Best pasteami on rye I have ever ordered! The meat is hand carved right in front of you if you are seated at the counter. The spicy mustard he uses is wonderful, as are the homemade slaw & pickle. Other than The Greek Place and Sushi Republic, Surfside dining  was never very special, Josh's Deli has changed that.
Review Source:I went to Josh's with two friends. Â It was our first time there. Â Josh's is a tiny restaurant in the space that used to be Chow Down Grill. Â For me the experience was just okay. Â One of my friends ordered the turkey sandwich for $10.50. Â He said the turkey was delicious. Â My other friend ordered the half sandwich/half soup combo. She had a pastrami sandwich and matzo ball soup for $10.95 plus $1.00 extra for the matzo ball. Â She said the soup was good and the pastrami was tasty. She was disappointed that the serving of pastrami was small and she said she was still hungry when she finished. Both of my friends sandwiches came with a pickle and a small serving of slaw. Â I ordered a bowl of matzo ball soup for $5.95. The soup was good, but not the best I've had. Â Out of the three of us we had one very satisfied with his turkey sandwich, one disappointed with the size of her half pastrami sandwich, and one okay, but not great.
Review Source:I've been apprehensive about writing a review about Josh's Delicatessen and Appetizing because, admittedly, I am totally selfish and have not wanted to disclose the whereabouts of such complete and utter goodness that awaits a person who ventures inside these doors. Â I've spent countless dollars eating at restaurants in South Florida and have experienced everything from great food to having night terrors over a hellish meal or run in with a bad server. Â It is refreshing to find such a place that serves up such delicious, honest, simple yet creative, food that isn't pretentious or overpriced. Â For me, the star of the show is the Matzo Ball Soup. Â Simply amazing. Â Typically this type of soup is bland, but Josh adds herbs to the Matzo Ball and allows it to bathe with some egg noodles, hunks of chicken in a savory broth. Â The soup is served in a huge bowl and would probably satisfy most people with lighter appetites. Â A huge must-try is the pastrami and the corned beef. Â The best I've ever had - hands down. Â They do all the meat smoking in house, which only makes it that much more special. Â The Jewben is a cross between a traditional pastrami sandwich and a Reuben - get this sandwich - that isn't a request! Â I have to admit my favorite is the poutine with corned beef. Â It's a huge helping of crispy fries slathered with beef gravy and topped with chunks of homemade corned beef. Â Whoa. Â This stuff is epic. Â Not for those on a diet. Â Lastly, let's not forget the homemade donuts that are made daily. Â Sadly, by the time I usually get to Josh's, they have already run out. Â Get there early to try ever-changing flavors like PBBJ (peanut butter, banana, jelly), amaretto cream, Nutella/chocolate infused - many of them involve boozy flavors. Â You never know what they'll come up with next. Â Josh's isn't open late so if you miss a breakfast or brunch session, you can come back later to experience the pop-up spots that take over like Joe's Tacos or Brad's BBQ on Tuesday nights only. Â Josh, will you marry me???? Â (PS - Just kidding - I'm married, but can you teach my husband to cook like you? :)
Review Source:Breakfast with friends is one of my favorite activities! I love meal sharing, catching up and drinking coffee! It's doing everything I love all at once, awesome concept, really!
With a friend coming in from out of town we decided we should all meet up at Josh's, we got there early (10am because everyone knows Miami wakes up at 11 and you'll find yourself waiting outside a breakfast spot for an hour wishing you had a pre-meal) and the place was empty -- score!
We sat down by the window and drank coffee while we waited for the rest of our party. Reading over the menu really made ordering difficult but we managed to find some great items.
housemade donuts - the flavors that day were thai guava, mudslide and one other that I don't believe we tried.
I settled on the eggs benediction and love Josh's version so much more than any others I've had. The eggs were settled on a bed of veggies and homefries and instead of an english muffin I got to sop up all that eggy goodness with a homemade bagel. I've never had a homemade bagel and I have to say I may not be able to have them from a store or chain resto again.
Other items on the table were the duck hash, eggs with pastrami and challah french toast with caramelized bananas -- everything was awesome. As a matter of fact the pastrami was so good someone took home a sandwich for later!
