Chef Michael Solomonov’s Zahav is steeped in the milk and honey and hummus and lamb of his native Israel, as well as the cultures that have left a mark on that Promised Land. Taking advantage of its dramatic perch above one of the city's oldest streets, the restaurant relies on picture windows and soaring ceilings to create spectacle, but the open kitchen is the true stage. There, a small staff mixes and matches a melting pot of flavors for a modern menu whose highlights include colorful salatim and fluffy house-baked laffa (flatbread); kebabs of impossibly tender chicken or lamb merguez cooked over hot coals; and addictive florets of fried cauliflower served with a lemon-and-dill-spiked lebneh (yogurt cheese).

You may have heard that dining at Zahav is as crucial on a visit to Philly as seeing the Liberty Bell or gyrating with the Phanatic. The rumors are true—the silky tehina hummus, pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder, and endless salatim are worth fighting Gritty. This Israeli spot in Society Hill is notoriously difficult to get into, but April through September you actually have a shot—during the warmer months they open up the patio and serve the entire $85 tasting menu (reservations open up eight weeks ahead of time).

Zahav, named an outstanding restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2019 and labeled as the best restaurant in America by T+L that same year, is Israel-born chef Michael Solomonov's first restaurant in Philadelphia (he now owns nine). Guests are treated to a five-course prix-fixe menu, which includes delicious breads and mezzes, a choice of entrée (try the famous pomegranate lamb shoulder), and ends with dessert. The meal costs $75 per person, and you will need to make reservations well in advance.

It's nearly impossible to get a table at Zahav, the modern Israeli restaurant of James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov. It is much easier (and no less delicious) to grab a stuffed pita, fries and frosty tahini milkshake from Goldie, Solomonov’s popular falafel joint. Bringing the same meticulous attention to flavor at this fast-casual spot as he has at his restaurants, Solomonov has created a short but sweet menu that has the Rittenhouse-area lunch crowd lined out the door.

Zahav’s happy hour knocks $4 off every cocktail and offers up $3 beer and wine. It’s an excellent choice if you want to try what can be one of Philly’s hardest-to-get-into—and priciest—dining options on the cheap. Have a Z&T, Zahav’s take on the classic gin and tonic made with za’atar-infused gin, byrrh, fresh citrus juices and dolan blanc, with a side of the restaurant’s award-winning hummus (which is half off during happy hour!).

Talula's Garden has good food but an even better outdoor space to dine in if you have nice weather. Ristorante Pesto is a very old school South Philly Italian place. For something a little nicer I'd recommend Le Virtu (or its little sister that's a bit more casual, Brigantessa. Laurel is another great restaurant that's difficult to get into but is worth the wait. Le Virtu has a nice patio too.

Zahav is the Hebrew word for “gold,” which is reflected in the beautiful golden decor of the restaurant. Menu highlights include the fabulous hummus, halloumi with strawberries and peas, and any of the mezes or small plates. Try the restaurant’s signature cocktail, the refreshing Lemonnana—Jim Beam, muddled mint, fresh lemon, and verbena—served by the glass or by the pitcher.

Michael Solomonov’s award-winning Zahav helped put Philly’s food scene on the map. So if you’re gonna go, you have to go all in. Get the standard multi-course menu that includes hummus, mezze, charcoal-cooked skewers, and the signature Zahav lamb shoulder, which is only available through the tasting menu.

This modern Isralei gem sits in an unassuming spot just above the Ritz movie theaters in Old City. Chef Michael Solomonov has created an inventive and vivid display that has diners arriving by the boatload. Adventurous eaters should try the roasted duck hearts or minted raw lamb kibbe.

Here’s why: In 2008, Michael Solomonov staked his claim when he opened his Israeli restaurant, Zahav (which in essence acts as a pan-Middle Eastern restaurant, given Israel’s melting-pot status), with his partner, Steve Cook, in a ritzy corner of Society Hill. (This happened to be right around the time that food media fully entered the digital age and people were making the trek from New York City and flying in from L.A. for a taste of the duck and foie gras kebabs they’d read about.) The location was important: Zahav wasn’t born of a community need, like so many Middle Eastern restaurants in Philadelphia before it. It was born of a time — when restaurants and, above them, chefs all of a sudden mattered.

