Deli 613

The small Jewish community in Ireland traditionally relied on suppliers in the United Kingdom for kosher products. Following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, there was shortage of kosher food in Ireland due to additional regulatory requirements and checks.[1]

The deli opened in a former 19th century schoolhouse[2] attached to the Chabad House in the southern part of Dublin in March 2023. Upon its opening, Deli 613 was the first fully kosher eatery operating in Ireland since the late 1960s.[1][3]

The owners, Rivka and Zalman Lent, emissaries of the Chabad Lubavitch movement in Dublin, envisioned the deli as a partial solution to the kosher food shortage in Ireland. The 613 in the deli's name references the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah.[1]

The kosher food is sourced from France, Belgium, and Israel. Previously, the Lents shipped their kosher food supply from Manchester, England.[3]

Deli 613's chef Robbie Burns[4] is not Jewish, but has experience in the Irish food market.[1]

Deli 613 serves a mix of local Irish food, Israeli food, and Jewish cuisine. Made-to-order items include salt beef sandwiches alongside Jewish and Israeli foods such as hummus, falafel, tahini, chopped liver, and herring.[1][3]

The deli imports its bagels frozen from New York State due to a lack of kosher bagel wholesalers in Europe.[4]

The majority of Deli 613's clientele is non-Jewish,[3] and a number of celebrities visited after its opening. In July 2023, Leo Varadkar, Ireland's Taoiseach, came to Deli 613 for traditional Jewish foods latkes, matzah ball soup, and a salt beef sandwich.[4] Former Scottish football player Graeme Souness, actor Colm Meaney and celebrity chef Donal Skehan have also visited.[1]

The Irish Times awarded the restaurant four-and-a-half stars, describing it as a "great addition to the neighborhood".[2]