Our waitress was attentive and sweet and the best part about this group meal was she split the check seamlessly and without batting an eye -- hell, she offered to split the check! Who does that?!
I can't wait to come back and try the other identities this place takes on! Thanks Josh!
Our favorite neighborhood place for lunch or brunch.
This is NOT your typical Jewish deli. Josh Marcus is an artist.
A simple white plate becomes his canvas with his creative "egg benedictions" that change weekly. All his ingredients are seasonally based and he buys (or grows) whatever is  "different"  when he goes to market.  We love to sit at the counter to watch his creativity at work.
Poudin poudin, you be my new thing!!! Â Although I wanna try ya' all alone - with the corned beef was a li'l extra salty!
Growing up in the midwest with one parent who is Jewish was always rather exotic in the 70's and 80's. I remember our forays 2x a year to the local Temple for high holidays but it was exquisite trips by train from Kansas that led to the world of delicatessens in Saint Louis and Chicago that stand out, I always thought a good Jew wasn't someone who wore black and kept the Sabbath; but if they knew how to make a mean pastrami sandwich - well clearly they were God's chosen!
Today, much to the surprise of anthropologists (and Reform Jews everywhere) - Orthodoxy has made a strong and determined comeback. Â The Orthodox dominate Israeli politics, own wide swaths of Brooklyn and mid-Miami Beach and dictate to other Jews (and gentiles) that they are the one and only authentic real thang. Â I give them their kudos for rising from the near ashes of WWII but I take umbrage with those "holier than thou" types regardless of their religious stripe.
See, in America today, it's almost as if the 150 year old tradition of Reform Judaism is on the wane - the mom and pop delis, the summer camps in the Adirondacks, the whole Dirty Dancing schlemiel! OY!  So Kudos, applause, hell - handstands to the new kids in town, the new boy on the block like Josh who is rescuing that deli fare - damn - that CULTURE with amazing culinary zeitgeist!  And what's more making it new with riffs that reflect where we are NOW and who were are - in Miami - so eat a Juban (a Cuban sandwich one upped!)!  It was my first. . . I almost can't say visit, I wanna say "PILGRIMIGE!" and I will return - appetite in  hand and a desire for yes, one more bowl of that matza ball soup (that was frankly better than my Grandmother's, sorry Bubbe!)! I hear Tongue is on the menu possibly next week (oh thank you Jesus!) - so barring the Second (or First) coming, I'll be there!
Not sure what the status of Josh's Deli is right now - it seems to be going through some changes. I had good experiences here and enjoyed the food.
After reading Donald T.'s review, I felt it necessary to let people know that he's a complete HJ for being hypercritical of an owner-operated business. He should find something else to do with his time.
I give Josh's deli 4+ stars!
Great food with huge portions. The owner is the chef, he has a great spin on Jewish food. If your looking for a plain Jewish deli type food, this isn't the place! Nothing but the best food & service!!! I recommend having the fresh squeezed orange juice and the corned beef was so tender! Highly recommend this restaurant!
Review Source:Josh is a creative, hardworking guy. Check the specials board. He seems to do almost everything there. This is not a 'traditional' deli. But, they have many classics on the regular menu. The Pastrami is the best that I've had in South Florida. He hand sliced it right in front of me when I ordered it. It was warm. It had a 'buttery-fatty' flavor. He uses really good rye bread. He uses good ingredients in everything. The Mushroom Barley soup had an interesting flavor to it. 'Kat'-sp? makes some serious desserts. 'Carrot Cake Twinkie' and the 'Mississippi Mud Pie' were excellent. I repeat...Josh is creative. I loved the 'Banh Mazel' when he had that! BRING BACK THE CHOPPED LIVER...
Review Source:I've been there a few times now and really enjoyed the food each time. Â Flavors take me back to jewish delis I had eaten at when younger. Â
Pastrami was very tasty. Â Ordered a pastrami sandwich and of course Dr. Brown Black Cherry. Â However, after tasting my friends Matzoh ball soup, I had to order one for myself. Â Soup was very good, great flavor, right salt, great body. Â Matzah ball was good as well, nice texture, and was that rye in there? Â Very good.
