Welcome to Manhattan Avenue Deli, the first and only kosher restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico! Join us for a tour of this incredible New York-style Jewish deli opened by Chabad shluchim Rabbi Berel and Devorah Leah Levertov. We’re showcasing their mouthwatering menu featuring classic deli favorites like hot pastrami on rye, Reuben sandwiches, homemade knishes, crispy latkes, and authentic matzah ball soup.
This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant hub of Jewish life and community in the Southwest. Located in the newly expanded Chabad Jewish Center, the deli provides a warm, welcoming space for locals, tourists, and spiritual seekers to connect with Jewish tradition through food and conversation.
Discover how this family-run deli is making kosher food accessible in a region where the nearest kosher eatery was previously 400 miles away. Meet Chef Aron Moskowitz as he shares his Ashkenazi family recipes straight from Minsk, and learn how the deli supports the Rebbe’s Mitzvah Campaigns, particularly the Kashrut awareness initiative.
Whether you’re Jewish, curious about Jewish culture, or just love incredible deli food, Manhattan Avenue Deli offers a unique culinary experience with breathtaking mountain views. See why local publications are raving about their pastrami and calling their latkes ‘perfect’!
In a surprising twist of fate, Santa Fe, nestled amidst the picturesque mountains of New Mexico, has become home to its very first kosher restaurant. Manhattan Avenue Deli, a brainchild of Rabbi Barl and D’vorah Lea Lever, has brought a taste of New York’s Jewish culinary heritage to the Southwest. This isn’t just any restaurant. It’s a melting pot of culture, spirituality, and community, offering a delectable array of New Yorkstyle Jewish dishes like pastrami, kenishes, and matzabal soup. But here’s where it gets interesting. Aside from being a gastronomical delight, the deli is transforming into a vibrant hub of Jewish life, drawing people from all walks of life into the heart of Jewish tradition. Picture this. You’re in Santa Fe, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and suddenly you stumble upon a slice of New York City in the heart of the Southwest. That’s exactly what Manhattan Avenue Deli represents. A unique addition to the city’s food scene, offering a mouthwatering selection of classic Jewish deli foods. From hot pastrami on rye to a kosher Reuben sandwich, moatza ball soup, lotkas, conishes, and NYC bagels. and locks complete with non-dairy cream cheese. The Delhi is more than just a place to grab a bite. It’s a gateway to Jewish cultural heritage. A place where the warmth of the community and the soul of Jewish tradition come together. What makes Manhattan Avenue, Delhi truly special is its commitment to spreading awareness of the kosher laws. The Delhi champions the 10 mitzvah campaigns launched by the rebby with a particular focus on the cashroot campaign initiated in 1975. By providing kosher services in the heart of Santa Fe, the Delhi is not only educating people about the practicalities of keeping kosher but also fostering a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions. And this is the part most people miss. The Delhi goes beyond just food, offering a range of kosher products for purchase, making it easier for people to incorporate kosher practices into their daily lives. Nestled on the second floor of Habad Lubavich of Santa Fe’s newly expanded Jewish center, Manhattan Avenue Deli has quickly become a cultural and spiritual beacon. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections it fosters. The Delhi acts as a gentle introduction to Jewish life for those who might not feel ready to enter a synagogue. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere invites people to explore, sparking curiosity about Jewish events and Torah classes held within the center. The origins of Manhattan Avenue Delhi trace back to the tireless efforts of Rabbi Barrell and D’vor Leia Lever who moved to Santa Fe in 1996 as emissaries of the Rebi. Their mission was to revitalize Jewish life in the area. And after 28 years of dedication, they’ve succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. The Delhi was born out of necessity as the couple realized the need for an industrial kitchen to cater to the community’s events. What started as a solution to their catering needs turned into a full-fledged restaurant managed by their son-in-law, Rabbi Shmulekin, and his wife, Esther. Together, they’ve created a space that’s not just a restaurant, but a family affair, complete with humor, skillful table busing, and a baby boy named Mendele. Chef Aaron Moscowitz leads the culinary team, blending his Ashkanazi heritage with years of experience in the food industry. His bespoke recipes, inspired by his ancestry and the methods passed down from his mother and grandmother, bring authenticity to every dish. The Deliy’s menu caters to both locals and tourists, offering a mix of New York Jewish cuisine and Israeli flavors. Even the non-Jewish visitors are drawn to the authentic vibe, enjoying the homemade hummus, tahini, and the best falafel in town. The atmosphere inside Manhattan Avenue Deli is described as light, fun, and filled with the aroma of traditional Jewish comfort food. The exposed brick walls add a vintage New York touch, perfectly complimenting the cozy ambiance. Regulars and newcomers alike enjoy smoozing and hanging out over a good pastrami sandwich, feeling a sense of fulfillment as they connect with their Jewish roots and heritage through food. The success of Manhattan Avenue Deli has been so overwhelming that it’s currently open only 3 days a week, but plans are in motion to expand to 5 days due to growing demand. This illustrates the power of community and the role it plays in sustaining such initiatives. While food may be the initial draw, it’s the sense of belonging and shared tradition that keeps people coming back for more. Manhattan Avenue Deli is not just a restaurant. It’s a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Jewish life. A place where the past meets the present and where everyone is welcome to partake in the joy of Jewish culture.
Dining and Cooking