There are some stellar, multidimensional reviews of Zahav on this site - for example, Bunker B's magnificent contribution.. I urge you to read that for an comprehensive, informed description of Zahav's place in the culinary scene. Here I offer a more quotidian review, with the emphasis on practical tips. I am going to cut to the chase: the pomegranate lamb shoulder is the stuff dreams are made of. Tender and tart. Accompanied by sides that are a work of art in themselves: fluffy Persian rice with a perfect crust. Greens with the right amount of sweet and sour to balance the other two components. The composed dish beautifully thought out and executed. And a little extra pickle just in case. Zahav has commissioned a red wine specifically to accompany the lamb, so be sure to order the Galia Dabouki if you get the lamb. Now for some practical suggestions: unless you have a hearty appetite, do not attempt the four-course menu. You will fill yourself on hummus, salads and dips and mezze, and by the time you get to the star of the show - the pomegranate lamb shoulder - you will barely have room for more than a few bites. I suggest you go a la carte, and pick wisely from the first two courses. I am even going to be heretical and suggest you skip the hummus. Yes, I know Zahav's hummus is famous. Maybe you can pick some up at Whole Foods to eat at a different time. Even the salatim - as masterful as they are - have by now been reproduced at other Israeli restaurants that have caught up to Zahav's Israeli avant garde. So if you ask me: pick from the mezze list and go on to the lamb. And about getting reservations: if you are a planner, go ahead and snag a reservation by going online exactly four weeks in advance as the website explains. But if you want to be more spontaneous, you can get a seat at the bar as a walk-in. You do need to arrive early for that. The day we were there - a weeknight in July - the line started to form a little before 5pm, that is, a little before the restaurant's opening time. Everyone in the line at that time got to be seated, and there were still plenty of spots that only gradually filled up. No doubt on the weekend you would need to get in line a bit earlier, but it is entirely possible to do this without an advance reservation. So now I am looking forward to taking my own advice. I am plotting my return, and going in for the star of the show, the hell with opening acts. read more

It was really cool walking up to this spot, it felt very exclusive. My favorite item on the menu was the mushrooms! Everything had very unique flavors Israeli food may not be my favorite lol but it could be yours! Excellent service read more

Zahav - Middle Eastern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Some restaurants capture a culinary movement, while Zahav helped propel one. Middle Eastern food now occupies a far more prominent place in global dining culture, but Zahav was well ahead of that expansion, especially in the United States. Alongside internationally influential figures such as Yotam Ottolenghi and Eyal Shani, Michael Solomonov helped introduce a wider audience to the depth, variety, and sophistication of modern Israeli cuisine. Philadelphia is incredibly fortunate that he and his longtime partner, Steve Cook, built their defining restaurant here. My wife and I visited for an early dinner around 5:00 p.m. and chose the prix fixe menu, which remains one of the most memorable meals I have had in Philadelphia. The mezze was exceptionally fresh, the hummus completely lived up to its reputation, and the pita with za'atar was delectable. I also remember the rice (tahdig), chicken, and famous pomegranate lamb shoulder being delicious, while a cold Goldstar beer was a simple but perfect touch. Looking back at the food photographs still makes me hungry. Zahav creates a genuine sense of arrival before the first plate reaches the table. The elevated entrance sits above the surrounding shrubs and landscaping, making the restaurant feel pleasantly removed from the street, and we entered along the side beside the patio. Inside, the stone surfaces, stained glass, and warm finishes evoke Jerusalem's Old City without crossing into theatrical territory, while transparent windows along the kitchen reveal the work taking place behind them. Because we arrived while it was still light outside, natural light filled the restaurant; photos taken by other diners suggest that the fixtures create an entirely different glow after dark against the Jerusalem-inspired stone palette. As we entered, Solomonov was standing beside the pita oven to the left, and we were honestly a bit starstruck. We occasionally see him around Philadelphia, but watching someone with his global reputation doing such basic, physical work alongside the staff was especially meaningful. He struck me as a servant leader who remains close to the craft and the people responsible for delivering the experience each night. The fantastic service throughout dinner reflected that same combination of confidence, warmth, and attention. Solomonov's culinary talent is matched by a rare instinct for marketing, brand building, and community presence. His social media, cookbooks, retail products, and appearances in Netflix and YouTube food programming have extended his influence well beyond the restaurant, and he is as cool and charismatic as he is gifted in the culinary arts. A subtler strength across CookNSolo is the group's command of operations and technology, from its reservation systems and point-of-sale experience to the digital integration that guests may barely notice. Solomonov and Cook have created distinct concepts that operate with discipline without losing their individual character, and that balance between imagination and execution may be the most impressive part of what they have built. That judgment also extends to where CookNSolo chooses to open. The arrival of one of its restaurants can serve as an early vote of confidence in a neighborhood or development, attracting attention and signaling the cultural momentum that often precedes broader investment and excitement. Laser Wolf's presence in Philadelphia and at The Hoxton in Williamsburg embodies that philosophy, and I am eager to visit both locations, as well as Jaffa Bar in Philadelphia and Aviv in Miami. Zahav deserves to remain the focus here, while the broader quality of the CookNSolo ecosystem will unfold through the many other reviews I still need to write, including Goldie, K'Far, Dizengoff, Federal Donuts, Merkaz, and others. ! read more