Pastrami came and I smartly decided to take half home with me. Â Just finished as I'm writing this. Â I certainly enjoyed it today at Josh's, and at home now, after sitting in the fridge for a while, I'm very happy with it. Â Great texture, lovely fat, love the smoke.
I enjoyed it, and every time I introduce someone to it they seem very pleased as well.
It's not the speediest service. Â There is only one guy cooking, so that's understandable. Â The servers could be a little more attentive. Â Coffee took a while to come out. Â Something easy to improve. Â Maybe not great if you're in a rush, but always in an out under an hour.
Carrot cake twinkie was delicious as well.
lunch at Josh's Deli on Sun. Dec. 2nd, with 3 other foodie buddies. Â South Florida guys. They are all active on my "Ellen Loves Pastrami" group on Facebook. Â I am very serious about my pastrami, lol ! Â And, so is Miami Yelper, Donald T., who was with me. ; (his review is on here, as well.) Â Â I flew down from Atlantic City for the weekend, with this deli "meat up" to be my highlight. Â The first red flag was there was no toilet paper in the bathroom. Â Not even one sheet left. Â Along with no paper towels. Â I immediately told Josh, & he quickly corrected that blooper. Â
The matzoh ball soup broth  did not have much "chicken-y" flavored taste.  And, there was too much sage in it.  But, I really enjoyed the ball :)!
The potato pancakes had a nice homemade appeal to them. Along with an  Interesting  shape.  They were a little burnt in spots,  but most bites were crispy/tasty.
Certainly very unique, anyway. Most would not think this  was "eye candy" due to the dark look, aka burnt spots.
I had read some real good reviews about Josh's pastrami, but my experience was very disappointing. Â The pastrami was cold & tough. Â Not ICED cold, but cold.
The rye bread was nothing special, and tasted like it was on it's way out .
I returned the pastrami, & the gal gladly gave me a corned beef /turkey combo instead. Â The corned beef was a big winner for me !! Â It tasted like the pastrami SHOULD'VE. Â (I've attached pics of all my items ). Â Nice thick slices, good texture.
Good smoke rings. Â The turkey was decent, with a homemade taste. Â BUT, it would've been a lot better if it wasn't served ICED cold. Â It must've come right out of any extra cold FRIDGE .
Service was extra slow, as it took 40 minutes for our soups to come out.
And, for the first 20 minutes, we just sat there with our ice waters.
Buddy Donald T, & I ordered  a few adult beverages.  Mimosa for me. Â
Summary : Â I enjoyed the comraderie a lot, but the food not so much...
As a life long deli connoisseur ,after reading about Josh's Deli in a number  of newspapers and magazines, I decided to give it a try.  I saw on his website that he was open everyday until 5:00, so I gathered the family and drove down 45 minutes from Broward for a late lunch. we got to the restaurant at about 3:00 and was approached by one of the "friendly" staff, who simply said " we're closed".  We started to leave the  restaurant and noticed on the door that the posted hours were everyday until 3:30.  Having thought that the server had made a mistake, I walked back in and said to  Josh that the sign says you're open to 3:30. He proceeded to tell me " or until the food runs out".
Call me old  fashioned, but I expect that a deli will actually have food during  their  normal business hours. I guess the next time I'm in the mood for some real deli I'll go to a more traditional one..........one that has actually has food to eat.
I Â wonder what would have happened if we showed up at 2:30 when Josh still had some food left, Â perhaps we could have gotten a matzo ball soup without the matzo balls, Â a pastrami without the bread or one of his famous knishes absent the potato.
although we never got to eat at Josh's, I suggest that if you decide to  go you call Josh before hand and make sure he knows you're coming in order  to save you some food.
Oy vey!,
Their matzoh ball soup is the best ever -- they're made with duck fat rather than chicken fat so are tastier than most. He also adds spinach and egg noodles, welcome additions. The pastrami is tops -- lean and flavorful. He makes his own accompaniments too -- ketchup, mustard, coleslaw. For more, read my blogpost on <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmiamicurated.com&s=a7d8cee7268b8dcda4a9aa7fea4ecd25b22a1ba9673a4575b9cec2c1e8bcd1b1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://miamicurated.com</a>
Review Source:I met up here with three deli-savvy friends because of the outstanding reviews. Â We left very much disappointed. Â One diner's comment was, "I wouldn't return if it was across the street."