Just like everything else at Zahav, widely understood to be one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia (if not the entire country), dessert is a splendid affair, with imaginative ingredient combinations, vivid flavors and impeccable plating. Inspired by Israeli cuisine, these dishes feel rustic and modern, all at the same time, and never cease to surprise. The seasons dictate the curated dessert menu, with wintertime options, including blood orange sorbet with almond granita, candied almonds and coconut tuile, and Malabi custard with butternut squash, cranberry and walnut.

And of course, it’s impossible to discuss Jewish food in Philly without mentioning Philly’s most celebrated chef and restaurateur, Michael Solomonov, whose flagship restaurant of modern Israeli cuisine, Zahav, just received the James Beard Award for best restaurant in the United States. Solomonov plays a big role in making Philadelphia a culinary destination while exposing Philadelphians to the range and diversity of what Jewish food can be. His restaurants, owned by restaurant group CookNSolo with partner Steve Cook, are dotted throughout many categories on this list.

Chef-owner Michael Solomonov’s restaurant Zahav singlehandedly elevated Philadelphia’s food scene when the James Beard Foundation dubbed the Israeli concept the best restaurant in the country in 2019. (That’s the equivalent of winning the Oscar for best picture.) Come hungry: Zahav serves up a five-course tasting menu with an optional beverage pairing. Dishes like the pomegranate lamb shoulder complete with chickpeas and mint and the date-glazed eggplant with almonds, tehina and preserved lemon are so popular that you’ll have to get crafty to snag a table.

Hebrew for "gold," Zahav sets the standard for delicious modern Israeli food in this prime Society Hill establishment. A wide-open kitchen with a traditional wood-burning oven known as a taboon, and a rustic but chic, intimate interior are what lure you in, but the creative spins on Israeli and other Middle Eastern dishes are what will keep you coming back. Make a reservation for dinner and dine on the pomegranate lamb shoulder with a bed of mint-infused chickpeas, but only after you've indulged in a mezze option like the phyllo-wrapped halloumi.

When Jason Kelce isn’t pounding Bud Lights shirtless in celebration of his brother’s playoff win, he’s been known to enjoy a tasteful (and fully clothed) dinner at Zahav. The Philadelphia Eagles center has named the modern Israeli restaurant one of his favorite dinner destinations, and he and wife Kylie have been spotted there on date nights. The 16-year old restaurant from chef Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook nabbed a James Beard Award for the most outstanding restaurant in the country in 2019, and it can still be tough to score a reservation.

Before James Beard chef Michael Solomonov opened the only upscale Israeli restaurant in Philadelphia, he took his entire staff to Israel to give them a taste of the land, the spirit and the food. The result is a very modern experience that draws from recipes cooked since ancient times. Innovative drinks, a small-plates approach and one of the largest Israeli wine lists outside of the Middle East make Zahav an ideal place to go to learn about an unfamiliar cuisine or return again and again for old favorites.

Few things are as synonymous with Philadelphia as this modern Israeli eatery located in Society Hill. Helmed by Michael Solmonov, this winner of the 2019 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant serves up hummus perfected among a host of inventive twists on classic Israeli dishes like halloumi with strawberry-fennel jam, pistachio, and pickled green strawberries. Opt for the house specialty pomegranate lamb shoulder as your entree choice and splurge on the impeccably curated wine pairing.

🏆 Won for outstanding restaurant; 2018; Michael Solomonov won outstanding chef, 2017; best chef mid-Atlantic, 2010; nominee for outstanding service, 2017-2018. Zahav is the cornerstone restaurant of the CookNSolo restaurant empire, which, when it opened over a decade ago, introduced modern Israeli food to the Philadelphia region. Today, it continues to serve the creamiest hummus, puffiest pita, and its beloved pomegranate lamb shoulder to guests who wait months for their reservation.

Similar to Suraya, Zahav is a tough spot to book a reservation for, due to it’s ever-increasing popularity and buzz around Philly. We can see why – this Israeli restaurant has everything, from gourmet food to incredible ambiance. We recommend trying the tasting menu, which includes hummus, laffa, mezze, a grilled dish, and dessert, or the pomegranate lamb shoulder (which has become one of the most famous dishes in Philadelphia – they even ship it nation-wide!).

Zahav is consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia and was the best restaurant in the country in 2019 according to the James Beard Awards. Zahav is the brainchild of Chef Michael Solomonov and entrepreneur Steve Cook, who together form CookNSolo restaurant group. Chef Mike, as the staff call him, is very involved, so if you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, you’ll probably see him walking around the restaurant, chatting with customers.

You’re up for a culinary journey to the heart of Israel at Zahav, where Chef Michael Solomonov weaves magic with vibrant spices and traditional cooking techniques. The menu, a symphony of mezze, grilled meats, and creative vegetarian options, transports diners to the bustling streets of Tel Aviv. Zahav enjoys a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Google, with countless reviews highlighting its explosive flavors, warm hospitality, and lively atmosphere.

Yeah, that’s a lofty claim but it’s true at Zahav where the food is so damn good, you need to book reservations months in advance. The wait is well worth it simply for the best hummus on earth, one of many scintillating items on Zahav’s intricate menu. Zahav is for that once-in-a-lifetime experience so take a date because neither of you will forget this meal or the scrumptious, chewy laffa bread you’ll indulge in for starters.

Zahav puts an excellent modern twist on traditional Israeli cuisine with highlights that include rich, ultra-smooth hummus served with freshly baked, wood-fired laffa bread and smoky flavorful beef skewers. While many dishes on the menu are small plates, you won’t leave hungry. The exciting, exotic culinary experience you’ll have at Zahav will leave you just as satisfied as the lavish four-course Restaurant Week dinner menu.

Zahav, a Society Hill icon, brings modern Israeli cuisine to a golden-lit dining room evoking Jerusalem courtyards. With dishes from $15 to $50, it’s a moderately priced gem for couples and food lovers craving bold flavors in a luxurious yet approachable setting. The crowd buzzes with locals celebrating special nights and tourists chasing its James Beard pedigree, creating a vibrant, romantic energy.

And trust me when I say that Philly has a bigger foodie scene than you might imagine, with both hidden gems (yes, there are many amazing coffee shops) and more renowned eateries (Zahav, anyone?). Starting in the morning and working our way to the wee hours of the night, let's take a walk through what your ideal 24 hours in Philly should look like (at least in the food and drink departments).

Located in Old City and within walking distance of the Museum of the American Revolution in Penn’s Landing, you’ll find a delicious treat with the award-winning Israeli restaurant Zahav. Dining at Zahav is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Chef Michael Solomonov takes his experience working in a bakery in Israel and turns it into the James Beard Award for the “Best Chef” and more.

A true icon of American dining, Zahav is the restaurant that put modern Israeli cuisine on the map in the United States. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Solomonov, a meal at this Old City establishment is one of the most sought-after reservations in Philadelphia. The experience is a celebration of Israeli flavors, centered around a spectacular multi-course tasting menu.

In 2019, when the James Beard Foundation named Zahav the best restaurant in the country, the prestigious institution was simply affirming what many Philadelphians already knew. If ever there was an appropriately named restaurant, this Society Hill gem is it. Hebrew for ‘gold’, the Israeli hotspot has certainly become the gold standard for elevated but unpretentious dining in the city.

For authentic Mediterranean small plates, go to Zahav, the well-known Israeli restaurant that’s been a staple in Philly’s food scene for over 10 years (they have the James Beard awards to prove it). Start with their wood-fired laffa bread and hummus, then choose a few dishes from their shareable menu. And don’t forget to try one of their unique cocktails like the Lemonnana.