Debatably the most hyped up restaurant in Philly, but it's that way for a reason. Zahav is great - portions are very generous, the service is always excellent, and all of the food is delicious. It's my mom's favorite restaurant in Philly by a long shot, and maybe even her favorite restaurant in the world. The first time I came, you had to pick one main for the table. We were split between a fish dish and grape leaves and ultimately decided on the fish, but our waitress brought a small portion of the grape leaves for us anyways. They always do something special like that, and it's an amazing touch that makes the experience so special! I like that they've changed it so each person picks a main, as it gives you the opportunity to try more things. Their signature lamb shoulder is great (and I have hated every other lamb I've had), and the fish dishes are always excellent. The best thing imo, though, is the crispy Persian rice! Philly has a lot of amazing food, but Zahav is up there for a reason. If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation it's worth the splurge. Clear space in your fridge for lots of leftovers before you get home! read more

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We went to Zahav in Philly and did basically all the vegetarian dishes on the menu. It's definitely a spot you need to plan ahead for since reservations get released a month out and go fast. The ambiance was beautiful. It was airy, lots of natural light, and overall a really nice dining experience. Our waiter was amazing and informative. He checked in on us multiple times and made great recs. They also have bar seating if you want to stop in for à la carte options instead of the full meal. We started with the Hummus-Tehina with Laffa Bread and honestly that may have been the best part of the entire coursed meal. It came with beets with tehina, twice-cooked eggplant, pickled napa cabbage, Moroccan carrots, marinated cauliflower, and spicy fennel. Literally every single thing paired so well with the fresh laffa. We also had the Seared Haloumi with apricot which was super delicious. The Arancini was interesting and had a unique flavor profile, though I wished it was a little cheesier. For mains, the Mushroom Shishlik was excellent and the mushrooms were cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. I will say the Tabbouleh Eggplant Schnitzel had the perfect crisp and not what i was expecting. For dessert, the Malabi completely stole the show. It was SO good and we honestly regretted not ordering another one. We also tried the Meyer Lemon Sorbet, but the fennel flavor was a little too strong for me personally. Overall, such a memorable vegetarian meal and definitely worth the reservation effort. read more

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Okay, okay, I am no longer an uncultured swine and like most of the salatim, especially the beets. The food is really tasty; I decided I like coming here with just 1 dining partner more than 3 others because you get the same amount of salatim either way. I've been here enough times to reassess my previous gripes. The soundtrack continues to be strange and takes me out of the moment. It spans many genres and decades and is just all over the place - usually something I don't care about, but it really doesn't fit the vibe of an upscale spot. Most importantly, the service we have gotten here continues to feel rushed. I thought it was just because they wanted to turn tables over, but we had an 830 seating, which was their last, and our servers and bussers tried to take away plates with food on them still AND unfinished drinks. They always clear the plates before everyone in the party is finished, making the last person feel rushed, which isn't a pleasant experience. The food is great, but the service has consistently been something I would expect to see in a high schooler do in mom and pop restaurant in my hometown, rather than one of Philly's premier dining spots. I will opt to go to Laser Wolf if I want something more casual or Suraya if I want a fancier, less rushed meal. read more

Zahav - Tequila and mezcal drink (extremely well balanced) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Best Thing I Ever Ate: Hummus, Lamb Shoulder This was my second visit to Zahav while visiting Philadelphia. I'm glad I had visited before because I knew the importance of pacing myself. I knew I could only enjoy a little knibble of each of the delicious salads that were initial placed on the table. I think I ate all the twice-cooked eggplant. It was so good! The hummus is honestly the best I've ever had, and the laffa bread is such a yummy accompaniment. I had to stop myself from eating too much! I tried the Phyllo-wrapped Haloumi. It was ok, but I liked my dad's Freekeh Arancini better. The Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder is the reason I had to pace myself. This is also one of my favorite lamb dishes that I've ever had. The greens are a nice accomaniment. I didn't care for the crispy rice, and it was the only thing I didn't like. I got the Pecan Konafe for dessert and it was like an exotic pecan pie. Love this! The honey ice cream was so refreshing after a big meal. I left very happy. read more