I had a pastrami on rye sandwich, a bowl of matzoh ball soup, and latkas with apple sauce. Â First, service was not good, and the one-man kitchen (Josh himself), was very slow.
All four of us are members of a pastrami fan group on Facebook, and we came because of the touted housemade pastrami. Â It was served cold, which was a surprise, and was a bit tough. Â I appreciate the effort, but the result was not great. Â It was just ok, and I felt that the seasonings were a bit heavy on the cardamom. Â The standard sandwich was about 5 oz. of meat. Â Oh, and the "rye bread" reminded me of tan Wonder Bread.
The matzoh ball soup broth was a thin, and lacking in chicken essence, and the cook had a heavy hand with sage.
The latkas were laughable. Â They were thin, crispy, and burnt.
I also had what was billed as a "Sake-Strami Mary" or something like that. Â It was Josh's take on a bloody mary cocktail, made with Sake. Â It was bloody awful! Â The seasoning seemed to consist of about a tablespoon of pastrami curing spices (hence the name?). Â It was like having a mouthful of muddy spices. Â Yuck.
One of the reasons that I am is so disappointed is that the chef/owner of a great restaurant on Biscayne Boulevard has checked in at Josh's 23 times, and I was sure that was a good sign. Â I was wrong. Â I disliked or was not fond of everything I consumed, except for water.
Not recommended.
Awesome atmosphere, a gem right across from flannigans... The owner Josh, works right behind the counter and cooks all of the food himself. Â I've had better service here than at 5 star restaurants. Â A little pricey for a deli, but a very friendly staff, and excellent food. Â Recommended.
Review Source:Some of the best pastrami I've tried from coast to coast.
When it gets to this level of greatness you could maybe argue one place or another over this - but the fact is this is house made pastrami made with love.
On top of that it's properly spiced, smoked, and hand sliced for your delight.
Totally not a traditional Jewish deli as they have lobstah on the menu. Wow! The true traditionalists just keep walking - but the people that care about taste....they come here.
I had the jewban which was a like a cubano with pastrami. Killer stuff. I also had a sample of their rye bread and the flavor was perfect with just the right amount of caraway seeds. My only criticism of the rye bread was the crust was not the double baked LA style I love.
Try this place! You'll thank me later.
Josh is good people serving up some good eats.
This is my go to place for a pastrami sandwich. Definitely one of the best pastramis I have had anywhere. Josh cures and smokes the brisket in-house, and then hand slices it thick for every sandwich, lean or marbled, however you like.
Both soups I have tried, matzah ball and chili, are both also among the best I have ever had.
Every time I have tried one of the specials, my only complaint would be that I passed up another opportunity to order the pastrami.
I don't usually eat these, but whatever the secret is, drop your guard and try them:
The tongue sandwich melts in your mouth! Definitely recommend this one if it is available. Best option is to go with a friend, and order both the tongue and pastrami!
Chopped liver. I said it. Never tried it before, never tried it anywhere else, but in Josh I trust. This is definitely a challenging dish for the picky eaters, but everything is worth a try.
Finish it all off with some homemade cheesecake, and then you'll want to give Josh a kiss on the cheek like you would your Bubby.
I hate to burst everyone's bubble but my husband and I just came from Josh's where we had the worst, the saltiest, the toughest pastrami we've ever eaten. We had suffered so long without a real Jewish deli, that all our money was on Josh's. The pickles were very old and soggy; the chicken soup was without chicken essence - in other words, the chicken barely spent any time in the pot. We didn't like the place and expected more from a nice Jewish boy from NY whose other restaurant, we hear, is quite good.
Review Source:Work in the area craving good Jewish food considering my location. Â Begals are sub par. Â There are better places in North Miami . Â Doughy, soft like wonder bread, no begal flavor. Â I ordered lakas...I wish I could post a picture - literally black crumbling apart when you bite into them. Â Save your money, or order elsewhere if it's delivery you're looking for. The Greek Place is your best option.
