In Boca Raton’s vibrant culinary scene, authenticity matters—especially when it comes to kosher. Sadly, misconceptions abound around two popular eateries: Motek Boca Raton and DVASH Boca. Here’s a careful breakdown to help our community make informed choices.
1. Motek Boca Raton – Kosher‑Style, Not Kosher Certified
Nestled at 5377 Town Center Road, Motek draws crowds with its sleek Mediterranean ambiance and menu steeped in Eastern flavors. It proudly markets itself as “kosher‑style” and offers 100% glatt kosher meat—but immediately clarifies that it is not a certified kosher kitchen (motekcafe.com).
- Why it’s not kosher:
- The restaurant mixes meat and dairy on shared kitchen equipment—prohibited in kosher guidelines.
- It remains open during Shabbat and Jewish holidays, which typically voids kosher certification .
While Motek sources quality kosher meats, the combination of dairy dishes and operational hours means it cannot claim full kosher legitimacy.
2. DVASH Boca – Kosher‑Looking, Non‑Kosher Reality
Located at 8208 Glades Rd, DVASH markets itself boldly as Israeli/Mediterranean fusion and catches kosher-minded diners off guard. However, listings like Yelp and TripAdvisor explicitly categorize DVASH as non‑kosher (motekcafe.com, yelp.com)—even while featuring Hebrew-speaking owners and Middle Eastern flair, which may mislead casual diners (tripadvisor.com).
- Key indicators:
- No kosher certification or supervision is mentioned—usually a clear sign.
- Customer reviews openly state “this is not a kosher restaurant” (tripadvisor.com, en.tripadvisor.com.hk).
Despite its Israeli roots and local buzz, DVASH does not adhere to any formal kashrut standards.
🛑 What Kosher‑Observant Diners Should Know
| Concern | Motek Boca Raton | DVASH Boca |
|---|---|---|
| Kosher certification | ❌ No, kosher-style only | ❌ No |
| Meat vs. Dairy separation | ❌ Not separated | ❓ Not stated |
| Open on Shabbat/Jewish holidays | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (implied) |
| Community assumptions | ✔️ Often assumed kosher | ✔️ Misleading Israeli branding |
- Motek may tempt with kosher-style meat, but sharing dairy utensils and abiding weekend operations firmly disqualify it as kosher.
- DVASH leans into Israeli design and flavors, but lacks any kosher supervision—and reviewers confirm this bluntly (tripadvisor.com, motekcafe.com, facebook.com).
Why This Matters
- Religious compliance: Without proper certification and strict kosher procedures, eating at these restaurants may unintentionally breach dietary laws.
- Community clarity: Visually “kosher” aesthetics and Israeli branding often mislead. Headlines like “Kosher-style” or Middle Eastern décor don’t suffice.
- Trust in dining: Maintaining kosher involves more than ingredients—it requires separate utensils, kitchen zones, certified supervision, and observance of Jewish calendar laws.
Bottom Line
Motek Boca Raton and DVASH Boca both cater to those looking for tasty Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine—but neither is truly kosher. Motek uses kosher meat but mixes dairy and remains open on Shabbat, while DVASH lacks any certification and is openly identified by patrons as non‑kosher (en.tripadvisor.com.hk).
If you’re seeking an authentic kosher dining experience in Boca Raton, choose establishments with:
- Visible kosher certifications (hashgacha) from recognized authorities
- Clear separation of meat and dairy
- Shabbat closure or procedural accommodations during holidays
Final Thought
We love Boca’s culinary diversity, but when it comes to kosher dining, assumptions can lead to mistakes. Always verify certification—don’t rely on names, décor, or marketing. Your faith matters—and so does what’s on your plate.
Let’s keep our community well-informed, faithful, and satisfied—one meal at a time.
Harlan Kilstein has been a Boca Resident since 1997. He know the ins and out of Boca