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I cannot think of a single way Zahav could have been a better culinary experience. I came to know about this restaurant through Eater's "Mise En Place" video series on YouTube and was struck by the care and contemplation put into each dish. The second I knew I was visiting Philly, I set a reminder on my phone to vie for a reservation. We got a 9:30pm reservation, which was late for my usual dining habits but absolutely no question worth the extra few hours to build up and appetite and anticipate going to such a renowned restaurant. We were met with a beautiful dining room and kind, passionate people at Zahav, especially our bartenders, who made our experience a true EVENT, describing each dish to us even as we were making decisions on the tasting menu, and vouching for the fact that we MUST try the halloumi, which ended up being my favorite dish! Wow, the care that is put into the craft of this food is unreal. Zahav is a true celebration of cuisine. We started with the laffa bread being served straight out of the fire with accompaniments which were absolute flavor bombs, especially the eggplant and pickled cabbage. The bread was warm, soft, and so flavorful in itself but made even better by the hummus-tehina, which was perhaps the smoothest I've ever had. The Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder fell right off the bone, and the Amba-braised Greens and Crispy Persian Rice were side dishes that felt like main events in themselves -- the crispiness of the rice perfectly complemented the pomegranate sauce of the lamb. This was the perfect celebration dinner, and Zahav quickly made it to the top of my list of places that live up to their hype and go above and beyond in the kindness realm. read more

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One of the reasons to hit Philly on my trip was to eat dinner at Zahav. It was fantastic. I sat at the bar and had the chef's menu. My server Shan was great - she was knowledgeable about the food and the wine plus she took care of me and others at the bar while taking care of drinks for the other servers. I enjoyed every course. The starter was amazing - probably my favorite hummus ever and the bread and all the other little dishes. I ended taking a good amount for later. I then had the Haloumi and it was very good. I had seen the Lamb Shoulder on several food shows, so I had to have it. It was amazing with the smoky flavor and then the crispy rice, greens, and pickled veggies. So good. Then Shan suggested the Malabi for desert. It was such a nice way to end the dinner. The classic wine pairing was very nice too. I ended up bringing home a bag of leftovers that I will enjoy over the next couple days. If you are in Philly and want a great meal with superior service, Zahav is definitely the place. I'll definitely be back. read more

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We made reservations for the chef's counter at Zahav on Saturday at 9PM by checking the reservations a couple days before we arrived to Philadelphia. We finally got in. To our surprise we had to order the 4 course tasting menu. We definitely were not prepared to eat this much food as we had apps at 4PM to hold us over. Although it was a little cramped at the counter, it was a great experience at the chef's counter because you can literally watch the chef's do their thing. (Please note: the only way you can order ala cart is to be seated at the bar.) 4 course tasting - $214.00 without tip total with taxes The Laffa Bread/Hummas was really good! Beets with Tehina, Pickled Napa Cabbage, Pumpkin Chershi, Marinated Cauliflower, Spicy Fennel were all phenomenal! The only one that we didn't care for was the eggplant. Kampachi Crudo was excellent, refreshing and not so filling so it was perfect. We tried to order two, but our waitress insisted we try something else so we ordered the Haloumi- 2 small pieces wrapped in phyllo dough. It was good, but the crudo was much better. I had to get the lamb and it was really good! Tons of flavor from the wood oven and spices on the outside. You could tell that it was cooked for a very long time due to its texture and tenderness. I loved the soup and the pickled vegetables so much that I had to order the cook books. We took a lot to go because we were so uncomfortably full. We had to take the dessert to go too. Everything was amazing though, wish we could do it all again hungry. read more

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Absolutely incredible meal at Zahav. Definitely one of the best meals I've ever had. Everything was good but I enjoyed some dishes more than others. The salatim was so great. The bread was mind blowing. The hummus was one of the best ever. The beets were surprisingly very very yummy. The fennel was also a favorite and I liked the flavor a lot. The cabbage and cauliflower were ok. I love cauliflower so this was disappointing. There could've been more char and lemon. Next we ate the Sunchokes and halloumi. The sunchokes were way too salty for my taste which was disappointing but the finger limes were a nice touch and interesting take on the dish. The halloumi was nice and juicy and the pastry was perfectly crispy. Loved the halloumi dish more than I thought since in the past I've had halloumi that was too dry. The mains were also very yummy. The grilled branzino was absolutely incredible. It was cooked perfectly and just melted in my mouth. The lamb was yummy but I prefer cubes of lamb meat and not ground for kebabs. The apple salad that accompanied the mains was absolutely incredible. It was so fresh and I loved it. The cinnamon rice was fine not amazing. The desserts were also good but there was a clear winner. The pecan knafeh was mind blowing and I'm so glad we got that. The chocolate Malabi seemed like a regular chocolate pudding to me and the pomegranate granita was yummy and refreshing but there ice cream texture was a bit off. The espresso martini was incredible and definitely one of the best I've had. Service was great and the ambiance was great as well. Would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

