Rustiko Kosher Artisan Bistro: Surfside’s Chic Dining Destination in Greater Miami
Kosher Dairy Restuarant in Surfside, Florida ✈
During my recent trip to Miami Beach, Florida, I had dinner one evening at Rustiko, a kosher dairy restaurant located in Surfside, Florida at 9476 Harding Avenue. Surfside itself is a small coastal town located just north of Miami Beach. The town combines small-town charm with upscale living, featuring a mix of luxury condominiums, boutique hotels, and quaint shops along Harding Avenue, its main commercial strip. It has a relaxed and community-focused vibe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, offering easy access to beaches and waterfront views.
Rustiko exudes a cozy yet chic atmosphere, with its charming blend of rustic and modern decor. The interior features exposed wooden beams and warm hanging lights, creating a welcoming ambiance. Intricate patterned tiles adorn the floor, complementing the wood-accented walls and greenery for a natural, artisanal touch. The seating is a mix of upholstered chairs and plush couches, offering both comfort and elegance. It's a perfect setting for a relaxed yet refined dining experience.
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“My visit to Rustiko was enjoyable. The food was great, and the atmosphere was relaxed.”
Rustiko specializes in kosher dairy cuisine, which adheres to Jewish dietary laws. This means the menu excludes meat but features a wide variety of fish, pasta, salads, and dishes that highlight dairy ingredients. The restaurant’s kosher certification ensures that all ingredients and preparation methods meet the required standards.
Throughout the evening, the service at Rustiko was attentive. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu and provided helpful suggestions when I asked about certain dishes. Despite the restaurant being packed with patrons, the pacing of the meal felt smooth, and I appreciated that I never felt rushed.
After dinner, I took some time to walk along Harding Avenue. Surfside’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. The area has a mix of casual and upscale establishments, giving it a unique charm. Being close to the beach, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal and then take a leisurely stroll by the water.
Dinner Menu
The dinner menu at Rustiko offers a wide array of dishes, starting with small plates such as goat cheese bites paired with marinara and pesto, creamy spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips, and grilled fancy sweet corn with a touch of spice. Other options include crispy cauliflower with sweet chili sauce, tequeños served with honey-dijon sauce, and quinotto—a creamy quinoa dish with mixed mushrooms and truffle oil. For those who enjoy seafood, the menu features crispy mini tacos with salmon tartar and guacamole, tuna pizzeta carpaccio with wasabi and ponzu, and salmon carpaccio with radish and cilantro-mayo. Classic comfort foods like mac & cheese, beets gnocchi with goat cheese fondue, and eggplant parmesan round out the starters.
Soups include a rotating soup of the day, and a rich onion soup topped with gratin bread. The salad selection is diverse, featuring options like quinoa salad with golden and red beets, Caesar salad with fakon (vegetarian fake bacon) and parmesan, and a pear and parmesan salad with arugula and roasted almonds. For heartier salads, the Caribbean salad combines smoked salmon with mango and crispy leeks, while the signature salad blends greens, hearts of palm, and corn with a house dressing.
From the wood-fired oven, pizzas include smoked caprese with gouda and pesto, mushroom pizza with caramelized onions, and a creamy truffle pizza with mixed mushrooms. Other unique items include the goat cheese pizza with sweet red peppers, and the cheeses and figs pizza with caramelized onions and blue cheese.
The large plates provide an impressive selection of pastas, including spaghetti squash with mozzarella, pumpkin ravioli in a smoked cheese sauce, and pappardelle in a creamy mushroom truffle sauce. Fish dishes feature prominently, with highlights such as salmon risotto, a salmon burger served with fries, and branzino in a butter lemon wine sauce. The sea bass piccata is served with greens and vegetables in a tangy caper sauce, while the tuna steak comes seared over eggplant purée.
Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Rustiko also offers a delightful breakfast and lunch menu with a wide variety of options. For breakfast, guests can enjoy comforting classics like shakshuka, a range of omelets with fresh vegetables and cheeses, eggs Benedict served on challah bread, or sweet treats like buttermilk pancakes, Belgian waffles, and French toast. Lighter fare includes avocado toast, yogurt parfaits, and freshly baked goods like croissants and muffins, paired with a robust coffee and tea selection or refreshing smoothies and juices.
The lunch menu boasts small plates such as spinach and artichoke dip, tequeños, and salmon carpaccio, alongside hearty soups and fresh salads like quinoa with beets or Caribbean-inspired smoked salmon and mango. From the oven, pizzas like truffle or smoked Caprese offer rich flavors, while larger plates include creative options like spaghetti squash with pesto, portobello burgers, and branzino in butter lemon sauce.
The Jewish Community in Surfside
Surfside is home to a large and active Jewish community, making it a significant cultural and religious hub in South Florida. Including Rustiko, the town has many kosher restaurants, bakeries, and markets, catering to both residents and visitors.
The community includes a mix of residents from different Jewish traditions, including Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Chabad. There are several synagogues and Jewish centers in and around Surfside, such as The Shul of Bal Harbour, a prominent Chabad center that serves as a focal point for prayer, learning, and community events.
Surfside's Jewish residents and visitors can access amenities tailored to their lifestyle, including mikvahs (ritual baths), Judaica shops, and Torah classes. The area is especially busy during Jewish holidays like Passover and Sukkot when families flock to the town for its abundance of kosher-friendly accommodations and eateries.
Surfside’s Jewish community extends its influence beyond religious life, fostering a warm and inclusive environment that blends seamlessly with the town's broader cultural mosaic. The town’s walkability, close-knit atmosphere, and proximity to other Jewish-centric neighborhoods like Bal Harbour and Bay Harbor Islands make it an ideal location for Jewish families.
Throughout the year, Surfside hosts events that celebrate Jewish culture, such as Shabbat dinners, community lectures, and festive holiday gatherings. The town’s atmosphere is particularly welcoming to visitors seeking to immerse themselves in a strong sense of community while enjoying the natural beauty and charm of the area.
My visit to Rustiko was enjoyable. The food was great, and the atmosphere was relaxed. The restaurant’s focus on high-quality kosher dairy cuisine and its inviting ambiance makes it a great choice for dining in Surfside. Surfside itself adds to the experience with its coastal charm and convenient location just a short drive from Miami Beach.
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