How Many Restaurants Does Michael Solomonov Have?

Michael Solomonov Restaurants: Key Takeaways

Michael Solomonov owns 12 restaurants, all located in the United States, mainly Philadelphia with recent expansion to Brooklyn and Miami.
His portfolio includes a mix of fine dining and casual concepts, with standout venues like Zahav and Federal Donuts.
Solomonov does not currently hold any Michelin stars but has earned critical acclaim, including James Beard Awards.
Recent growth includes new restaurants in Brooklyn and Miami alongside partnerships with groups like Boka Restaurant Group and 1 Hotel South Beach.

Chef Michael Solomonov is a celebrated restaurateur known for his authentic and modern Israeli cuisine. His restaurant empire is concentrated primarily in Philadelphia but has begun expanding to other U.S. cities like Brooklyn and Miami.

This article explores how many restaurants Solomonov owns, including his award-winning fine dining establishments and popular casual brands, providing an overview of his diverse culinary ventures and geographic presence.

Michael Solomonov Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count

Michael Solomonov owns 12 restaurants worldwide, all of which are located in the United States, mainly centered around Philadelphia with recent expansion into Brooklyn and Miami.

Solomonov’s culinary ventures span a range of dining experiences from acclaimed fine dining to popular casual eateries. His empire includes award-winning establishments and beloved neighborhood spots that highlight Israeli and Jewish cuisine.

The following table summarizes Solomonov’s restaurant distribution by region with notable examples:

Region	Approx. Number of Restaurants	Notable Examples
United States	12	Zahav, Federal Donuts, Dizengoff, Goldie, K'Far, Laser Wolf, Merkaz, Abe Fisher, Aviv (Miami), Lilah

Note: All of Solomonov’s restaurants are owned and operated by him and his partners; there are no franchised or licensed locations.

Most of the portfolio is located in Philadelphia, reflecting Solomonov’s deep roots in the city’s dining scene. However, since 2023 he has expanded into Brooklyn and Miami, indicating a cautious growth strategy focusing on regional markets and collaboration with key partners like Boka Restaurant Group and 1 Hotel South Beach.

Solomonov’s restaurants cover formats from fine dining with prix fixe menus to quick-service eateries specializing in donuts and fried chicken, illustrating a broad appeal across different customer segments.

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Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants

Unlike many celebrity chefs, Michael Solomonov currently does not operate any Michelin-starred restaurants. His acclaim has come instead through major culinary awards such as the James Beard Award, particularly for his signature restaurant Zahav.

While Michelin stars are a significant indicator of traditional fine dining excellence, Solomonov’s strength lies in blending authentic Israeli flavors with accessible formats that reach a diverse audience.

His restaurants are critically well regarded and attract dedicated followers for their innovative cuisine and consistent quality, despite lacking official Michelin recognition.

Those interested in culinary accolades might find insights in articles about Michelin stars statistics useful for understanding this prestigious recognition in the industry.

Notable Michael Solomonov Restaurant Concepts and Locations

Michael Solomonov’s restaurant concepts range from upscale Israeli fine dining to fast-casual and vegan eateries, firmly rooted in Middle Eastern culinary traditions while adapted for American diners.

Zahav

Zahav is Solomonov’s flagship fine dining restaurant in Philadelphia, widely celebrated for its authentic Israeli cuisine with a modern twist. Opened in 2008, Zahav has earned numerous accolades including a James Beard Award.

The restaurant offers tasting menus priced between $50 and $100 per person, highlighting dishes like laffa bread, slow-cooked lamb, and seasonal mezze. Zahav is a key reason Solomonov became a household name in the American culinary world.

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Federal Donuts

Federal Donuts is a fast-casual concept famous for its combination of donuts and fried chicken. There are six Federal Donuts locations all in Philadelphia, serving affordable meals in a vibrant, youthful setting with prices between $5 and $15.

This brand has become a local favorite and exemplifies Solomonov’s ability to innovate in casual dining and create crowd-pleasing fast foods.

Dizengoff

Dizengoff offers casual dining focused on fresh hummus and pita in a relaxed atmosphere. Located in Philadelphia, Dizengoff exemplifies Solomonov’s dedication to bringing Middle Eastern street foods to a broader market.

With price points around $10 to $20, it offers quick, high-quality fare that has earned a loyal following.

Goldie

Goldie is a vegan Israeli concept expanding Solomonov’s portfolio into plant-based dining. There are two Goldie locations in Philadelphia focused on offering flavorful, vegan-friendly dishes with menu prices averaging $10 to $20.