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Came here for my birthday and I think this was one of the best places I've eaten at in a while. When you walk in, the lights are somewhat dim so it feels cozy and intimate. We ordered the tasting menu and there was so much food! It's hard to even talk about how good everything was but from what I remember, we had dry aged duck with rice and this really rich soup. That was probably the best duck I've ever had. I can't imagine you'd go wrong with anything else on the menu. The service is also amazing. We only mentioned my birthday at the beginning to our server and throughout, she was nice enough to send freebies to our table and even let us try all of the desserts. Along with the amazing food, the service made this night even more special. I'd 100% come back and am especially excited since their menu changes. read more

Zahav - Middle Eastern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Did the pre-fix with the wine pairing. The food was absolutely delicious and the wine pairings matched with the weight of the food. The lamb was extremely tender and well seasoned, not gamey at all. read more

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One of the best recent dining experiences I've ever had. I had been years ago but it's so hard to get a reservation these days. I believe they only open reservations 4 weeks at a time? There are some reserved restaurant parking spots nearby. Highly recommend! read more

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I recently visited Zahav for the first time in 16 years. I had a recollection of how incredible the food was in 2010, but what I experienced exceeded those memories. The mezze options are fresh, light and beautifully presented. As we moved to the al ha'esh the beef and branzino were delectable - perfectly seasoned and cooked. However, what compelled me to write this review was not the food... it was the greatest service that we've ever experienced at a restaurant or hotel or anywhere. We were met with unbelievable kindness and commitment to deliver excellence from our server Christina. It was a Saturday night and I'm sure she was serving many, many tables, but it felt as if we were her only focus that evening and her only goal was to ensure that we had a world-class experience that we would share with friends & family. Mission accomplished. read more

Zahav - Romanian Beef Kabob - Middle Eastern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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If you can get here make it a priority when in Philadelphia!! The service, food and atmosphere are 10/10. I was here with a work group and fort time eating this food. Family style and it kept coming. There was not one bit of food that I did not try or love. I mean take a look at these dishes, absolutely delicious read more

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What can I say about Zahav to start? It's an unbelievable experience! The service and care you receive at this restaurant can hardly be compared to anything else. The restaurant inside is beautiful and feels warm and cozy. We didn't have a reservation since it's so difficult to get one, but I knew we needed to just show up and shoot our shot on our very short weekend to Philly. We only had to wait about 30 minutes until a couple of bar seats became available and we were still served drinks while we were waiting. The food is amazing and they really feed you! We decided to go a la carte and get the Humus and Salatim which comes with the most incredible and delicious Laffa Bread. We then decided to split the pomegranate lamb shoulder which is a 100% must! Amazing, delicious and so tender. Our bartender Mel however did not let us stop there! She was constantly sending over more and more small plates, sides and an additional entree to try! We couldn't believe how much food they were giving us. This restaurant really is filled with the most generous people and generous management. We had such a wonderful time and I'm so grateful that we were able to try Zahav. read more

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So much food!! I came here by myself and sat at the counter. Little did I know that the counter would almost not fit all the dishes the staff would bring me. I also did not expect another woman dining solo to sit next to me and we ended up sharing more food. Starting with the appetizers, there were: * Hummus * Laffa bread * Beets with tahini * Twice-cooked eggplant * Pickled napa cabbage * Moroccan carrots * Marinated cauliflower * Spicy fennel Then came some heavier appetizers: * Fig with labneh and pumpkin * Phyllo-wrapped haloumi with peach, olive, and candied citrus * Fried cauliflower, herbed labneh, and smoked onion We were just getting started. Then they brought out the main entrees: * Steak skewers with shawarma spices and Jimmy Nardello peppers * Chicken skewers in chicken fat * Pomegranate lamb shoulder with amba-braised greens and crispy Persian rice For dessert, we had: * Pecan konefe with honey ice cream * Pear sorbet and rose granita It was like an Israeli Thanksgiving dinner -- a very gourmet one. My favorites were the hummus, laffa bread, beets with tahini, phyllo-wrapped haloumi, chicken skewers, lamb shoulder, pecan konefe, pear sorbet, and rose granita. Just a few of the dishes missed the mark for me (1 star off): steak skewers (seasoning had an acidic flavor, maybe too much sumac), spicy fennel (too spicy), pickled napa cabbage (wasn't that special), and fig (it was a savory fig which was not to my liking). It may just be personal taste on my part. Having been served so many dishes, the fact that only a few dishes missed the mark still made an incredible meal. read more

