"Kosher Style" Vs "Kosher" / Meshugana Deli Closes In Sarasota / Katz's Deli Isn't Kosher In NYC.

Almost always when a restaurant calls itself "kosher style", the food itself is not actually kosher. For example, the Reuben sandwich, which contains meat and cheese, is not kosher.

Critics of "kosher style" point out that the term itself is an oxymoron, since it creates an illusion of kashrut where the true emphasis is on a style of cuisine, rather than compliance with religious dietary laws.] They argue that it dilutes the significance of kashrut, and misleads consumers regarding the food's compliance with Jewish dietary laws. The concern is that the term blurs the line between what is genuinely kosher and what merely reflects a style of Jewish cuisine, potentially causing confusion amongst both practicing Jews and the broader public. In some U.S. states, the use of this term in advertising is illegal as a misleading term under consumer protection laws.

Several notable restaurants in Lower Manhattan fit into the "kosher style" genre, including Katz's Delicatessen and Russ & Daughters. Canter's Deli in Los Angeles, Manny's Deli in Chicago, and Schwartz's in Montréal also fall into this category.