuring a restaurant that had just opened called Mutra. It was located in Sans Souci in a nondescript spot and, guess what… It was Kosher.
Normally, a Kosher restaurant wouldn’t be something I thought I needed to visit. Am I Jewish? Yes. But kosher? Far from it.
Anyhow, I booked a table and sat at the bar as a paying guest. Yep. One of those.
Was it delicious with a vibe? Yes. Was the service outstanding? Absolutely. But with my busy life and endless plans, I wasn’t immediately thinking, “Oh my G**, I have to come back tomorrow.”
However, it was good enough to earn an honorable mention in a column we used to run here at The Leftovers called “The Best Thing I Ate This Week.”
Fast forward to two weeks ago. I found myself back at the bar alongside one of my best friends. We are both extraordinarily picky eaters and avid travelers who love great food. After our meal, aside from having one of the funniest evenings imaginable with Chef Raz, Dara and I both looked at each other and said, “Oh my G**. This is actually one of the best meals we’ve had in South Florida, and we’re coming back.”
It was a 12 out of 10, to be honest.
Speaking of picky eating, I have post-traumatic stress disorder from chicken liver. Growing up in a home where we celebrated the High Holidays, the smell reminds me of my grandfather’s breath. The onions, the texture—I just can’t. It gives me chills.
Before dinner, however, we were told we absolutely needed to try it. Let me just tell you, it took the chef 20 minutes to convince us. The end result? We finished the entire plate.
Chef Raz, the star of the show, is from Jerusalem. He learned to love the art of cooking in the home of his late grandmother, Mutra. Once he decided to pursue becoming a chef, he moved to Thailand, followed by New York, where he worked at Eleven Madison Park. Somehow, he eventually landed in South Florida, working as Adam Neumann’s personal chef, and last February he opened the doors to Mutra.
Just last week, he was awarded the first Michelin star ever given to a kosher restaurant in Florida. In my opinion, he should have received two.
When I saw the video on his Instagram, I swear to you, I started crying. Moments like this are why we created The Leftovers….it was an opportunity to create a media platform where we would share the greatness happening in kitchens throughout South Florida and beyond. And to highlight the talents behind the scenes making it all happen.
Editor’s Note: I pulled this from his Instagram after winning his Michelin star. Let it be an inspiration to us all….
“Today, my heart is full. First, thank You, God. For every blessing, every challenge, and for giving me the strength to keep going when the road seemed impossible. 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. To our guests, friends, and supporters - thank you for believing in us and allowing us to share our story through food. And to my grandmother, Mutra. 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. Today is proof that dreams are worth fighting for. Believe in your dreams, even when others don’t believe in you. Keep pushing your limits. Keep working when nobody is watching. Keep going when people tell you it’s impossible. The road will test you, but if you stay true to your vision and refuse to give up, extraordinary things can happen. This moment is bigger than a restaurant. It’s about faith, family, perseverance, and the courage to believe before anyone else does. With gratitude, humility, and a full heart - Thank you. Food is Holy. Raz.”
The Scene: It’s a total vibe. Perfectly lit, the restaurant features an open kitchen where guests can sit at the bar and literally be served directly from the magnificent oven to their plates. I highly suggest sitting here because you can actually watch the magic unfold. There are also tables throughout the restaurant, but reserving seats at the bar with a friend or your partner makes for an extraordinary epicurean experience. The décor kind of reminds me of a restaurant in Paris called 404, although Mutra isn’t quite as dark.
What to Eat and Drink: Every single thing we ordered was above and beyond excellent—to the point that I would happily go back and order everything all over again. They have an upside-down falafel dish that was incredibly interesting, along with what is essentially an Israeli taco filled with braised veal that the chef encourages you to eat messily, letting it drip down your arms.
Although I initially resisted, I finally decided to bite the bullet and try the chicken liver that the chef, every employee, and even the publicist swore by. It’s blended with dates, served alongside the most insane sourdough bread toasted in the oven with olive oil, and finished with crushed pistachios. Paired with their cornichon’s, it completely knocked my socks off. The deconstructed beet gazpacho was also OMFG wow….
After thinking I would never eat liver…let alone chicken liver, I fell so deeply in love with it that Dara and I were literally talking about it on the phone today while planning our next visit.
We also tried their Thai steak salad, which was flavorful as hell, and the meat entrée we ordered arrived cooked impeccably and sliced perfectly. It’s absolutely noteworthy.
We also enjoyed their dessert selection, which changes seasonally, as does the menu. Everything is based on local produce and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Back to dessert, though—we had an ube creation that is apparently difficult to find these days, and it’s definitely worth experiencing if it’s available when you visit.
Don’t Miss: The liver. They also have a really nice kosher wine list. The last time I was there, I tried an orange varietal that was absolutely to die for.
Perfect For: Dinner with a girlfriend, a date night with your other half, or even a lovely family night out. That said, it’s more of an adult dining experience than a place where people want to hear young children throughout the evening.
Expect to Pay: $120++ per person, which is fairly normal for kosher dining. Most kosher restaurants in South Florida are, frankly, disappointing. This is next level. If you’re going to spend $120 or more per person, I’d recommend coming here over many of the other hotspots. However, after Chef Raz’s recent Michelin recognition and all the media attention, reservations may be a bit harder to secure.
How’s the Parking: Not an issue. There’s a parking lot right in front, and it’s free.
@mutra_miami // 2188 NE 123rd St. North Miami