You could easily pass this tiny restaurant as I used to all the time, but make it a point to look for Josh’s Deli at 9517 Harding Avenue in Surfside.

This is not your parents deli, but Jewish comfort food with a twist. On a street full of lots of Kosher restaurants it is refreshing to see a restaurant that serves some traif.

The menu rotates with different selections whenever I have gone there. They are open for breakfast and lunch from 8:30-3:30. I believe in season they are open a couple of nights a week and serve barbecue. Check with the restaurant to see which nights this is happening so you won’t go and find it closed.
This little jewel is not beautiful or that comfortable but it is a no frills, no reservation kind of place. It is run by Josh Marcus who can be seen working hard in his tiny open kitchen, hand cutting all his meat. He also cures and smokes his own meats.

They serve an all day breakfast and lunch menu.

Some of the breakfast items found on the menu can be the Jewchachos which is a dish consisting of crab over easy eggs, avocado and cheese. Or, the delicious mushroom, kale and onion scramble. The eggs are cooked perfectly. I am told the corn beef benediction is fabulous when it is on the menu. Of course breakfast also includes pancakes, French toast or the always expected smoked salmon and bagels.

The lunch menu has piled high sandwiches that change but can be the ever popular Jewban which is pastrami, pork, a sour pickle and cheese. The corn beef and turkey sandwiches are enormous. You can get any sandwich Reuben style too. Some days tuna sandwiches are on the menu or meatloaf, or the Tricky Ricky sandwich. I have enjoyed octopus and grits in the past. Matzah ball soup as well as chicken soup are always on the menu too. The potato latkes come with the egg dishes or you can order them separately. They are large and crispy and fresh out of the pan!

The place is moderately priced, friendly and had large portions.

I find service can get a little harried during high season in Miami. They could use some extra wait staff during this time.

This place is a great addition to Surfside. Their motto is “Doing Deli Wrong” but I say this food is a new take on traditional comfort food and Josh is, “DOING A LOT RIGHT”.

Recommend.

Happy Noshing.
Shanea

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