Naomi Grill

A trip to Naomi Grill, Madrid’s only Sephardic, kosher restaurant, gives one pause for thought. Entering the white, crisply decorated space and seeing the yarmulke-clad clientele snaps Spanish history into sharp focus.

Ironically, if one weren’t reading the menu carefully, one might assume Naomi was a Moroccan restaurant, …which just happens to serve kosher Spring rolls. What, did a portion of the diaspora make it as far as China? Giuseppe Gavizon, the owner, simply smiles and replies, “It’s the only place some people can eat spring rolls.” The reality of being kosher in Madrid and the importance of this restaurant begin to sink in.

Amid a wide range of North African-related dishes, Naomi prides itself on its assortment of Tajin, a stew-like dish cooked in a special earthenware vessel. The chicken tajin, for example, is a sweet, saffron-spiced dish simmered with prunes and almonds. They also specialize in couscous dishes including the traditional lamb option.

The wine list, or course, is fully kosher and the desserts are the traditional baklava.

If you like North African cuisine, you’ll love Naomi Grill. Any historical epiphanies you may have while eating are free of charge.

ARTICLE COURTESY OF MAPMAGAZINE.COM - YOUR DAILY DOSE OF MADRID