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This was hands down one of the MOST EXCEPTIONAL dining experiences I've ever had--and that's saying a lot considering we just returned from a six-week trip to Asia! From the warm service to the thoughtful ambiance to the carefully curated tasting menu, everything was flawless. Trust me, you will not leave hungry or disappointed. Let's talk about the brrrrrread (as Oprah would say)--absolutely heavenly. Fresh, hot, and full of flavor, paired perfectly with creamy hummus and tangy pickled vegetables. Honestly, it was hard not to fill up just on the first course. The lamb shoulder (their most requested dish for good reason) was out of this world--fall-off-the-bone tender, beautifully seasoned, and elevated by the freshest accompaniments. Our waitress was adorable, attentive, and thoughtful. She even surprised us with complimentary dates, which were sweet, rich, and such a treat (and now one of my new favorite things, even though it's not on the menu). The highlight of the evening? We were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen to see the artistry and hard work in action. And just when we thought the night couldn't get any better, we had the privilege of meeting Chef Michael Solomonov himself! Considering how many restaurants he owns in the Philadelphia area, it felt like pure kismet to cross paths with him here. An unforgettable evening from start to finish. If you're lucky enough to get a reservation, don't think twice--this is a dining experience you'll remember long after the last bite. read more

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This was one of our best dining experiences. We were celebrating our anniversary with another couple. The many courses were delicious, and plentiful. We especially enjoyed the very tender lamb shoulder. Our server Mayo was so attentive and the staff cleared and cleaned our table after each course. The entire staff was pleasant and helpful - a totally delightful experience. read more

This is by far the best Middle Eastern restaurant I have dined in. Atmosphere was lively, and they have only 2 seating per night, 5:00 & 9:00 Drinks were very good and the wine list was interesting. I am not knowledgeable on Israeli wines. The mezza were well prepared and a nice variety.The star of the evening was the lamb shoulder.I would return for this dish alone. Service was excellent, and their knowledge about the food was excellent. There is no doubt that we will return in the not too distant future. read more

Absolutely fantastic and memorable meal at Zahav! Graham was our waiter, so kind and knowledgeable, and gave us great recommendations for course and cocktail choices. Truly, every bite and sip was incredible, but standouts were the lamb shoulder, the Zucchini Kataifi, and the lemon sorbet. The Fresh Dollars and Turkish Coffee Martini are must-have cocktails! We will be remembering this delicious and warm dinner in this beautiful spot for years to come, and can't wait to be back! read more

We got there well before opening to grab the bar seating . Such a vibrant atmosphere , with most tables occupied at opening and rest slowly filling up in the next hour . It was a bustling evening . Bar seating was perfect , bright and inviting with a large windows overlooont that little lawn and beautiful greenery . Started off with Saffron limeade , a mock tail that was tart , sweet & refreshing . We selected the Tasting menu licked off with the bread and dips . Laffah bread with tahina and various side salads made for grand opening of our meal We picked 2 appetizers Crispy Haloumi cheese which was a burst of flavors , warm , chewy, sweet and creamy Coal roasted raddish with Baba Ghanoush and pistachio vinaigrette For entrees it was Sea bass - grilled to perfection was our preferred entree Grouper kebab had a bit of uncooked edge but dipping it in the tahina offsets the crude taste Desert trio was simply mind blowing Fennel sorbet topped the three followed by the Malabi custard , dark chocolate shell with passion fruit, carrot cake brown butter semifreddo Their hospitality and service is to commendable and has to be appreciated. Daniel & Tory were attending to us and Moe the bartender gave us good company while making drinks and engaging in a great conversation. Tim the General Manager came up to us and checked in on our experience . What they offered as a gesture is a reflection of how their owner & Executive chef and the team handles customers . It touched our heart . I am waiting to make the next trip to Zahav to revisit our entire experience. read more

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I had high expectations going into Zahav and they were exceeded! I recently went here for a weekend dinner with six friends and amazingly we were able to get a reservation. We received outstanding service from the time we arrived until we left. Zahav served the dishes appropriately spaced, explained every course, answered questions, took the time to go over wines with one of our group, and even gave us complimentary bites throughout the meal. Zahav's ambiance is also nice, with low lighting, nice tablecloths, and an intimate setting. We were able to try virtually everything on Zahav's seasonal menu (shown below) thanks to our large group. While almost everything we had was very good to incredible, there were a few dishes that stood out. For the "In the Beginning" (appetizer) course, the twice-baked eggplant, the cauliflower, hummus/tehina, and the laffa were outstanding. Zahav is also the first fancy restaurant I've been to that's made a top-notch hummus. In the mezze course, the halloumi was rich, creamy, melty, and flavorful. For the main dishes, we got the chicken, oyster mushroom, and swordfish skewers, and the pomegranate lamb shoulder. The lamb lived up to the high expectations; however, the chicken skewer was somehow even better. I got the peanut baklava ice cream for dessert, which was rich and delicious. I highly recommend Zahav for your next special occasion! read more

