Food: ☆☆☆☆☆

Service: ☆☆☆☆☆

Ambiance: ☆☆☆☆

Cost: $$$

Must try: Any mezze, Kabab platter, Lamb special

 

 

 Zaytinya is José Andres’s masterpiece in Washington DC.

Set in a striking space, Zaytinya offers modern mezze dishes from the cuisines of Greece, Turkey and Lebanon. The small plate fare here is exceptional. Dishes crafted with zesty vegetables, tender meats and a perfect balance of spices really keep both the palate and the soul gleaming.

The service was outstanding. Our dishes were brought in and whisked away with a gracious efficiency and the quickly disappearing basket of warm pita bread and drinks were constantly replenished throughout our meal. Everyone from our waiter to the maitre d’ kept tabs on how our meal was progressing. The head chef Michael Costa even created a special spicy dip just for us when we asked for a side of hot sauce.

My experience at Zaytinya was near flawless. Other than a slightly chewy octopus dish, there wasn’t a bite or a moment that I didn’t relish at Zaytinya.

 

Here is some of what we ate:

 

HOMMUS

 

 

TZATZIKI

 

 

BABA GHANNOUJE

 

 

FATTOUSH

 

 

BANTIJAN BIL LABAN

 

 

SEASONAL WILD MUSHROOMS

 

 

FALAFEL

 

SPANAKOPITA

 

 

KEBAB PLATTER

 

 

PEYNIRLI PIDE

 

 

OCTOPUS SANTORINI

 

 

LAMB KLEFTICO