Acclaimed Philadelphia-based chef Michael Solomonov and restaurateur Steve Cook will open Aviv at the 1 Hotel South Beach on Friday, March 14. One of Miami's most highly anticipated restaurant openings of 2025, the duo will bring their modern take on Israeli cuisine to the oceanfront property. Solomonov is widely recognized within the restaurant community and beyond for his award-winning Philly restaurant Zahav, which he founded in 2008.
"We couldn't be more excited," Solomonov tells New Times during a recent interview, noting the partnership with 1 Hotel South Beach came about organically after a successful Art Basel pop-up at the property prior to the pandemic. "The whole team was amazing, and it sounds very cheesy, but we had such a good time. The sentiment was like, 'Well, why don't we just do this?'"
The name Aviv — which means spring in Hebrew — speaks to both renewal and vibrancy. For the chef, the cultural overlap between Tel Aviv and Miami makes this location feel like a natural fit. "If you could just open the best restaurant to express a modern cuisine, what would it be? That's what Aviv is."
Acclaimed Philadelphia-based chef Michael Solomonov poses inside of the soon-to-be opened Aviv at the 1 Hotel South Beach
Photo by Michael Persico
A New Take on Israeli Cuisine with Miami Influences
The dinner-focused menu spans several sections, showcasing a wide array of Israeli cuisine with Miami influences. Highlights include various hummus options, including one made with brown butter and crispy garlic or the "Yerushalmi" topped with spiced beef and pine nuts and accompanied by saluf, a Yemenite-style bread that's fermented for 48 hours, creating a fluffy, bubble-filled texture that will be unique to Aviv. The "Salatim" section will offer a selection of vegetable dishes, including beets with tehina, Moroccan carrots, and twice-cooked eggplant.Among the standouts are "Chicken Shishlik," chicken skewers cooked over charcoal and marinated with guava and spices as a nod to Miami, a dish Solomonov first served during the pop-up. Other notable items include pompano with sea bean tzatziki, an impressive 72-hour slow-roasted short rib with passion fruit and amba, and a halloumi baklava with quince and pistachio.
"In our experience, trying to only replicate doesn't ever really work," Solomonov explains about adapting his cooking style for Miami. "Aviv will be very similar and recognizable to our other restaurants, but absolutely taking liberty and expressing myself a little bit differently here."
Inside of Aviv expect modern surfaces made with coquina stone and textured glass.
Photo by Michael Persico
A Modern and Ambient Space to Match the Menu
The new restaurant, located on the ground level of 1 Hotel South Beach, has been completely overhauled by design firm Post Company. Inside, the design mixes materials like coquina stone, textured glass, and hand-painted murals. Outside, a terrace dotted with tropical plants will offer a breezy dining option with Miami Beach vibes. Plus, there will also be a private dining room for groups, as well as a dedicated bar and lounge area for those just looking to grab a wine or cocktail.Reservations for Aviv will be available starting on Monday, March 3, via Resy.com.
Aviv. 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Opening Friday, March 14.
