By COLlive reporter

A kosher restaurant in South Florida has made history by becoming the first kosher establishment ever to receive a Michelin Star, a milestone celebrated by owner and chef Raz Shabtai with the laying of tefillin in gratitude for the achievement. He was assisted by Miami Beach Shliach Rabbi Zev Katz.

Shabtai, the founder and chef of Mutra, located in North Miami Beach, described receiving the prestigious award as one of the highest honors in the culinary world.

“It’s like winning an Oscar,” he said. “It’s like winning an Emmy. It’s like getting a Grammy.”

The recognition marks a major breakthrough for kosher dining, placing Mutra among some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants.

Shabtai credits his culinary journey to his grandmother in Jerusalem, for whom the restaurant is named. He recalled learning far more than cooking from her.

“She taught me how to cook, she taught me how to be a person, how to be a human,” he said.

According to Shabtai, food has always been about more than nourishment. He remembers feeling a deep sense of warmth and love through his grandmother’s cooking, an experience he now seeks to recreate for his guests.

“When I used to eat the food, I felt something that says more than ‘I love you,’” he said. “I felt something hugging me in a way that nobody physically could give.”

Bringing that philosophy to South Florida, Shabtai built a menu centered on his interpretation of Middle Eastern cuisine while welcoming diners from all backgrounds.

“I feel extremely honored and blessed that G-d gave me the ability to do something that can combine cultures together,” he said. “It doesn’t matter your political views or your religion. Food is holy.”

Shabtai also credited his success to the restaurant’s dedicated team and said he feels the influence of his grandmother guiding him from Above.

Following the historic Michelin recognition, Mutra is already preparing its next chapter. The restaurant, which rotates its menu every three months, is set to unveil a new menu this week as it continues building on its groundbreaking achievement.