Zahav
| Address | 237 St. James Place |
|---|---|
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Society Hill |
| Phone | (215) 625-8800 |
| Website | Official site |
| Cuisine | Israeli, Middle Eastern |
| Price range | $$$$ |
| Established | 2008 |
| Owner | CookNSolo Restaurants |
| Hours | Dinner daily |
Zahav is an Israeli restaurant located at 237 St. James Place in Society Hill, Philadelphia. Opened in 2008 by chef Michael Solomonov and restaurateur Steven Cook, Zahav has become one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the United States, winning the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2019—the highest honor in American dining. The restaurant is credited with revolutionizing Israeli cuisine in America and elevating Philadelphia's national culinary reputation.[1]
History
Founding
Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook opened Zahav in 2008 with a mission to showcase the diverse cuisines of Israel and the Middle East:
Background:
- Solomonov: Israeli-born chef who moved to Pittsburgh as a child
- Cook: Restaurant operator and business partner
- Vision: Authentic Israeli cuisine beyond falafel and hummus
- Name: "Zahav" means "gold" in Hebrew
The restaurant opened during the 2008 financial crisis, a challenging time for new ventures, but quickly built a devoted following.
Early Recognition
Zahav gained immediate critical acclaim:
- 2008: Philadelphia Magazine Best New Restaurant
- 2009: James Beard Award nomination (Solomonov)
- 2011: Solomonov wins James Beard Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
- Ongoing: Consistent recognition as Philadelphia's top restaurant
National and International Fame
By the mid-2010s, Zahav transcended local acclaim:
- Featured in national food media
- Food & Wine*** recognition
- Bon Appétit*** features
- Cookbook publication (Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking)
The restaurant became a destination, drawing diners from across the country.
James Beard Outstanding Restaurant (2019)
In 2019, Zahav won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, the industry's highest honor:
- Significance: First Philadelphia restaurant to win in the award's history
- Recognition: Elevated Philadelphia's national culinary standing
- Validation: Confirmed Zahav's status as a world-class restaurant
The award placed Philadelphia alongside New York, Chicago, and San Francisco as a top dining destination.
The Food
Culinary Philosophy
Zahav's cuisine reflects the diversity of Israeli cooking:
- Mediterranean influences: Turkish, Greek, Lebanese, Egyptian
- Middle Eastern traditions: Spices, preparations, techniques
- Israeli innovation: Modern interpretations of traditional dishes
- Local ingredients: Emphasis on seasonal, regional products
The Hummus
Zahav's hummus is legendary:
- Made from heirloom hummus al-sham*** chickpeas
- Prepared fresh, served warm
- Silky, smooth texture
- Served with fresh-baked laffa bread
Many consider it the best hummus in America.
Signature Dishes
The lamb shoulder:
- Whole roasted lamb shoulder for two or more
- Hours of slow cooking
- Served with accompaniments
- Must be ordered in advance
Salatim (salads):
- Array of small dishes
- Changes seasonally
- Essential start to the meal
- Highlights vegetables
Grilled meats:
- Prepared over open fire
- Israeli spicing
- Various proteins available
The Tasting Menu
Zahav offers a tasting menu that showcases the kitchen's range:
- Multiple courses
- Chef's selection
- Vegetarian option available
- Best way to experience the restaurant
Michael Solomonov
Background
Michael Solomonov is one of America's most celebrated chefs:
- Born: Israel, raised in Pittsburgh
- Training: Culinary education, Israeli military service
- Personal story: Brother killed in Israeli military service
- Philosophy: Food as cultural preservation and connection
James Beard Awards
Solomonov's personal accolades:
- 2011: Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
- 2017: Outstanding Chef (nominee)
- 2019: Outstanding Restaurant (Zahav)
- Cookbook awards: Zahav cookbook recognized
Media and Books
- Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking*** (cookbook)
- Israeli Soul*** (cookbook)
- Television appearances
- Food media features
CookNSolo Restaurant Group
Zahav is the flagship of CookNSolo Restaurants, the partnership between Solomonov and Steven Cook:
Other restaurants:
- Federal Donuts - Fried chicken and doughnuts
- Dizengoff - Hummus-focused concept
- Abe Fisher - Jewish deli/restaurant
- Laser Wolf*** - Israeli grill
- K'far - Israeli cafe and bakery
- Merkaz - Israeli restaurant
The group has expanded Solomonov's vision across multiple concepts.
The Experience
Atmosphere
Zahav occupies a dramatic space:
- High ceilings
- Open kitchen
- Modern Israeli design
- Elegant but approachable
The room manages to feel both sophisticated and warm.
Service
- Knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff
- Guidance through the menu
- Attention to dietary restrictions
- Special occasion appropriate
Reservations
Zahav requires reservations:
- Booking: Online through Resy
- Advance notice: Often books weeks ahead
- Parties: Large groups accommodated with notice
- Bar seating: Sometimes available for walk-ins
Impact on Philadelphia
Culinary Reputation
Zahav elevated Philadelphia's national standing:
- Proved Philadelphia could compete with any food city
- Drew culinary tourists to the city
- Inspired other chefs
- Attracted media attention to Philadelphia dining
Israeli Cuisine in America
Zahav influenced American understanding of Israeli food:
- Moved beyond stereotypes
- Showcased cuisine's diversity
- Created national interest
- Inspired other Israeli restaurants
Local Food Scene
Within Philadelphia:
- Set high standards
- Trained cooks who opened other restaurants
- Demonstrated sustainable restaurant practices
- Showed commitment to the city
Location
Society Hill
Zahav is located at 237 St. James Place in Society Hill:
- Historic neighborhood
- Near Independence Hall
- Walkable from Center City hotels
- Parking available nearby
See Also
References
- ↑ "Zahav Restaurant". Zahav. Retrieved December 31, 2025