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

References

↑ "Zahav Restaurant". Zahav. Retrieved December 31, 2025

External Links

[zahav-official-1] "Zahav Restaurant". Zahav. Retrieved December 31, 2025

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