I never imagined myself intentionally seeking out a kosher restaurant, but when I heard that celebrity chef Eyal Shani was behind a new spot in Palm Beach, I had to check it out. The buzz around Malka was undeniable—glowing reviews everywhere—so I needed to experience it myself.
Tucked away on a side street at 209 Sixth Street in West Palm Beach, Malka is housed in the historic Butcher Place building. Securing a reservation here is no easy feat—I know people who have been trying for over a month without luck.
From the outside, the building is unassuming, but stepping inside was a revelation. The space is stunning. You first enter a cozy lounge, and in the back, there’s a charming garden with a bar and a majestic olive tree, a symbol of life. The restaurant also features a mix of private and semi-private rooms. When I asked the manager about capacity, he couldn’t give me a number, but I’d estimate it holds around 100 guests.
Seating options vary—you can sit at one of two counters, watching the chefs prepare dishes or near the wood-fired oven. The modern dining room, with its wooden tables covered in butcher paper, reminds me of Abraxas North in Tel Aviv. Thoughtful design elements, like the wood-paneled ceiling, natural materials like leather and stone, and stylish lighting fixtures, give the space a cool, contemporary feel.
The name Malka means “queen,” and this is a strictly kosher restaurant. Who would have thought Palm Beach would have such demand for kosher dining? But if you’re familiar with Chef Shani, you know this isn’t just any kosher restaurant. His signature style brings bold, creative twists to Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine.
Chef Shani’s creativity shines in every dish, redefining kosher cuisine unexpectedly. Take his signature schnitzel—since kosher rules prohibit mixing meat with dairy, he cleverly stuffs it with creamy mashed potatoes and bone marrow, adding richness and depth. This location of Malka also features dishes incorporating ingredients unique to Palm Beach, making the experience even more special.
While the atmosphere was vibrant, the service was initially slow—we waited about 20 minutes before being acknowledged. However, once our order was placed, everything ran smoothly. One disappointment was that they had run out of the lamb chops, a dish I had been eager to try. We opted for the lamb kebab instead—a ground version made with the same meat. It was flavorful and juicy, though I found many dishes to be oversalted.
I’ve heard rave reviews about the ribeye, but at its size, it was too much for just two people. The red snapper, served two ways—tartare and sashimi-style—was excellent, showcasing the restaurant’s skill with raw seafood. The thin-crust pissaladière, topped with caramelized onions, was another highlight. Beyond meat and fish, Malka offers an impressive variety of vegetarian dishes, cast-iron specialties, and wood-fired creations, all emphasizing bold flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Dining here feels like a cultural journey to Tel Aviv.
You don’t have to be Jewish or keep kosher to appreciate the food at Malka. Since its opening on December 8, 2024, word has spread quickly, and the restaurant is packed every night. The thoughtfully curated beverage program complements the menu beautifully, featuring innovative cocktails like an espresso martini infused with tahini, espresso, and vodka, or a golden martini with olive-washed vodka and olive juice. I enjoyed a refreshing cucumber gin cocktail, a mix of cucumber, gin, sugar, and lemon. The wine selection is equally impressive, offering sparkling wines, Champagne, whites, reds, and dessert wines from Israel, New Zealand, France, Italy, Portugal, and California—even large-format bottles for those looking to indulge.
I never felt limited while dining here—just the opposite. The simplicity and purity of the food combined with its bold, boundary-pushing flavors, made for an exciting experience. Add the high-energy vibe, and Malka is a welcome addition to Palm Beach’s dining scene.
Happy dining!
Shanea
03/06/2025
