Welcome to Zahav
Zahav, located in the heart of Philadelphia at 237 St James Pl, is a celebrated modern Israeli restaurant renowned for its exceptional dining experience. With an inviting atmosphere and impeccable service, Zahav offers an impressive array of mezze, featuring standout dishes like their famed hummus and laffa, alongside a succulent lamb shoulder that keeps guests coming back. The wine selection, including exquisite sparkling and bourbon options, enhances every meal. Patrons rave about the authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients, making Zahav a must-visit culinary gem. It’s no wonder this restaurant consistently garners accolades and is a staple in conversations about top dining spots in Philadelphia.
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237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States Hotline: +1 215-625-8800
Welcome to Zahav, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Philadelphia at 237 St James Pl. This vibrant restaurant transports diners to the rich and diverse flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, offering a menu that showcases the essence of Israeli cuisine. With a commitment to authentic ingredients and traditional cooking methods, Zahav has carved out a stellar reputation, becoming a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by an ambiance that balances warmth and sophistication, making it the perfect setting for both family gatherings and romantic dinners. The experience here transcends just dining; it’s an exploration of flavor and culture. With a menu that boasts a robust selection of mezze, Zahav sets the stage for an unforgettable feast. Guests rave about the hummus and laffa—dishes that embody the chef's craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Each bite transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
The standout dish, heralded by many visitors, is the lamb shoulder. Slow-cooked to perfection, it's a testament to Zahav’s ability to combine textures and flavors in completely harmonious ways. Each component of the meal—the sweet potato, pumpkin dip, and even the dessert offerings like malabi—is designed to be savored and celebrated. As one diner beautifully articulated, the service is as exceptional as the food, with attentive staff eager to share their extensive knowledge and recommend the perfect wine pairing from their impressive selection of Eastern Mediterranean whites, such as the Cremisan Wine Estate Dabouki from the West Bank.
Although Zahav can draw quite a crowd, with many reviews noting the bustling atmosphere and the need for reservations, the overall dining experience is nothing short of stellar. Guests appreciate the friendly and organized service, underscoring the restaurant’s dedication to not just a meal but a memorable experience. From the lively chatter of diners to the exquisite aromas wafting from the kitchen, Zahav is undoubtedly a staple in Philadelphia's food scene that lives up to its distinguished reputation.
If you find yourself in the city, Zahav is not just a meal—it's a taste of tradition, a celebration of community, and an invitation to savor the good life. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive into this rich tapestry of flavors and make your own culinary memories at Zahav.
I came to visit my family in Philly. What a wonderful experience. Our waiter graham was absolutely phenomenal. What impecable service and food. Just amazing. Can’t wait to go there again. Thank you Graham and Zahav for such a wonderful dining experience.
There is a reason why this restaurant is in the highlights for so many years. It’s definitely worth the trip from New York. The food and the atmosphere was amazing. The staff was incredibly nice and organized. this restaurant is in Michelin star level.
Terrific meal, first visit during a weekend in Philadelphia. Everything was delicious and well prepared, authentic flavors. We went with the whole fried red snapper which was not my favorite but pretty good. The place is very popular and very busy so make sure to have reservations in advance. Friendly and great service, nice room.
Wonderful meal from start to finish. Service was exceptional and wine recommendations were spot on. They hit you with the mezze and some of the best hummus and laffa you'll ever have. It was our first time, so as many have recommended, the lamb shoulder is the right move. We did halumi and smoked sable as mezze add-ons and all the dessert options. Awesome meal that lived up to the name.
There is a reason why this place is always in the top restaurants conversation in Philly. From start to finish the experience was amazing. All the mezze and our waiter and all of the service was amazing. The sweet potato was probably the highlight but I loved the pumpkin dip too. And what incredible service when our waiter brought us an extra appetizer because we were torn. The malabi was also excellent and rivaled some Israeli ones. Definitely a Philly staple you must try.
Got there at 445 and got the last 2 bar seats (no reservation needed). Did the multi course menu Everything was great. Our bartender/server Moe did a phenomenal job guiding us thru some of her faves on the menu, and all recs were excellent. She was just as good as the food
My partner and I had a perfect date/anniversary night. From the warm welcoming with a sparkling, to the end with a beautiful presentation of fantastic desserts! We enjoyed the ambiance, the service, and of course the impecable food! It's a shame we are not locals otherwise we would become regulars.
Absolutely impressed by the service, food, and the whole atmosphere! We went to celebrate husband’s birthday with a 10 year old child. Even though they do not have kids menu, they were able to accommodate my daughter with a special dish they made just for her. She was probably the only child in the whole restaurant at the time and they went above and beyond with their service! Food was delicious! Desserts were amazing as well. Would definitely highly recommend! Everyone was super nice! Everyone was very attentive! Thank you for such a perfect evening!