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Mike Solomonov
Culinary legend
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
Born in Israel and raised in Pittsburgh, the work carries a useful split view: one set of references grounded in place, another shaped by distance. At Zahav in Philadelphia, that shows up in how familiar ingredients are handled with precision and traditional techniques are kept in play, producing flavors that land clearly rather than loudly. As Executive Chef and co-owner, Mike Solomonov has built his name on exacting treatment of everyday foods, not on excess.
The Climb
Since 2008, Mike Solomonov has been chef of Zahav, and the length of that run matters to the shape of the restaurant. Time has given the kitchen room to settle, sharpen, and develop a point of view that reads as both disciplined and distinct. Zahav has remained the place where that point of view is most visible, and where his rise has been most closely tied to the steadiness of the work.
Today
He remains Executive Chef and co-owner in Philadelphia, with Zahav still serving as the center of his current work. CookNSolo Restaurants extends that reach, but the focus stays on the same standards of technique and control that define the restaurant. Zahav Restaurant Recipe Hummus, released exclusively at Whole Foods Markets across the U.S, carries one named preparation from the kitchen into retail without changing the terms of the work. The underlying method is straightforward to state and hard to do well: take familiar foods and make them feel newly alive without stripping away what they are. That balance is what gives the cooking its force. Dishes such as hummus and short ribs matter here because they show how lineage, technique, and flavor can be held together in a single plate, with each part doing its job plainly and well.
Signature
Mike's signature dishes include Zahav Restaurant Recipe Hummus and Montreal-style short ribs.
Recognition
Mike's honors include James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Mike
What is Mike Solomonov's current role?
As of 2026, Mike Solomonov is Executive Chef and co-owner.
What recognition has Mike Solomonov received?
James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef.
What is Mike Solomonov known for?
Israeli cuisine.
