This Mediterranean spot is a Miami food hall hit. Now it’s opening a place near Aventura

After three years and a variety of pandemic-induced delays, The Spice Detective is finally opening his South Florida standalone restaurant.

Chef Yaniv Cohen, whose Israeli-Mediterranean spot Jaffa was one of the first vendors at MIA Market in the Design District, is opening a brick and mortar Jaffa in Hallandale Beach, not far from Aventura.

Named for the oldest port city in Tel Aviv, Jaffa features kosher-style dishes, many with Glatt Kosher Meat and including dairy-free and vegan fare. Just sitting in the restaurant makes you think of Tel Aviv: Distressed travel posters from Israel line the walls of the colorful 45-seat restaurant (there’s also a 20-seat outdoor space for dining).

“When guests visit the restaurant, I want to give them an experience and a true taste of my heart and my authentic Israeli dishes,” said Cohen, who is known as The Spice Detective and author of “My Spiced Kitchen.” He was also a winner on Netflix’s “Best Leftovers Ever” series.

The menu includes exclusive-to-Hallandale dishes like herb-marinated lamb chops, short rib tagine and meat, chicken and fish tagines. But fans of the the MIA Market counter will also find favorite starters like hummus and falafel.

Jaffa

Where: 701 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Hallandale Beach

Hours: 6-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Friday-Saturday. Closed Monday.

Reservations and more information: www.jaffamiami.com

This story was originally published February 14, 2022 at 6:00 AM.