Don't like writing bad reviews, but it's the truth
Stumbled upon this place looking for an easy breakfast spot while vacationing in the area. Was in love as soon as I saw the menu, packed with both Jewish deli classics like matzo ball soup and clever reinterpretations, such as the Jewish take on huevos rancheros that we saw on the specials when we were there.
They told us that they cure much of their meat in-house, and they had a huge selection of smoked and cured fish as well. Everything we had tasted delicious, made with love, and not too unhealthy. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who lives in this hood!
Josh is doing good things up at the former-original Chow Down location. Â Now converted into a not-so-traditional Jewish deli, Josh is serving up corned beef, pastrami, smoked fish, and matzo ball soup - all made in house.
The latkes are good - very crispy - and served the traditional way with apple sauce or amped up with smoked salmon and caviar. Â We tried both. Â The caviar is actually salmon roe, which is quite delicious nonetheless. Â I liked both versions, but would probably lean toward the traditional apple sauce on future visits.
My friends each got a scrambled eggs dish - one with veggies, one with pastrami. Â Each ordered the bagel (also homemade) on the side, and we all agreed these were the best bagels we'd had in a long time! Â We also got a side of the whitefish salad, which I thought was pretty good, especially on one of those bagels.
I tried the half & half combo with matzo ball soup and a half pastrami sandwich, on rye with mustard, natch. Â It was great. Â The matzo ball was more hard than fluffy, but had tons of flavor, and the soup was delish too. Â The pastrami was great - though a little too fatty for me in some parts. Â They did offer to lean it up for me, but I declined - something to consider for next time.
Josh also sent out a new matzo ball creation he's working on for us to try - a deep-fried matzo ball stuff with cream cheese and jalapenos, served with a chipotle mayo dipping sauce. Â It was awesome!
The service was incredibly friendly - our waiter was happy to give us more information about the menu offerings, and answer all our questions. Â They also have Dr. Brown's sodas, so bonus Jewish deli points for that.
Josh's Deli is a great addition to a town that is desperately lacking in the Jewish deli department, especially considering its heritage. Â I'll be back often!!
The food is definitely fresh and homemade. You taste it in every bite. The pastrami was a bit fatty for me because the slices are super thick but the flavor was wonderful and I smashed my sandwich quickly. ;) I would definitely go back to try the Jewban and the bagels with smoked fish.
Review Source:Originally from New Jersey, I can enjoy a good deli. Â Walked in and it was a little slow the first trip there so Josh had some time to chat. Â Good dude. Â Knows his stuff. Â Cures most of his meats in house which is awesome. Â Pastrami with fat on it is the way it is supposed to be not sliced thin and fatless like a Boars Head or such. Â Great sized portions- pickles are amazing...made in house as well.
I've been there 4 times in the past two months. Â Jewban sandwich is unlike anything I have ever eaten. Â Seriously. Â
They had Poutine on the menu one of the last weekends. Â WOW. Â It was amazing. Â
Small place, it can get crowded. Â Service is friendly but remember good things take time. Â You can seriously see Josh cooking- cleaning-and directing the show... cooking alone is a hard enough task... One bite of one of his sandwiches and you will see what I mean.
This is a great addition to the Miami food scene. Â Josh's is a friendly, thoughtful deli that serves up traditional Jewish/German deli staples with some twists. Â One such twist is the delicious poutine (french fries, topped with cheese curds and served in gravy, the gravy here was a little salty, but it was still awfully good).
The thing I love about the Josh's is that their meats are all smoked/cured in house. Â I've had the pastrami and corned beef, and while I traditionally like pastrami more, I think Josh's corned beef is markedly better. Â While both are cured nicely, I think Josh's pastrami is a little leaner than I'd prefer, but the flavor is spot on.
The service at Josh's is awesome. Â The staff is very friendly and attentive. Â Josh even takes time from his furious cooking/sandwich-building to greet you and ask you how your food is. Â I love this place and it's now a regular joint for me.
I wanted to like Josh's Deli. We don't have good deli's in Surfside so was looking forward to having a great one in the neighborhood. Unfortunately I was very disappointed.