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I've been trying to dine at Zahav for about a decade, but every time I find myself in Philly, I've been too late to snag a reservation. When my friend got a notification for a 915pm slot on the Saturday evening I planned to visit, she didn't even wait for my affirmative response before snagging it. We both had some trepidation about such a late meal, because geriatric millennialism. However, we're both Northwestern engineering grads, so we considered our constraints and set about coming up with a design-driven solution. As it turns out, a lengthy nature walk around the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge followed by a substantial afternoon power nap can, in fact, set you up for success for a late night (by our standards) repast that results in nearly closing down the restaurant. So was all the effort worth it? You betcha. Despite my fears of Zahav's hype, all of my expectations were exceeded. First, the space is lovely. Whatever updates and renovations they've undertaken over the years, they've curated an ambiance that's timeless and suitable for everything from a business dinner to a special date night and everything in between. It's upscale without being stuffy, and hat tip to the folks in charge of the music selection--we were bopping in our seats all evening. As others have noted, service is superb. Our server, Nicole (according to the receipt), was attentive, friendly, conversational, and helpful with navigating the menu offerings. Every single person we interacted with, including the fellow who delivered our salatim and walked us through its varicolored dishes, was polite and knowledgeable. Speaking of the staff, we had a completely unexpected visit by Chef Solomonov, himself. The last time I fangirled this hard was probably meeting Julie Reiner. My friend was so starstruck that she momentarily forgot where she lived. For being a world-renowned chef, Solomonov came across shockingly approachable, friendly, and down-to-earth. He even seemed genuinely grateful for our patronage. I felt like -I- was the lucky one to finally have an opportunity to experience his exceptional cuisine! It seems his personal style has shaped the way his team shows up for customers in the best of ways. And, finally, the food. tl;dr: everything was delightful. We'd just dined at Laser Wolf the preceding evening (yeah, yeah, I know it's a excessive, but I didn't think we were going to get into Zahav, so I'd booked us for the next best thing as a backup). Although both meals began with salatim, I was pleasantly surprised that the renditions between the two restaurants were wholly different. Gratefully, both came with their exceptional hummus. Even the breads were different, with a hearty pita being served at Laser Wolf, vs. a thinner lavash at Zahav, which I preferred. Among the mezze, it was actually the generously gifted halloumi that wowed me, and we shared the pomegranate lamb shoulder as a main. Akin to our experience at Laser Wolf, portions were enormous, and we barely had room to sample the decadent, fall-off-the-bone meat before resorting to packing the lion's share up as leftovers. Good thing we did, because both of the desserts we sampled, the malabi custard and the pineapple sorbet, were both excellent and wouldn't have traveled. A dinner at Zahav doesn't come cheap, but I felt that our experience was worth every penny. I'd handily put it in my top three dining destinations for Philadelphia, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a spot to celebrate a special occasion. read more

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Just wow. There's many good Mediterranean joints around. But there's not many this great! From the food, to drinks, to service, this place excels. The $90 tasting menu is well worth it. You can sample more than 5 dishes (some mezze, some mains) to give you a great feel for the regional cuisine. We especially liked the pomegranate lamb shoulder and the chicken shashlik. The service is attentive and the waiters are well informed and helpful. They will explain each dish and make recommendations based on your Taste. They also come by every 15 minutes to make sure things are just right. It was just right! While the ambiance is bustling and busy, the tables are slightly snug and separated enough so you can feel like you have privacy. The bathrooms are clean although small, so don't turn around too quickly. Overall, this is a great place with a great menu that changes each week, so you can have a new experience each visit. read more

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Food was a strong 4 but service was a solid 5 !! In total a 4.5 ( rounded up to 5 stars ) ! My favorite item was the chicken kebab and the fava bean rice by far ! I think as a bar item individually it's a pretty good value !!! My second favorite thing was the dessert. I am a really big fan of cardamom and butter cakes in general. I also really love What they did with the labneh ... as I have had desserts with labneh before in which nothing was really done to the yogurt, but I think the addition rose water syrup and strawberry is genius. !! What really made my night though n was my excellent bartender Dan ! Hands-down, best bartender/service I've had in four years I've lived in Philadelphia. Kudos to the hiring team! read more

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I finally got to try a restaurant that's been recommended to me by a lot of Philly people and it was an authentically unique and enjoyable experience. Zahav is one popular place! We had to make reservations more than five weeks ahead of time and it was so worth it. Zahav's dining experience is shareable, family style tapas, and the four of us had some difficult yet tantalizing decisions to make. There was only one dish from the appetizer menu, which was a mixture of delicious veggies with yummy Laffa bread to complement the wonderful flavors. For the main course, each of us chose from a tempting main dish menu, and one dish was more incredible than the others. We rounded out the meal with yummy Cardamom Butter Cake and Pineapple sorbet. Delish! The whole meal, along with great libations, was well worth the price. The space at Zahav is large, roomy, and stylish, and yet the seatings were cozy and comfortable. All of this was fantastic, but the one thing I'll remember most about Zahav is the stellar service. So many workers attended to various tasks that made our dinner memorable and pleasant. They were in seemingly constant motion, cleaning away used dishes and silverware, setting up beautiful presentations of the food, and attending to any of our needs and desires with a smile. I cannot wait to visit Zahav again, especially since their menu changes with the seasons. read more

