Zahav

The story

Zahav Philadelphia | Award-Winning Israeli Cuisine in Philadelphia

Since 2008, Zahav has brought the flavors of Israel's cultural crossroads to Philadelphia. The cooking here comes from a deep well of Israeli hospitality, and the restaurant has been widely credited with helping to introduce Israel's extraordinarily diverse culinary landscape to American diners. This commitment earned Zahav the 2019 James Beard Award for "Outstanding Restaurant," making it the first Israeli-American restaurant to receive that honor.

Chef Michael Solomonov, along with co-owner Steve Cook, leads the kitchen. Solomonov is a five-time James Beard Award winner, including "Outstanding Chef" in 2017 for his work at Zahav. His cooking draws on the traditions of Israeli cuisine, a style in constant evolution, and presents it with both authenticity and a refined hand.

The menu is built around the restaurant's signature "Al Ha’esh" (on the fire) offerings. Guests can choose from dishes like Romanian Beef Kebab with walnut muhammara, Chicken Shishlik with tomato matbucha, or a Mushroom Shishlik with garlic tehina and spring onion tabbouleh. The meal begins with a legendary Hummus-Tehina served with laffa bread, followed by a selection of salatim—small plates that might include beets with tehina, twice-cooked eggplant, and Moroccan carrots. The cocktail program features inventive drinks like the Z&T (gin, za'atar, and Bonal Gentian-Quina) and the Gold Negroni with grilled pineapple, while the wine list highlights Israeli producers alongside selections from Europe and beyond.

The dining room is welcoming and refined, with a 14-seat bar available for walk-ins and reservations. Zahav's consistent excellence has also been recognized with a Michelin Recommended award, affirming its place as a cornerstone of Philadelphia's dining scene. Whether at the chef’s counter or a main table, the experience is one of warm, generous hospitality rooted in a deep culinary tradition.