Kosh Restaurant tempts diners with a globally-inspired menu of fresh and flavourful kosher eats.

"The food here is not exclusively Jewish food. It's kosher food," explains Dvora Deitsch, who runs Kosh, and neighbouring Café Chai, for Chabad of Midtown.

Looking for gefilte fish and matzo soup, challah and kugel? Find those on Fridays, when the restaurant is closed for service but trades exclusively in takeout offerings for Shabbat dinners.

Every other day of the week, at lunch and dinner, you'll wrestle with the temptation of wings and fragrant beef cigars, ragu loaded rigatoni and succulent London broil. "Kosher food," adds Deitsch, "is not just Jewish food."

So, while the restaurant is devoid of dairy and adheres strictly to kosher dietary laws, it was also designed to have broad appeal for anyone, Jewish or not, in the community. "We definitely want people to feel invited. One hundred percent," states Deitsch. "I think it's nice to bring the community together."

Opened in February, the restaurant comprises a bright, modern room and sun-strewn side patio. Bathed in light during the day, it morphs into a cozy, animated space as the sun sets. "The vibe in here does feel like a kosher New York restaurant," says Deitsch. "Though, other people say it feels a bit like Miami."

Lean into the tropical vibe with The Crisp ($10) or The Kick ($10). Fresh mocktails featuring a blend of juices, each is a light, refreshing companion to the menu's fragrant, savoury starters.

Inspired by the Lebanese dish, Arayes ($15.99) are crisp, tender pitas holding a satisfying herbed beef filling. Served with hummus and chipotle aioli, they're bold and comforting; an ideal lunch for one or shared appetizer to nibble on before mains arrive.

The same might be said about Pulled Brisket ($18.00). Tangy, sweet and saucy, it's stacked onto house pretzel buns and adorned with blush-hued pickled onions for a hunger-quashing first bite.

Roasted until caramelized and fork-tender, Sweet Potato Medallions ($16.00) are topped with gremolata, peanuts and crisp tortilla strips. A dish that feels nourishing and homemade, it's also a good option for those who prefer to eat with a fork.

"The food here is made fresh and clean," affirms Deitsch, with colourful, layered salads a perfect example of what she means.

Topped with sesame crackers and jewel-like grapefruit supremes, Kosh Salad ($17.50) is a bitter blend of endive, lettuce, herbs and sumac dressing.

Summer in a Bowl ($17.50), meanwhile, makes it easy to reach your daily quota of fruit and veg with greens, shredded cabbage, charred corn and peaches packed into a bowl and drizzled with zesty homemade honey mustard dressing.

On days when a salad just won't cut it, Kosh Restaurant sates with mains centred around beef, chicken and kosher fish. Despite its polarizing list of toppings, the Kosh Burger ($24.00) has been a best-seller since the restaurant opened.

What begins with an all-beef patty and a pillowy bun, is finalized with beef-based "facon," southwest sauce and glazed pineapple. A dish that blends sweet with salty, beefy umami with the peppery hit of spice-laced mayo, it's not for everyone but has definitely found its fans.

As for the XL Schnitzel ($29.00)? True to its name, it's a plate-dwarfing chicken cutlet that's deftly coated and fried until it's soft within, its exterior bronzed, brittle and beautiful. With cole slaw and fries, it's a complete meal (that, if too large to tackle in one go, can be resurrected as a killer schnit-wich the following day).

Instead of polishing off the schnitzel, pay the dessert menu a little attention. There, you'll find rich Brownies with (non-dairy) Ice Cream ($12.00) and warm, plump Sfinge ($16.00).

The ultimate indulgence? A velvety, rich and creamy Peanut Butter Mousse ($12.00) that's sized for one and is reason enough to visit Kosh.

A destination for the Jewish community, Kosh Restaurant is a place for all Toronto diners.

"In all cultures, food brings people together," says Deitsch. "We thought it would be a nice haven for people to get together with other Jewish families and the community at large."

Kosh Restaurant is located at 1036 St. Clair West.