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Wow, I am genuinely still in shock days after my recent visit here. I haven't been to Zahav in about 8 years and am so thankful to say that my visit here was even better than I previously remembered. They only do a prix-fixe menu, but the options are varied so you are able to try a little of a lot of things. To begin, you are started with a salatim course which consisted of a variety of sides, similar to that of Lazer Wolf. My favorite sides were a spiced cauliflower with dill and the marinated moroccan carrots. My husband loved the pickled cabbage side as well. My only note is that if you don't like a little spice or kick, you may not have been able to indulge in most of the salatim options. Next came the sides (mezze), of which you could choose one per person. We tried the Halloumi and the radish option. The Halloumi was a bit too sweet for my liking, but it had a nice crunch and I really appreciated the texture of the dish. The radish option unfortunately did not work for me. It was oily, lacked the texture I craved and felt like it was missing something (?maybe acid). The most incredible side was the warm dates filled with Marcona almonds. If I could eat this everyday, it may still not be sufficient. This was fantastic! As far as a main meal, you were able to choose a main plate that was served family style or try a per person grilled option. We chose the grilled option to try more of the menu. We ended up going with the Branzino and the stripped bass. While the branzino was delicious and perfectly cooked/seasoned, the bass seemed chewy and undercooked. The rice on the side was very tasty and added the lightness that was a great balance to the fish. Lastly, the dessert was fantastic. If you try anything, you must try the malabi. It was the most interesting dessert that I have ever tried. It was sweet and textured and was perfectly broken up by the freshness and bitterness of the orange zest. Most importantly, the service here was incredible. Our waitress was pleasant, kind and we never had to ask for more water. They definitely seem to prioritize the diner's experience and I was so impressed when I saw the chef himself in the kitchen! I can't wait for the next special event to return! read more

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Had a great time at Zahav! Went here as part of a business dinner. Food was flavorful and servers were attentive. The restaurant is consistently bustling. The expectations for this restaurant were exceedingly high for me, and perhaps their private event menu wasn't as good as ordering off of the menu. Will be back to try again with reservation! read more

The tasting menu at Zahav is absolutely incredible. Every bite from start to finish was perfect. This is a once in a lifetime resturant experience that everyone should try. The staff is attentive and kind. The atmosphere is inviting. I will forever be in awe of the dinning experience. read more

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Amazing meal in all respects. Want to know more? Okay then. Service is outstanding - very attentive, timely, knowledgable and not overbearing. It is a fixed price menu. The first course is a set of bowls of this and that - beets, eggplant, pickled cabbagge, pumpkin, and cauliflower; served with an accompanying large fresh out of the oven with spices and an oil on it laffa bread; I am not a fan of beets, but the rest were reallllly (really) tasty. We ordered 4 different appetizers - lamb carpaccio, fried delicata squash, phyllo-wrapped cheese, and a fish crudo. Everyone enjoyed their appetizer immensely and we all shared around the table with high praise for all appetizers. We had one person with a lot of dietary restrictions so they worked with us on the main course - the one person getting the sea bass and the rest of us sharing the lamb. Both mains were delicious. We ordered all 3 of the desserts and each got rave reviews (and these were also shared around the table). Additionally, they sent out 2 complimentary appetizers which was both appreciated and enjoyed. The fixed price is appropriate. The only 'downsides' of the dinner is finding parking - but if you do a search before you go, there are 6 or so parking spots very nearby that are labelled for Zahav customers and you pay via the Flowbird app (pay for 3 hours - the meal took a little over 2 hours start to finish). The other is you are unlikely to get a table unless you book well in advance of your desired dinner date. Reservations are opened up one month in advance for table seating and (I think) 48 hours in advance for bar seating. read more

