Got Kosher?

About Got Kosher?

North African, French, Jewish & Inspired

Serving up a unique fusion of flavors and traditions

The vibrant cuisine at Got Kosher? Restaurant reflects the heritage of chef-owner Alain Cohen, in his authentic centuries-old Tunisian dishes–crafted with techniques he learned working in his family’s Paris restaurant, and seasoned with an LA twist of innovation.

The result? Some of the best – and among the most unique – cuisine available in Los Angeles. Chef Cohen spices up his international kosher cuisine with North African ingredients, including the historic and beloved house made harissa—Tunisia’s signature spicy condiment sauce. Along with a menu that includes traditional French, sumptuous Moroccan and American classics, the restaurant features authentic Tunisian dishes unavailable anywhere else.

Award-winning pretzel challah & pastry

Got Kosher? is renowned from sea to shining sea for Chef Cohen’s personal creation: pretzel challah. The lines are out of the door on Friday, as Angelenos come from far and wide to buy their favorite flavor—from Belgian Chocolate Chunk to Kalamata Olive & Rosemary & everyone’s favorite, Original Pretzel Challah. Named Best Non-Traditional Challah 2012 by Los Angeles Magazine, Got Kosher? ships the challah across the country and to supermarkets around Southern California.

Overseen by Chef Cohen, Got Kosher? Bakery produces a variety of baked goods, , including delectable desserts, produced daily by the bakery’s French pastry chef. Chef Cohen’s mission is to recreate in taste and beauty the traditional French pastries of his hometown in non-dairy —and with his uncompromising standards, he has succeeded

Customer well-being a high priority

The kitchen prides itself on holding to high standards in its food choices. Daily, the kitchen sources the freshest produce available, and cooks only with non-GMO canola oil (despite the additional expense). With both environmental and customer well-being in mind, Got Kosher? cooks with beef which is 100% pasture raised, chicken which is antibiotic- and hormone- free, and fish which is sustainably farmed.

Got Kosher? is one of the few kosher restaurants with a commitment to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free offerings. The lunch and dinner menus, as well as the weekly Shabbat takeout, include creative dishes—as well as dairy-free desserts.

Under the direction of Chef Alain Cohen, Got Kosher? Restaurant & Bakery is blazing new creative culinary ground in the world of international kosher cuisine. We hope you’ll join us soon, so we may feed your body & soul.

The Chef

Feeding body & soul

Chef Alain Cohen learned at an early age in Paris about the importance of fresh ingredients and high quality meats in the preparation of superb glatt kosher food. Working for his father at Les Ailes, a well-known restaurant established after the family emigrated from Tunisia to Paris, Chef Cohen was also schooled in the metaphysical qualities of the ingredients. Pumpkin and garlic were used to ward off enemies, spinach to bring renewal, fish to spawn fertility, and dates to elevate the soul to the height of palm trees, and to wash away one’s sins.

A busboy by the age of 9, Chef Cohen learned the restaurant business from the proverbial ground up. He assisted his father on Friday afternoons in offering take-out couscous meals with meat, fish, or beans and vegetables,–the requisite fare for Shabbat tables across the Tunisian community of Paris. He continued with stints as a waiter, chef, bartender and, finally, general manager.

It’s all about art

Ultimately, Chef Cohen left the family business for the lure of filmmaking. With two documentaries about the Jews of the Tunisian island of Djerba under his belt, he moved to Los Angeles in 1981, where he attended the American Film Institute.

But it wasn’t long before he felt pulled back into the culinary arts. He served as manager of the iconic La Brea Bakery and learned technique from local artisanal bread maven, Nancy Silverton—technique he would employ in developing his addictive pretzel challah. In 2002, he launched Got Kosher? as a producer and wholesaler of packaged sandwiches and salads. As well, he founded Neshama Gourmet Kosher Foods, home of the truly irresistible Neshama All-Natural Kosher Chicken & Turkey Sausages.

For Chef Cohen, Got Kosher? brings his life full circle–back to his French Tunisian roots with a modern American twist. The small provisions shop he opened in 2009 has grown into a beloved neighborhood fixture, with a restaurant, takeout, bakery and catering. Got Kosher? continues to reflect Chef Cohen’s passion for delicious foods “that happen to be kosher.” With an ongoing vision of elevating kosher food, Chef Cohen continues to break culinary ground with vegan & gluten-free offerings, as well as heavenly dairy-free French pastry. Who knows what comes next.