This brand aligns with trends toward sustainability and appeals to growing demand for vegan and vegetarian restaurants.

K'Far

K’Far is an Israeli bakery and café with two locations in Philadelphia and Brooklyn. It blends traditional Middle Eastern baked goods and café fare with modern sensibilities, featuring pastries, breads, and light meals.

Price ranges from $15 to $30 make it an accessible yet elevated option, reflecting Solomonov’s strategy to diversify dining options.

Laser Wolf

Laser Wolf is an Israeli grill house with locations in Philadelphia and Brooklyn, priced between $30 and $50 per person. It offers grilled meats, fresh salads, and lively communal dining.

The venues emphasize a genuine Israeli culinary experience in a casual but stylish setting, showcasing the versatility of Solomonov’s brand.

Merkaz

Merkaz, located in Philadelphia, serves Israeli pita sandwiches and light fare at a casual price range of $10 to $20. It focuses on fast, flavorful meals that embody street food culture.

This restaurant complements Solomonov’s other casual outlets and strengthens his presence in Philadelphia’s dining scene.

Abe Fisher

Abe Fisher is a fine dining restaurant in Philadelphia specializing in Jewish diaspora cuisine. With prices between $40 and $60 per person, it offers a sophisticated take on traditional recipes with creative menus and elegant presentation.

Abe Fisher further diversifies Solomonov’s portfolio beyond Israeli cuisine into broader Jewish culinary traditions.

Aviv

Launched recently in Miami, Aviv is Solomonov’s entry into the Florida market and Miami dining scene. This fine dining restaurant (priced $50–$100 per person) blends authentic Israeli cuisine with influences from Miami’s vibrant culinary culture.

Aviv is part of Solomonov’s ongoing expansion and partnership with notable operators like 1 Hotel South Beach.

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Michael Solomonov Restaurant Empire: Conclusion

Michael Solomonov currently owns 12 restaurants concentrated in the United States with a strong foundation in Philadelphia and thoughtful expansion to Brooklyn and Miami.

His portfolio represents a broad spectrum of dining concepts from the James Beard Award-winning Zahav and Abe Fisher fine dining establishments to fast-casual brands like Federal Donuts and Dizengoff, showcasing his versatility and deep expertise in Israeli and Jewish cuisines.

Although Solomonov does not hold any Michelin stars, his reputation and awards underscore his significant influence on American gastronomy. With strategic partnerships and a careful growth strategy, Solomonov’s empire continues to evolve without compromising authenticity or quality.

His blend of high-end dining and approachable casual brands makes his restaurant group unique and accessible to a wide audience, cementing his status as a major force in contemporary American cuisine.

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01. How involved is Michael Solomonov in day-to-day restaurant operations?

Michael Solomonov remains actively involved in the overall vision and culinary direction of his restaurants. While he does not personally manage every location’s daily operations, he works closely with executive chefs and managers to maintain quality and authenticity.

His involvement includes menu development, overseeing key hires, and strategic growth decisions, especially for his fine dining restaurants like Zahav and Abe Fisher.

02. Are Michael Solomonov’s restaurants expensive — and which ones offer the best value?

Michael Solomonov’s restaurants range from affordable casual dining to upscale fine dining. Price ranges are typically:

Fine Dining: $50–$100 per person (e.g., Zahav and Aviv)
Casual Dining: $5–$30 per person (e.g., Federal Donuts, Dizengoff)

For best value, casual venues like Federal Donuts provide unique, high-quality food at accessible prices, while Zahav offers a richly curated fine dining experience worth the premium.

03. How does Michael Solomonov choose new cities or countries for expansion?

Expansion decisions are driven by careful market analysis, local demand for authentic Israeli cuisine, and strategic partnerships. Solomonov targets cities with a culinary scene that aligns with his brands, such as Brooklyn and Miami.

He also collaborates with trusted partners like Boka Restaurant Group and 1 Hotel South Beach to ensure operational success in new locations, focusing on maintaining quality and brand integrity.

04. Are Michael Solomonov's restaurants sustainable or locally sourced?

Many of Solomonov’s restaurants emphasize sustainability by sourcing local and seasonal ingredients where possible, supporting regional producers, and minimizing waste.

While not all locations publicly market themselves as farm-to-table or fully sustainable, the chef prioritizes quality and freshness, evident in the menus at Zahav and Aviv.

05. Can you book Michael Solomonov's restaurants online — and are there loyalty programs?

Most of Solomonov’s restaurants accept reservations online through platforms like OpenTable or via their official websites.

However, there is no unified loyalty program across his restaurant group. Some casual venues may offer promotions or specials independently.