IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

WHERE TO EAT
  1. GiGi (0.0 miles)
  2. Metropolitan Bakery (0.1 miles)
  3. Farmicia (0.1 miles)
WHERE TO SHOP
  1. TopStitch Boutique (0.0 miles)
  2. Foster's Homeware (0.1 miles)
  3. Viv Pickle (0.1 miles)
WHERE TO DRINK
  1. GiGi (0.0 miles)
  2. Farmicia (0.1 miles)
  3. The Dipping Grill at Cebu (0.2 miles)
  4. The Dipping Grill at Cebu (0.2 miles)
  5. La Veranda (0.3 miles)

RESTAURANT LISTINGS

 
THE DETAILS
Cuisine(s):
Middle Eastern,

Owner:
Michael Solomonov

Parking:
Valet parking is available on Dock Street. A public lot is located on 2nd Street between Walnut and Chestnut streets. Limited street parking is available.

Entree Price:
$$ — Moderately Priced

Neighborhood:
Philadelphia County
Old City

Hours:
T, Su-M: 05:00 PM-10:00 PM
W-S: 05:00 PM-01:00 AM

Also Featured in:
Best of Philly 2009: Cocktail, Best of Philly 2008: New Restaurant, City


Zahav

237 Saint James Place
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-625-8800
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Make a Reservation Now

Everything’s hectic and happy at this determined-to-be-casual (until you see the bill) modern Israeli spot from Philly darling chef Michael Solomonov. We’ll be back for the cocktails — particularly the lemonnana, a boldly boozy lemonade — and the clean, bright Middle Eastern flavors.

Featured In
Best of Philly 2009: Cocktail
It’s not that we’ve never had a drink that tastes like what it claims to be (peanut-butter-and-jelly shot, anyone?), but this grainy ...

Best of Philly 2008: New Restaurant, City
Before opening Zahav, restaurateur Steve Cook and chef Michael Solomonov took the kitchen crew on a tour of Israel to inspire the coo...

Write a review USER REVIEWS (10)
Rating
Overall (10) Food (10) Service (9)
Decor (9) Value (9) Average (9.40)

Review
This was a fantastic experience, the best we've had all year. We loved the tapas type experience and all the variety offered with the combination special which allows you to choose several dishes. The salad sampler was awesome, hummus and pita delicious, and while we didn't love every dish we selected for our multiple appetizers and entrees, the variety available was extensive and different and those dishes we loved we really loved a lot! My favorite dishes trumped every other dish I've had in a while. Dessert options equally fantastic. Ambience was swanky and fun, service was eclectic and attentive.
Posted by Autumn: May. May 20th, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Rating
Overall (10) Food (10) Service (10)
Decor (10) Value (10) Average (10.00)

Review
Awesome restaurant! The food is sublime, the drinks are amazing and the staff and atmosphere are as nice as can be! Their large pita bread is out of this world! I have no idea what people are complaining about...Small portions? How about normal sized?! My girlfriend and I are of average build and were very satisfied after an appetizer, entree and dessert. As for paying for salads and what not, no Israeli restaurant gives you salads for free! Check your facts... In short, go there.
Posted by M: Apr. April 24th, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Rating
Overall (10) Food (10) Service (10)
Decor (10) Value (10) Average (10.00)

Review
Unique flavors combine with excellent preparations to create an unforgettable dining experience. Your palate will be grateful!
Posted by David: Jul. July 20th, 2008 at 3:19 PM
Rating
Overall (3) Food (3) Service (4)
Decor (8) Value (3) Average (4.20)

Review
Zahav is not nearly as Israeli as it was unnecessarily haute. The prices look fair and the food is terrific - however you may not even notice – the portions are offensively small. In order to walk out "satisfied" you will need to order salatim (salads), mezze (appetizer), hummus and laffa (the bread, which they charge you extra for) AND an entrée - a single skewer with about 1/2 a cup of couscous or rice. Israeli food which is normally simple and humble has never been made to look more pretentious. The atmosphere in the restaurant is artificial, desperately trying to be hip. The servers seem to be understaffed and look ridiculous in “vintage” Abercrombie style shirts with Hebrew words on them. As cliché as all black may be, it’s quintessentially Israeli. A total miss on a sure-fire hit on the uniforms.
Posted by Emma: Jul. July 17th, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Rating
Overall (8) Food (8) Service (8)
Decor (8) Value (3) Average (7.00)

Review
the meze plates sch as baba ghanoush, hummus, cabbage salad, and such are given free at many such restaurants in Israel. here you are charged which is ironic given the owner's claim to authenticity. Loved evrything about the place except value given.
Posted by jay: Jun. June 23rd, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Rating
Overall (9) Food (9) Service (9)
Decor (9) Value (7) Average (8.60)

Review
My friend and I were very impressed with Zahav - the decor is gorgeous and unique, and we both commented on how we felt like we were actually in another country, rather than center city Philadelphia. We ordered an assortment of small plates, plus dessert and drinks, and everything was phenomenal, especially the fried cauliflower and the haloume cheese! The chocolate cake for dessert was also spectacular, and I am looking forward to going back!
Posted by Kim: Jun. June 11th, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Rating
Overall (10) Food (10) Service (10)
Decor (10) Value (10) Average (10.00)

Review
You cannot find better Israeli food on the east coast. Zahav is a delight to the senses and its food is of the highest quality. There was nothing bad about my dining experience and I will gladly go back when I get a chance.
Posted by Dan: Jun. June 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 PM
Rating
Overall (10) Food (10) Service (10)
Decor (10) Value (10) Average (10.00)

Review
You cannot find better Israeli food on the east coast. Zahav is a delight to the senses and its food is of the highest quality. There was nothing bad about my dining experience and I will gladly go back when I get a chance.
Posted by Dan: Jun. June 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 PM
Rating
Overall (2) Food (1) Service (3)
Decor (7) Value (1) Average (2.80)

Review
This restaurant was a complete disappointment besides the decor, and decor itself won't make it worthwhile. Overpriced and tasteless. The table next to me was served raw chicken, not once, but twice. What a shame. The salmon I had had bones throughout. Couldn't even eat it. Service was okay, not what you'd expect for what you're paying for though. My friends and I won't go back, and suggest you don't waste your time.
Posted by Denise: Jun. June 1st, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Rating
Overall (2) Food (1) Service (3)
Decor (7) Value (1) Average (2.80)

Review
This restaurant was a complete disappointment besides the decor, and decor itself won't make it worthwhile. Overpriced and tasteless. The table next to me was served raw chicken, not once, but twice. What a shame. The salmon I had had bones throughout. Couldn't even eat it. Service was okay, not what you'd expect for what you're paying for though. My friends and I won't go back, and suggest you don't waste your time.
Posted by Denise: Jun. June 1st, 2008 at 10:45 AM
 
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