On a positive note, the corned beef was excellent. Unfortunately there were so many negative things about Josh's that the good did not outweigh the bad.
How can a deli sell you frozen bagels when they advertise that they make their own. We stopped by Josh's to buy a dozen bagels and some cream cheese. Cost was $35.00 and the bagels were FROZEN!!! When confronting Josh later in the day about it, he admitted it was his fault, but asked if we tried toasting them. WHAT????
I also agree with the comments about the pink chopped liver. The only time I have seen pink liver is when it is not cooked.
Although the corned beef was great, I would never go back. If I wanted frozen bagels, I would buy Lenders across the street at Publix for 3.99, for six, not $35.00 for a dozen.
I cant believe the good reviews here. Â If you like classic deli food, don't go here. Â My moms chopped liver was PINK? Â The "potato" pancakes were black and oxidized as well as oily because they weren't cooked at the right temperature. Â They toss a bunch of stuff in the matzo balls which are like bricks. Â We didnt stay for our sandwiches. Â All the write ups heralded the return of the Jewish deli. Â They need to learn less is more.
Review Source:Yelp is a difficult concept for me. Unfortunately, it becomes a forum for uninformed "foodies" to blither in a ridiculous manner about a subject which they actually know very little about. I work in the industry, and I appreciate honesty. Good food is honest food. Does this taste good? If it doesn't, how do we make it better? Thanks Josh, you made the matzoh ball soup I always wanted and you continue to help change the culture of food in Miami.
Review Source:This Place is Fantastic. Â Brings me back to my childhood growing up in Bergen county New Jersey and spending most of it with my family in Brooklyn New York. Â When I arrived I began reminiscing about Russ & daughters appetizing in Manhattan(check it out).
At Josh's, they continue this lost art of curing and smoking their own fish and meats! Â They even brew their own bagels.
I came here with Jonah K, and we both wanted the pastrami. Â Luckily I ordered first and got the last of it. Â He got the corn beef and was definitely satisfied. Â The homemade mustard for the sammy's was delectable. Â They got Dr. Browns too! Â I ordered the matzah ball soup and enjoyed it. Â Not your Nana's matzah ball though. Â They make a new and fresh modern interpretation. Â
Like I told my Nana I was coming to Miami to find me a Jewban and they got a gorgeous one here. Delish!!! Â I will sum my review up in three words.
NOSH AT JOSH!
Awesome food overall, the pastrami is a bit fatty, since it's slices so thick. I need to ask for extra lean. Ask for the homemade mustard, you will not be disappointed. The homemade smoked fish is amazing, all of it is some of the best I have had. Unreal! The homemade bagles are decent as well.
Overall this place is awesome, and Josh does an excellent job. I can't believe he has time to make everything from scratch every day, what dedication!
What a great new find. Excellent food, especially the pastrami and corned beef (but great for breakfast too). And it's always great when the owner is also the chef and server. (PS - its about the only place open on Sunday mornings in a mile radius and it costs way less than the places near the mall).
Review Source:Heard about this place on Gilt City so we had to try because of recommendation. The place is pretty small but overall comfortable and good layout. We like the bar sitting area because you can see them preparing your food. It's near Bal Harbour Shops and there's plenty of street parking outside. Josh, the owner / chef immediately greeted us when we walked in. I noticed the specials on the wall so we ordered the "Jewban" pastrami and roasted pork, swiss cheese on pressed cuban bread and "Kevin Cory" tuna, whitefish, salmon, wasabi mayo on toasted bagel. Delicious and freshly prepared! Â We will definitely come back for breakfast or dinner next time. Wish you the best Josh!
Review Source:Great Jewish deli! Came twice in two days - once for breakfast and once for lunch, so you know it must be good.
For breakfast we had the corned beef hash with two eggs sunny side up and a homemade bagel with fresh nova, tomato, onion and capers. Â The bagel itself was incredible.
For lunch we had a bowl of matzah ball soup and a tongue sandwich. I admit I was weary of trying the tongue but my bf was adament so i gave in. I'd definitly order it again!
Great LITTLE restaurant located on Harding Ave, steps away from gorgeous Bal Harbour.
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