CookNSolo Restaurants

CookNSolo Restaurants is a renowned Philadelphia-based hospitality group founded by chef Michael Solomonov and restaurateur Steve Cook. Since its inception, CookNSolo has become a trailblazer in the culinary world, celebrated for its innovative approach to Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as its diverse portfolio of acclaimed restaurants and food concepts.\n\nThe group’s flagship restaurant, Zahav, opened in 2008 and quickly garnered national and international acclaim for its modern interpretation of Israeli cuisine. Zahav is best known for its signature pomegranate lamb shoulder, laffa bread baked in a wood-fired oven, and a menu that highlights the vibrant flavors and traditions of Israel. Zahav’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2019.\n\nBuilding on the success of Zahav, CookNSolo expanded its portfolio to include a variety of unique dining experiences. Federal Donuts, launched in 2011, revolutionized the Philadelphia food scene with its combination of hot, fresh donuts and crispy fried chicken. The brand has since become a local favorite and expanded to multiple locations, offering both classic and innovative donut flavors alongside its signature chicken.\n\nGoldie, another standout concept, specializes in vegan Israeli street food, particularly falafel, tehina shakes, and fries. Goldie’s commitment to plant-based cuisine has attracted a diverse clientele and contributed to the growing popularity of vegan dining in Philadelphia.\n\nDizengoff, named after a famous street in Tel Aviv, focuses on hummus and Israeli salads, providing a casual yet authentic taste of Israel’s culinary staples. K’Far, inspired by Solomonov’s Israeli heritage, is a bakery and café offering fresh-baked breads, pastries, and coffee, drawing on the flavors and traditions of Israeli bakeries.\n\nLaser Wolf, a modern Israeli grill, brings the flavors of the traditional shipudiya (skewer house) to Philadelphia, featuring grilled meats, vegetables, and a variety of mezze. Lilah, the group’s event space, offers catering and private dining for special occasions, while Jaffa Bar provides a vibrant setting for cocktails and small plates.\n\nCookNSolo’s influence extends beyond its restaurants. The group has embraced packaged food and nationwide shipping, most notably through partnerships with platforms like Goldbelly, allowing customers across the United States to enjoy Zahav’s iconic dishes at home. This includes the famous pomegranate lamb shoulder, which is shipped directly from Philadelphia to doorsteps nationwide.\n\nThe company’s commitment to quality, hospitality, and culinary innovation has earned it a loyal following and numerous accolades. CookNSolo serves a wide range of industries, including hospitality, foodservice, catering, and event hosting. Its restaurants are frequented by locals, tourists, and food enthusiasts from around the world, and the group’s chefs and concepts are regularly featured in national media and culinary publications.\n\nCookNSolo is also known for its community engagement and support of local initiatives, contributing to Philadelphia’s reputation as a premier food destination. The group’s leadership, particularly Michael Solomonov, is recognized for mentoring young chefs and promoting diversity and inclusion within the hospitality industry.\n\nIn summary, CookNSolo Restaurants stands at the forefront of Philadelphia’s dining scene, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences that celebrate Israeli and Middle Eastern flavors. With a portfolio that includes award-winning restaurants, innovative food concepts, and a growing presence in packaged goods and catering, CookNSolo continues to shape the future of hospitality in Philadelphia and beyond.\n\nKey Products and Services:\n- Israeli cuisine (Zahav, Laser Wolf, Dizengoff, Goldie)\n- Donuts and fried chicken (Federal Donuts)\n- Bakery and café (K’Far)\n- Event catering and private dining (Lilah)\n- Cocktails and small plates (Jaffa Bar)\n- Nationwide shipping of signature dishes (Goldbelly)\n\nYear Founded: 2008 (Zahav), with subsequent concepts launched in the following years.\n\nIndustries Served: Hospitality, foodservice, catering, packaged foods, events.\n\nNotable Clients and Awards: Zahav (James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, 2019), frequent features in national media, and a loyal customer base in Philadelphia and beyond.\n\nFor more information, visit https://cooknsolo.com/.