NYC's Best Kosher Restaurants: Delis, Pizza, Mexican, More
In a city filled with an endless selection of restaurants, New York is home to some of the best kosher eateries around. Whether people follow a kosher lifestyle or just like to discover new places, New Yorkers can head to one of these restaurants for a delicious kosher meal. By John Friia/Robert Haynes-Peterson
MexiKosher
100 West 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
212-580-6200
www.mexikoshernyc.com
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People searching for a fast-casual kosher Mexican restaurant can head to the Upper West Side for MexiKosher. The fifteen-seat eatery pays homage to former Top Chef contestant Chef Katsuji Tanabe's Mexican heritage and his knowledge of operating a kosher restaurant. Diners can chow down on burritos, tacos, salad bowls, rice bowls and nachos. People can also mix and match signature meats to their meals, including the Birria with lamb, beef and mixed dried chilies.
2nd Avenue Deli
Multiple Locations
www.2ndavedeli.com
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With locations in Midtown and on the Upper East Side, 2nd Avenue Deli has been a staple in New York since 1954. Offering traditional American and Jewish dishes, the deli is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner. It might be hard to decide what to order, but people can't go wrong with their blintzes, served with applesauce and a choice of parve cheese, blueberry, apple, cherry or the Kreplach. A visit to the 2nd Avenue Deli is not complete without having rugelach or chocolate babka.
T Fusion Steakhouse
3223 Quentin Road
Brooklyn, NY 11234
www.tfusionsteakhouse.com
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The New York steakhouse received a kosher makeover at T Fusion Steakhouse in Marine Park. Exuding a sophisticated and stylish ambiance, people can admire various art works while enjoying a hefty dinner. With a menu curated by Executive Chef Daniel Rivera, diners can order the double thick rib eye or the hanger steak marinated with red wine and rosemary. Steak lovers might be interested in booking the Chef's Table, for a unique, interactive evening with the executive chef.
Basil Pizza and Wine Bar
270 Kingston Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
718-285-8777
www.basilny.com
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As people enter Basil, located in Crown Heights neighborhood, they will be drawn into its intimate and chic atmosphere. From the wall of wine bottles to the aromas of pizza and pasta, this kosher Italian restaurant is local hotspot. With a certified kosher menu, one of their irresistible dishes is the Soto pizza, made with smoked mozzarella, oyster mushroom, honey chili oil, ricotta, sliced garlic and fennel pollen. End your meal with one of their mouthwatering desserts, including the crème brulee trio and strawberry zabaione.
Ben's Kosher Delicatessen
Multiple locations
www.bensdeli.net
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For more than 44 years, Ben's Kosher Delicatessen has become a staple in New York culture. With multiple location throughout the tri-state area, people rave about their homemade soups, hot pastrami, baked knishes and crunchy pickles. The restaurant also cure their own corn beef for the Hot Corn Beef Combo on rye bread, sweet and sour sauce and stuffed derma. Ben's hosts various events for diners, including Rosh Hashanah dinners and football viewing parties.
Talia's Steakhouse
668 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY
http://www.taliassteakhouse.com
You'll find no shortage of Kosher dining on the Upper West Side, but for old-school steak and salmon, non-dairy desserts and classic NYC attitude, you could do worse. What you'll find is an attractive, white tablecloth setting, live music and a full menu of Kosher delicacies. Dine privately or at a communal table. Pre-paid Shabbat dinner services are also available.
Colbeh
32 W 39th St.
New York, NY
http://www.colbeh.com
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Colbeh's Manhattan location offers up a combination of Glatt Kosher steaks, sushi and Mediterranean dishes. This spot makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner experience, or a great spot for a quick cocktail at their serenely back-lit bar in the back. Check out Colbeh's other locations in Great Neck and Roslyn.
My Most Favorite Food
247 W 72nd St.
New York, NY
http://www.mymostfavorite.com
Grab some great pre-prepared kosher items to bring home to the family at this Upper West Side bakery/restaurant. You can also dine in at this casually charming spot (call ahead for reservations), enjoying innovative, contemporary dishes like pasta with veggies, Ahi tuna nachos and seared striped bass. Catering services are also available.
Toloache 82
166 E 82nd St.
New York, NY
http://toloachenyc.com
If Kosher style works for you, then Chef/Owner Julian Medina's creative list of Mexican-themed specials ought to do the trick. Mexico City-born Medina converted to Judaism after meeting his wife and soon added his Mexican kosher menu, which is updated each year.
Abigael's On Broadway
1407 Broadway
New York, NY
http://abigaels.com
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The stylishly modern home to author and TV personality Chef Jeff Nathan draws hungry locals and visitors for its fresh, contemporary kosher dishes. From their award-winning chili and signature smoked brisket eggroll to Dijon chicken and a selection of steaks, everything is beautifully presented and full of flavor. Don't forget to check out their dessert menu, too!
John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram