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Zahav

The award-winning favorite brings Israeli cuisine to Society Hill...

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Overview

A critically acclaimed modern Israeli restaurant, Zahav — which translates to gold in Hebrew — offers amazing, authentic Middle Eastern fare in a family-style dining setting typical of the region.

In addition to traditional Israeli cuisine, Zahav’s menu draws inspiration from the many cultures that have left their marks on Jerusalem over the centuries — including Morocco, Turkey, Yemen, Lebanon and Egypt.

Two of Philadelphia’s masters of pioneering culinary offerings, restaurateurs Steve Cook and Michael Solomonov, are responsible for the dining delights at Zahav (as well as for a growing empire that includes Abe Fisher, Federal Donuts, Dizengoff, The Rooster and Goldie).

With a prime Society Hill location close to Second and Walnut streets and bustling Old City, Zahav is a Philadelphia landmark and a must for any culinary-minded traveler. Note, though, that reservations are a must!

And, as of May 2019, Zahav and the CookNSolo Restaurants family have one more honor to add to the ever-growing and well-deserved list of recognition: a prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for “Outstanding Restaurant.”

The Experience

Philly’s own Zahav took home a prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2019.

At Zahav, traditional cooking methods are the hallmark of the open kitchen: flatbreads are baked in an authentic Arabic taboon (a wood-burning oven), while skewered meats and fish are cooked over live coals.

Rustic tables fit for sociable shared plates seat groups in the casual dining room, while the bar provides space for those seeking a way to dine at Philly’s most sought-after restaurant — without making reservations in advance.

The focal point of the room is the open kitchen, which reveals coal fires, the wood-burning oven and chefs practicing the art of cooking. An eight-seat chef’s counter gives interested diners an insider’s view of the action in the kitchen, including frequent sightings of Chef Michael Solomonov, who was awarded James Beard’s highest honor — Outstanding Chef — in 2017.

Off the main dining room, stone archways lead to an intimate space often reserved for large groups, where guests can enjoy a prix-fixe menu.

Reservations are strongly encouraged at this beloved spot, where tables do book up a few months in advance.

The bustling dining room at Zahav features rustic tables, bar seating and a chef's counter. The bustling dining room at Zahav features rustic tables, bar seating and a chef's counter.

  — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Awards And Recognitions

Zahav is a Philly restaurant with a national reputation for amazing food.

Part of CookNSolo Restaurant Partners, run by co-founders Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook, Zahav and its culinary team have been lauded by the New York Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure and many others, including the James Beard Foundation.

The celebrated culinary foundation has recognized Zahav’s efforts several times over the years with its prestigious James Beard Award for categories including best chef in the Mid-Atlantic (2011), international cooking (2016), book of the year (2016), outstanding chef (2017) and outstanding restaurant (2019).

More CookNSolo Restaurants

The Philly-born CookNSolo Restaurants family — lead by co-founders Mike Solomonov and Steve Cook — is made up of many winning concepts, all of which can be found in Philadelphia and many of which can be visited in the same city block of 1700 Sansom Street.

Keep it in the family by checking out the group’s other fantastic restaurants, including:

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