The story
At Josh's Deli in Bay Harbor Islands, the spirit of a classic Jewish deli is alive and well, but the cooking is anything but stuck in the past. The team describes their approach as "heimish traditional deli elevated," taking recipes that have stood the test of time and giving them a modern twist. The result is a cozy nook where nostalgia meets culinary creativity.
The kitchen uses the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques, honoring the flavors you grew up with while delivering a new, exciting experience. All breads are made in-house and fresh daily, using a fermented sourdough starter. The deli also cures its own meat and fish, lending an artisanal quality to staples like corned beef, pastrami, and gefilte fish.
The menu is a deep dive into Jewish comfort food. Standouts include a Thursday night special of Chulent and Kugel served late, and a "Schmulka’s" steak with a Pan Asian ponzu dipping sauce. The classic deli burger and fries is a perennial favorite. For those planning ahead, the Shabbat and holiday menu offers platters of roast beef, candied corned beef, house-made knishes, kugels, and chicken soup with matzoh ball or kreplach.
This commitment to quality and tradition has earned Josh's Deli a Michelin Recommended distinction, a recognition that speaks to the care put into every house-made pickle and hand-formed kugel. Whether you are stopping in for a quick breakfast, a deli brunch, or a full holiday spread, the focus remains on real, satisfying food made from scratch.
Recognition
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