By Sophia Lalaounis By Sophia Lalaounis | December 2, 2024 | Food & Drink, Drink, Eat,
Malka arrives in West Palm Beach, bringing elevated kosher cuisine, breathtaking design and a dining experience unlike any other.
Malka, the authentic Israeli restaurant helmed by celebrated celebrity chef Eyal Shani, prepares to open its doors in West Palm Beach on Dec. 9, bringing an exquisite dining experience that melds culinary artistry, thoughtful design and a vibrant cultural narrative. As the fourth global location and third U.S. outpost of Malka, this new addition deepens the city’s evolving gastronomic scene, seamlessly marrying innovative kosher cuisine with an immersive ambiance.
Chef Eyal Shani cooking at Malka. Photo Credits: Alissa Dragun. Photo courtesy of Malka
Rooted in chef Shani’s philosophy of honoring ingredients as living entities, Malka’s menu draws from its state-of-the-art open-fire kitchen and custom grills take center stage, infusing every dish with the elemental essence of fire.
Photo Credits: Amit Geron. Photo courtesy of Malka
Guests can savor standout offerings like the perfect pumpkin steak, beautifully charred on its hibachi grill or the black bean masabacha with a crown of vegetables, alongside celebrated classics such as the most famous Malka schnitzel and a pile of green beans perfumed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest. Exclusive to West Palm Beach, the menu also debuts dishes that highlight local flavors while maintaining Malka’s signature creativity.
Photo Credits: Amit Geron. Photo courtesy of Malka
Chef Shani’s vision extends beyond cuisine. “Bringing people light, warmth and amazing food, especially in the realm of kosher cuisine, has always been a dream of mine. This approach to Kosher cooking, centered around an open-fire kitchen, is something that has never existed in Jewish cuisine. It will be both my greatest challenge and my greatest strength,” he shares.
Photo Credits: Amit Geron. Photo courtesy of Malka
The restaurant’s design, conceptualized by More Gelfand of Tel Aviv’s Kimmel Eshkolot Architects, tells a story of cultural connection. Sourced entirely from Israel, materials like Jerusalem stone-like marble and Corten metal ground the space in authenticity, while walls of 24,000 perforated concrete blocks evoke a modern take on traditional Mediterranean breeze walls. Set in the historic Butcher Place building, the restaurant preserves the charm of its original façade while introducing a lush, Mediterranean-inspired outdoor garden by renowned landscape architect Keith Williams. At its heart stands a majestic olive tree, symbolizing life and resilience.
Photo Credits: Amit Geron. Photo courtesy of Malka
“Malka’s new West Palm Beach location was created to be a bridge between Tel Aviv and Palm Beach,” Gelfand explained. “Our goal was to create a space that feels both authentic and welcoming, transporting guests to Israel through materials and craftsmanship that tell a story.”
Photo Credits: Amit Geron. Photo courtesy of Malka
Malka’s thoughtfully crafted beverage program complements its culinary offerings with French and Israeli wines and inventive cocktails like the Espresso Martini, our way—a blend of tahini, espresso, and vodka—or the golden martini with olive oil-washed vodka and olive juice.
Photo Credits: Amit Geron. Photo courtesy of Malka
Culinary director Loel Müller sums it up perfectly: “Each Malka location tells its own story through rich flavors, a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and a deep sense of community. At Malka, we’re building more than just a dining experience; we’re creating a gathering place where people can connect over shared meals and memorable moments.” 209 6th St., West Palm Beach
Photography by: Photo Credits: Amit Geron; Alissa Dragun. Photo courtesy of Malka