Jerusalem Chef Earns City’s First Michelin Star as Israeli Cuisine Wins Global Recognition

by | Sep 3, 2026 | News

person holding stainless steel spoon

A Jerusalem-born chef has earned a Michelin star for his restaurant, a milestone that reflects the growing international recognition of Israeli cuisine and its deep roots in the flavors of the holy city.

Raz Shabtai, whose restaurant Mutra received the honor, credited his upbringing in Jerusalem for shaping his culinary vision. Growing up in Jerusalem, I was surrounded by incredible flavors, spices and food that told stories, he said, describing the sensory world that informs his cooking. The achievement is notable as a first, placing his restaurant among the ranks of establishments recognized by one of the most prestigious authorities in the culinary world.

The Michelin star carries enormous weight in the food world. The guide’s ratings can transform a restaurant’s fortunes, drawing diners, critics, and attention from around the globe. For a chef rooted in Jerusalem’s culinary traditions to receive the honor is a source of pride not only for the individual but for a city and a cuisine that have increasingly captured international interest.

Israeli food has enjoyed a remarkable rise in global prominence in recent years. Chefs drawing on the country’s diverse influences, blending Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, North African, and Jewish culinary traditions, have opened acclaimed restaurants in cities around the world and reshaped how international diners think about the region’s cuisine. Jerusalem, with its layered history and mix of cultures, has been a particular wellspring of inspiration, its markets, spices, and traditions offering a rich foundation for culinary creativity.

The recognition comes at a moment when Israel’s international image has been dominated by war and political controversy. In that context, a Michelin star for a Jerusalem chef offers a different kind of story, one about creativity, heritage, and the universal language of food. It highlights a dimension of Israeli life and culture that endures alongside the headlines about conflict.

For Jerusalem, the honor adds to the city’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. Its restaurant scene has flourished, drawing food lovers eager to experience the flavors that Shabtai described as telling stories. The star is likely to draw further attention to the city’s dining culture and to the chefs and establishments that have made it a place worth traveling for.

As Israeli cuisine continues to earn global acclaim, the recognition of a Jerusalem-born chef celebrating the flavors of his childhood stands as a reminder of the artistry and heritage that flourish in the city, even in challenging times.

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