Editing Zahav

{{Infobox Restaurant
| name = Zahav
| image =
| image_caption = Zahav restaurant
| cuisine = Israeli, Middle Eastern
| address = 237 St. James Place
| neighborhood = Society Hill
| coordinates = 39.9469,-75.1467
| phone = (215) 625-8800
| website = https://www.zahavrestaurant.com
| established = 2008
| founder = Michael Solomonov, Steven Cook
| owner = CookNSolo Restaurants
| price_range = $$$$
| hours = Dinner daily
| rating =
| reviews =
}}

'''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.<ref name="zahav-official">{{cite web |url=https://www.zahavrestaurant.com |title=Zahav Restaurant |publisher=Zahav |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== 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 ==
* [[Philadelphia Restaurants]]
* [[Society Hill]]
* [[Federal Donuts]]
* [[Philadelphia Food Culture]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==
* [https://www.zahavrestaurant.com Zahav Official Website]
* [https://www.cooknsolo.com CookNSolo Restaurant Group]

{{#seo:
|title=Zahav - James Beard Outstanding Restaurant, Michael Solomonov's Israeli Cuisine
|description=Zahav, Philadelphia's world-renowned Israeli restaurant by Michael Solomonov. Winner of James Beard Outstanding Restaurant 2019, famous hummus, and Middle Eastern cuisine in Society Hill.
|keywords=Zahav, Michael Solomonov, Israeli restaurant, James Beard Award, Philadelphia fine dining, hummus, Society Hill restaurant
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Restaurants]]
[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Fine Dining]]
[[Category:Society Hill]]
[[Category:James Beard Award]]