Philly's Zahav Named Among America's 'Essential' Restaurants

PHILADELPHIA – Zahav, what could be Philadelphia's most exclusive restaurant, has more to brag about, as a foodie publication has listed it among America's most essential restaurants yet again.

With honors including James Beard awards, being named among the 100 best places to eat in the country, and considered one of the main reasons why Philly is considered a "most exciting place to live," Zahav and its crew can brag about being one of the nation's most essential places to dine.

Eater.com listed the Israeli cuisine experts among the 38 most essential restaurants in the country.

This marks the third year in a row Eater.com has listed Zahav as an essential eatery.

Here's what Eater says about James Beard Award winner Michael Solomonov's restaurant:

Israeli cuisine— the clearinghouse of the culinary Middle East — is trending in the United States, but the finest place still to relish its complexities (bright salads and transcendent hummus, for starters) is at the flagship of Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook.

Located at 237 St. James Place, Zahav is so popular that wait times to get a table can be very long, but reviewers say the the food is well worth the wait. Here's what some had to say:

It can be a challenge to get a reservation here, probably because of all the deserved high praise. The tasting menu at $45 is almost a bargain, given the quality, originality--and quantity. Every dish pleased, although we each had our favorites. Excellent service that was attentive and never felt rushed. Would probably make Zahav the top recommendation for any moderately adventurous eater visiting Philadelphia. Do try the grilled duck hearts and the lamb tartar. – prosecco050, TripAdvisor

OMG! We made our reservation 2 months ago and it was worth the wait! First of all, the staff was amazing! I wish we'd gotten our waiters name-he was a tall drink of water with a tidy 'man bun'-he was wonderful and was super attentive. When we told him we were vegan, he spoke to the chef to see what our best options would be for our meal. We decided in the tasting menu and we're not disappointed. We were having special dishes created just for us. At one point, the chef came out and delivers us an amazing stuffed summer squash. Each dish was better than the next. We ended with a table full of dessert...sorbet, fresh fruit, and a specially made vegan chocolate concoction with raspberry topping. Our waiter even sent of home with a sweetly wrapped parcel of dessert.It was one of the best dining experiences I've had in Philly. We will be back. – Megan U Peters, Facebook

one of the few restaurants in the city that seems to be constantly booked for reservations. it's easier to get a reservation at vetri than here! nonetheless, the wait was well worth it - we had such a memorable dinner here and the service was equally five stars as well. – Annie K, Yelp!

Yes, the food and service are terrific. My only compliant is how difficult it is to get a reservation. The chef's menu was well worth the wait tho. We ended up taking the last half of the courses home because we were stuffed. Now, those were stellar leftovers. – Martha M., TripAdvisor

Have you been to Zahav? What was your experience like? Are there other Philly restaurants you think are essential? Tell us in the comments!

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