Norwegian Toast (Smoked Salmon, cream cheese and cucumber.) One of the menu items at Cafe Vert in Surfside. (Courtesy of Cafe Vert in Surfside)
A shopping excursion and Museum tour around Miami Beach can certainly work up an appetite.
On a recent Sunday afternoon that included a tour of The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, I decided I would have lunch at one of the many Kosher restaurants along Harding Avenue in Surfside.
With so many Kosher eateries in this residential beachside community, it’s not easy to choose.
I decided on the long-established, family-owned Cafe Vert, located at 9490 Harding Ave.
I asked manager Michael Labi what the origin was for the word “Vert” in the restaurant’s name.
“It’s French for the color green. Green symbolizes something that is fresh and clean,” Michael answered. “My parents, Claude and Eva moved our family to Miami from Marseilles, France so my father could pursue his dream of opening a restaurant in America. He opened Cafe Vert in 2008.”
“Tireless efforts on my parent’s behalf, made the restaurant successful and a staple of the Surfside community,” Michael continued.
At the inviting and warm family-owned restaurant, the Labi’s make all their customers feel like they are part of the family.
Regulars come in and are warmly acknowledged upon entering and leaving, I observed.
“My father is from Tunisia and my mother is from Morocco. The European-inspired menu was influenced by the native backgrounds of my parents,” Michael continued. “Everything is made fresh daily. Call in advance for gluten-free bakery items.”
Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu has many selections to choose from.
Popular items:
Special Breakfast (2 eggs scrambled, sunny side up or over easy served with toasted baguette, salad and potatoes, fresh orange juice, American coffee.) $14.50.
Avocado and Feta (Mashed Avocado with feta on top, drizzled with olive oil.) $13.50.
Tuna Salad Sandwich (A freshly made tuna sandwich with your choice of 3 condiments.) $15.90.
Feel Good Salad (Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, quinoa, red onions, olives, chickpeas, avocadoes, beets, peppers, and sauteed mushrooms. Served with our pesto dressing.) $19.50.
Omelets and eggs:
Omelet choices: Cheese, Vegetable, Avocado, Spinach and Feta, Mushroom with onion and cheese, Greek, Lox and Onion, and an Everything omelet. Prices vary.
Shashuka (Poached eggs cooked in a sauce made with fresh tomatoes, peppers and onions.) $16.90.
Toasts:
Avocado and Feta (Mashed Avocado with feta on top, drizzled with olive oil.) $13.50.
Norwegian Toast (Smoked Salmon, cream cheese and cucumber.) $13.90.
Beets Toast (Goat cheese, arugula and beets.) $13.50.
Boost Toast (Almond butter, chia seeds and sliced bananas.) $12.50
Cafe Vert Toast (Avocado, goat cheese and arugula.) $14.50.
Salads:
Caesar Salad (Lettuce, croutons, parmesan, tomatoes and our Caesar dressing.) $12.90.
Greek Salad (Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, black olives, chickpeas, and feta. Served with our lemon dressing on the side.) $16.50.
Caprese Salad (Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, peppers, and basil. Served with our balsamic dressing.) $16.50.
Grilled Salmon Salad (Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, red onions and a piece of grilled salmon on top.) $21.50.
Tuna and Egg Salad Platter (Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, a scoop of freshly made tuna salad and a scoop of freshly made egg salad.) $17.90.
Hot Goat Cheese Salad (Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and warm goat cheese on croutons.) $17.90.
Pasta: Varied prices.
(Sauces: Pink, Pesto, Marinara, Alfredo).
From the Sea:
Salmon Oriental Sauce (A piece of Fresh Salmon that baked in a sauce made with tomatoes, peppers and onions.) $21.90.
Salmon, Basil Cream (A piece of Fresh Salmon that baked in a cream and basil sauce.) $21.90.
Tilapia Oriental Sauce (A piece of Fresh Tilapia that baked in a sauce made with tomatoes, peppers and onions.) $19.90.
Tilapia Basil Cream (A piece of Fresh Tilapia that baked in a cream and basil sauce.) $19.90.
There are also several Sandwiches, Paninis, Crepes and Desserts to choose from.
My server Lacey was very attentive and friendly, and added to the pleasurable dining experience.
“I’ve been working for the Labi’s for a year. What I love most about them is how well they care for their employees and customers. They are more about the people than the money.”
Cafe Vert is located at 9490 Harding Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: (305) 867-3151.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday 1:30-3 p.m. Closed Saturday.
Both inside and outside dining available.
Copyright © 2021, Sun Sentinel
Copyright © 2021, Sun Sentinel
Surfside's Cafe Vert: Where diners feel like family – South Florida Sun Sentinel