Zahav - desserts - Middle Eastern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Outstanding food and exceptional hospitality Since Resy doesn't allow reservations for a party of one, I emailed Zahav directly. Their response was prompt, professional, and accommodating, offering me the choice of the bar, dining room, or Chef's Counter. I chose the Chef's Counter, and it was one of the best dining experiences I've had. My server, Sydney, was outstanding. She explained the menu in detail, made thoughtful recommendations, accommodated my preference for fully cooked dishes, and made dining solo feel incredibly comfortable. The meal began with the Hummus-Tehina with Laffa Bread and the assortment of salatim. The hummus was hands down the best I've ever had, and the warm laffa bread was impossible to stop eating. For the mezze course, I chose the Zucchini Kataifi. Sydney also surprised me with a complimentary Halloumi with Black Olive Caramel, Tomato, and Phyllo, which was absolutely delicious. Both dishes were beautifully balanced and full of flavor. My main course was the Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder with amba-braised greens and crispy Persian rice. It was tender, rich, and easily one of the best lamb dishes I've ever had. I finished with the Malabi with rosewater, strawberry, and pistachio, which was the perfect light ending to an amazing meal. The hospitality throughout the evening was exceptional. From accommodating a solo diner to the thoughtful service and careful packaging of my leftovers, every detail reflected genuine care and professionalism. I've had several excellent meals during my visit to Philadelphia, and Zahav was my favorite. Outstanding food, impeccable service, and an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended. read more

Okay i guess i will start it here i am young lol. and when i tell you that i would spend all my college money on all the containers of hummus ever (from zahav) i mean it!!!!! 4 course dinner. want a date night go to zahav. good dinning experience? get your reservation for zahav!! family dinner night??? let's get a reservation for zahav!!! the people and staff there were SO nice and kind they were very hospitable!! for the first course we had the laffa bread with hummus roasted carrots a slightly spicy fennel pickled beets as well as pickled cabbage and califlower. i had a cherry sour iced tea with my food as well it was very good and was topped with a mint leaf. COURSE #####2!!!!!!! english peas (like lil doughy meatballs with kashkaval) oh and peas of course!!! course 2 also had halloumi with apricot puree sauce topped with strawberries (honorable mention) allergy awareness!!! they were so careful with my nut allergy and made every dish without nuts. about halfway through our meal me and our waitress started talking and she brought me out my own zahav cook book last course mention lamb shoulder with pomegranate glaze and the final course desertttt lemon sorbet, vanilla pudding with rhubarb at the bottom. they were so kind at the end and took me back into the kitchen to explore and meet the chefs!!! ( they won james beard awards as well)!!!! love you zahav - Luci read more

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I'm going to be honest here... I have spent 7 years in Philadelphia avoiding Zahav because I figured there was no way it could live up to the hype. In my final months in the city of brotherly love, I decided it was time to check it off my bucket list. If you have a specific date in mind, be sure to plan your reservation making in advance. The reservations open 4 weeks to the date at 11am, and within ~10 mins all the pre-8pm reservations (on a Wednesday!) were already taken. Luckily I had set my phone alarm as a reminder and grabbed one of the 5:30pm reservations for my visiting family. The service - all I can say is WOW! Everyone was kinda, patient and clearly dedicated to making our dinner outing a success. You know a restaurant is dedicated to service when they dont pressure you to decide on the entire order at the beginning, but instead asked for your order for the next course at the end of the previous course. One of the hosts accidentally spilled a bit of cider while pouring, and immediately rectified the situation by offering all of us a taste/glass of a rare apple-grape Israeli wine. Now for the food - there honestly was not one single thing I didn't enjoy. From the dip spreads (extra shout out for the marinated cauliflower and pickled cabbage; the Laffa and humus were also superb), and Mezze (favorite was the haloumi kataifi), to the complimentary roasted dates as a palate cleanser, and fantastic 4-day marinated/roasted lamb shoulder and crispy Persian rice - the entire meal was fabulous. In addition to the great food and service, the restaurant itself has a very elevated, sophisticated vibe which paralleled the quality (and price) of food. So while $90 is a bit of a pricey dinner in Philly, I can honestly say it is worth it. read more

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What an awesome choice I made tonight. While visiting the area I saw this restaurant, and decided to give it a try. Sean, the bar server, was wonderful and very customer service-focused. He had a few extra samples brought to me. The food was superb! I definitely recommend Zahav! read more

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Lovely ambience, friendly service and tasty hummus. I didn't get the full $90 4-course menu. The cocktail was delicious and tasted like creamy peanut butter in bourbon. Older gentlemen at the bar were having a birthday celebration and the bartender bought them a hummus as a surprise. So sweet. The laffa bread is both delicious and impressive in size! read more

Zahav - Open Sesame cocktail and Salatim & Hummus with Laffa - Middle Eastern Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Absolutely love this restaurant. The food and wine are incredible consistently throughout. Loved everything we ate! Loved the "in the beginning" salatim with lava bread which is stunning. The variety of the menu is super fun as well. The service is incredible from the servers explaining the dishes and wines to them thoughtfully giving recommendations. The ambiance is relaxing and upscale without feeling stuffy. We felt taken care of and they even surprised us with a lovely treat. We left full with leftovers and would recommend to anyone. read more

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One of the best dinners I have ever had. Everything was perfect, food, service and drinks. read more

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There is nothing 5 star about a place - any place that serves humos and other assorted salads. The place has great ambiance, great service, and runs professionally. But salads - 5 stars? Really? read more