Zahav is a modern Israeli restaurant located in Philadelphia. It was opened in 2008 by Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook, and it has since become one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the city. Zahav has won numerous awards, including four James Beard Foundation awards, and it has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and Food & Wine.

Zahav – A modern Israeli restaurant from chef Michael Solomonov, located in Society Hill. Every meal begins with Laffa bread baked in the taboon, served alongside hummus and salatim; mezze; skewers cooked over charcoal; the Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder; and award-winning desserts. The wine list is all-Israeli and features a variety of reds, whites, and rose wines.

If you’re looking for authentic Israeli cuisine, Zahav is the place to go–if you can get a reservation. This popular spot in Philadelphia is known for its innovative approach to Israeli cuisine. Furthermore, it offers a diverse menu featuring signature dishes like hummus with various toppings, wood-grilled meats, fresh salads, and mezze.

Chef Michael Solomonov brings an elevated dining experience to Philadelphia at Zahav with a multi-course tasting menu. Dining here is considered one of the best date ideas in Philadelphia but is ideal for many other events and occasions. Reservations are required, and usually far in advance, to dine at this Philadelphia food hotspot.

Getting a primetime Zahav reservation is one of the most coveted achievements among lovers of good food in the city. Named the most outstanding restaurant in the country at the 2019 James Beard Awards, this modern Israeli gem is a must for people in search of a special meal. It’s become our go-to birthday spot (when we can get in).

Zahav (Society Hill): Zahav, a critically acclaimed restaurant, doesn't have shawarma on the regular menu, but their inventive approaches to Middle Eastern cuisine certainly merit a mention. While not a dedicated shawarma spot, its inclusion acknowledges Philadelphia's high-end culinary scene’s embrace of Middle Eastern flavors.

Few things in life will train you for the rejection you’ll face when trying to reserve a table at Zahav. Only going to the DMV on a Saturday can come close. But when you do get a chance to eat at this Old City Israeli icon, you’ll get to taste a rotation of small plates like fried carrots, fluffy laffa bread, and silky hummus.

Zahav was honored in 2019 with the “outstanding restaurant” award from James Beard (via Eater). Nestled in the Society Hill neighborhood, the restaurant is in good hands with co-owners Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook. The cuisine combines the flavors of traditional Israeli cooking with their notable sweetness and hospitality.

One of the strengths of Philadelphia’s dining scene stems from the diversity, and Zahav only goes to show how rich that is. Zahav focuses on small plates and sharing with cuisines that span from Eastern Europe to North Africa. Zahav is run by Israeli-born Chef Solomonov, who has been awarded “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic” in 2011.

Zahav was the first to introduce Philadelphia to the delights of Israeli cuisine and its myriad of influences more than a decade ago. It continues to set the standard with its menu of laffa, mezze, and grilled meats and vegetables. The pomegranate molasses–braised lamb shoulder is the real showstopper at the restaurant.

Zahav: Known for its modern Israeli cuisine, Zahav continues to receive awards and great reviews since opening its doors in 2008. Chef Michael Solomonov was the 2011 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic and the 2017 award for Outstanding Chef. Zahav wont the James Beard Best Restaurant Award in 2019.

Zahav's wildly famous Lamb Shoulder dish has been called the best meal in America - or even the best meal in the world - by food critics everywhere. Even if you're not a fan of lamb, you've got to try this once in your life. Order it ahead of time when you make reservations - it takes them 3 weeks to prepare!

Una foto publicada por Zahav (@zahavrestaurant) el 4 de Ago de 2016 a la(s) 1:36 PDT. Make sure you book reservations at this Israeli-inspired Society Hill restaurant a few months in advance because it fills up quickly. You may even need to settle for a 5 PM or a 9:45 PM slot, but it will be well worth it.

