Mike Solomonov

AVIV | Jaffa Bar Philly

Mike Solomonov is a beloved champion of Israel’s extraordinarily diverse culinary landscape, and the chef widely recognized for bringing Israeli cuisine to diners across the U.S., and around the world. He is Chef of the trailblazing restaurant Zahav, and co-owner of Philadelphia’s CookNSolo Restaurants with hospitality entrepreneur, Steve Cook. Solomonov is the co-author of four cookbooks, and the recipient of five James Beard awards including “Outstanding Restaurant” for Zahav, making it the first Israeli-American restaurant to be awarded this great honor. The CookNSolo portfolio also features Federal Donuts & Chicken, Dizengoff, Goldie, K’Far, Laser Wolf, and Lilah. CookNSolo expanded to Brooklyn in 2022 with much acclaim, bringing grill house sensation Laser Wolf, K’Far, and Jaffa Cocktail & Raw Bar to The Hoxton hotel in Williamsburg. In November 2024, CookNSolo will expand to Miami with Aviv, a restaurant paying homage to the shared vibrancy of Miami and Tel Aviv. Mike & Steve’s latest cookbook, Zahav Home: Cooking for Friends & Family, is out September 2024. Also in September, the legendary Zahav Hummus (the restaurant recipe) becomes available at Whole Foods Markets nationwide. Solomonov is a member of the American Culinary Corps and was appointed by President Biden to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. Outside of the restaurants, you can often find Mike with Steve at Pho 75 in South Philly, working out the kinks in their Israeli village.