First Look: Rare Steakhouse

Yes, it’s another steakhouse, but this time it’s kosher, and cooking processes are supervised by a rabbi.

Rare Steakhouse.

By Sara Liss

The goods: Rare Steakhouse takes the meat-happy dining trend sweeping Miami and adds a dash of dietary righteousness to the mix. So yes, it’s another steakhouse, but this time it’s kosher, meaning no dairy or shellfish and all the ingredients and cooking processes are supervised by a rabbi. Appropriately enough, this kosher outpost is located on Miami Beach’s 41st St but it aims a bit higher than its fellow pastrami and falafel-heavy neighbors. Managed by the former owner of Club Revolution in Ft. Lauderdale who brings a nightlife pedigree to the mix (their grand opening party featured a racy Victorian dinner reenactment situated in glass encased, private dining quarters on the second floor), the spacious spot is tastefully upscale. A granite bar flanked by oversized mirrors and gothic chandeliers graces the entryway while white-clad tables are accessorized with black and white photographs and dark gray banquettes. Another dining room is planned for the upstairs section, in addition to the glass-enclosed private dining room offering views of the action below.

The grub: Standard steakhouse fare, sans dairy, shellfish and pork. Prices vary from neighborhood-friendly to splurge-encouraging with starters $7-$12, and mains ranging $14 for a 12-ounce burger to $49 for a 24-ounce aged bone-in Delmonico. Start off with the trio mini burger sliders or the slow-cooked beef short ribs in a slightly-sweet sauce. A faux crabcake competes with the real deal while the beef carpaccio is sliced paper thin and garnished with capers and red wine vinaigrette. There are plenty of non-steak dishes for the beef-averse including a macadamia nut-encrusted sea bass, a coconut curry chicken with raisins and pine nuts and a glazed roasted duck. Sides include the creamed spinach (made with dairy-free cream) and battered onion rings complete the picture.

The verdict: With sophisticated décor and an ambitious menu Rare Steakhouse has the chops to compete with the best restaurants in town.

Rare Steakhouse, 468 41st Street, 305-532-7273. Reservations recommended; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch (Monday-Thursday); 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner (Sunday-Thursday)