Among Philadelphia restaurants, Zahav consistently stands out for its unique take on Israeli cuisine. This celebrated spot is located in Society Hill and has become famous for dishes that showcase bold, traditional flavors. The silky hummus alone is a must-try, made with fresh, warm laffa bread.

This restaurant is known for its Israeli cuisine, with a menu that’s rich in spices and flavors. The must-try dish is the lamb shoulder, which is cooked for hours before it’s served on a platter, perfect for sharing. Zahav has a bustling atmosphere that makes it feel like a party every day.

You shouldn't leave Philly without dining at Michael Solomonov's Zahav—voted the best restaurant in the country at the 2019 James Beard Awards—for traditional Israeli cuisine. Reservations open for the following month at 11 a.m. ET on the 1st of every month, so make sure to plan ahead.

Zahav gets the most kudos, but while solid I feel like a lot of it's acclaim comes from its fine dining at a much cheaper pricepoint. It serves as a very strong and affordable window into fine dining. Delicious but after stripping away any looks at price I would rate others higher.

A big winner at the 2019 James-Beard awards, Zahav is one of the crown jewels of the Philadelphia dining scene. Open only for dinner, this Israeli spot is known for its hummus. Available in three varieties, it's served with homemade laffa bread, a type of flatbread.

While primarily an Israeli restaurant, Zahav sometimes features paella on their menu as a special. This modern twist on a classic dish often incorporates unique ingredients and flavors, making it a noteworthy experience. Check their website for availability.

Laffa bread baked comes with every meal served alongside hummus and salatim. A must-try dish is the pomegranate lamb shoulder and of course, the award-winning desserts. Patrons can enjoy a cold Lemonanna, a cocktail, or a bottle of boutique Israeli wine.

From the Chef de Cuisine at Zahav, Andrew Henshaw brings Laser Wolf which focuses on the Israeli grill. The interior is spunky with vibrant colors and retro details. I admire the pursuit of simplicity in order to truly unveil the Israeli flavors.

Philadelphia is a premier destination for foodies, boasting some of the best, most culturally and ethnically diverse restaurants in the United States, including James Beard Award Outstanding Restaurant Winners, Zahav and Friday Saturday Sunday.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,669 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Israeli- Price: $$$$- Address: 237 St. James Place, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3936- Read more on Tripadvisor

The Atmosphere: Casual and welcoming with gorgeous wood details. Why You Need To Dine Here: Israeli wine and the pomegranate lamb shoulder set this spot apart. The seasonal multi-course menu is loaded with classics and many new creations.

You’ll want to arrive hungry as you’ll be receiving quite the spread. The Prix Fixe menu begins with a selection of 6 salad that are all incredibly flavorful and pair especially well with crispy laffa bread and famous Hummus-Tehina.

The menu is simple and they give you so many small bites that are each packed with so much unique flavour. The service is really high quality and numerous servers come by to explain each dish. Don't be afraid of them being booked.

Begin with a gourmet dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants in Center City Philadelphia, such as Vernick Food & Drink or Zahav, where you can experience renowned chefs crafting exquisite meals with local ingredients.

I wasn’t as crazy about Amada, Amis, or Zahav, but I’ve only been to each once. Vetri will be amazing I’m sure but I haven’t made it – so expensive!. If you want more inventive/experimental then Sbraga is really good.

The Dead Sea at Zahav combines the anise-y spirit Arak with tart grapefruit juice. I am a huge fan of non-sweet cocktails and this is incredibly refreshing. You want classic cocktails mixed the old fashioned way?.

I'm not sure how unique you'll find any of these, but the happening, buzz-worthy spots seem to be: Amada or Tinto, Rae, Zahav. You might also consider Le Bec Fin (recently gone a la carte, to mixed reviews...)

Get yourself accustomed to some of Philadelphia’s top flavors at favorite places such as Zahav, Vernick Food & Drink, and Vetri Cucina.

However, if you came to Philly hoping to meet a celebrity while dining, you could find former Eagles center Jason Kelce at Zahav.