"Yes, we know—this Israeli spot in Society Hill is notoriously difficult to get into. But April through September you actually have a shot—during the warmer months they open up the patio and serve the entire $85 tasting menu (reservations open up eight weeks ahead of time). You may still have a bit of a wait, but the silky tehina hummus, pomegranate-glazed lamb shoulder, and endless salatim are worth sweating through your shirt for. Reservations at Zahav are released on a rolling basis, 4 weeks to-the-day, one day at a time, at 11 am ET. The bar, where you can order a la carte or the whole tasting menu, is always available for walk-ins. Otherwise, see if your cousin who took Coding 101 can hack you a reservation." - candis mclean, alison kessler