Although Israeli chef Michael Solomonov's name is now synonymous with Philadelphia's culinary scene, thanks to the success of his first restaurant, Zahav, which debuted in 2008, his influence has steadily spread across the nation.
In 2022, Solomonov launched Laser Wolf on the rooftop of the Hoxton Hotel in Brooklyn, New York, where reservations are still a coveted commodity. That same year, he opened K'Far, an all-day cafe in the hotel’s lobby.
Now, the chef is setting his sights on Miami with the upcoming opening of Aviv, which will welcome guests starting March 14.
“We couldn’t be more excited for the wonderful people of Miami to experience our newest concept,” Solomonov said in a joint statement with restaurateur Steve Cook, who is also involved in the project. “Aviv will be a soulful dining experience, combining ancient cooking methods with modern techniques.”
True to Solomonov’s style, Aviv—which means “spring” in Hebrew—will center around Israeli cuisine, with signature dishes like his hummus-tehina creation, paired with freshly baked-to-order saluf, a Yemenite flatbread. Diners can expect to share mezze (small plates) such as tuna boorekas, warm stuffed dates and haloumi baklava, made with spiced beef and spicy honey. These will follow a feast of salatim, small cold dishes like salads and spreads that have become a hallmark of Solomonov's restaurants.
From spicy fennel to Moroccan carrots, sumac-drenched cabbage and twice-cooked eggplant, the salatim will showcase the very essence of Solomonov’s bold flavors and techniques.
The on-site charcoal grill will feature exciting dishes like lamb merguez, Bulgarian kebabs, striped bass and a vegan mushroom shishlik with green onions, hazelnuts and Castelvetrano olives.
The cocktail menu will also embrace Middle Eastern flavors, with drinks like the zhoug, a spicy twist on the classic margarita. It’ll taste even better when enjoyed on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace—very Miami, indeed.
And while it’s still a mystery whether Aviv will offer Solomonov’s signature complementary soft-serve ice cream for dessert—a fan favorite in New York—we’re hopeful he’ll indulge our sweet tooths and bring the treat to Miami as well. Fingers crossed!
Reservations for Aviv will open on March 3 on Resy and on the restaurant's website.