Zaytinya - New York: A Mediterranean Delight for Every Occasion

Gotra say this off the top, every time I have come here, the waiters wildly WILDLY over inflates the number of mezzes each person should order. I being big backed couldn't finish that much let alone most ladies. That being said, their olive oil with pomegranite molasses dip should be made standard at all mediterranean restaurants, willing to pay for it as an option even! Love the cauliflower, baba ghannouge, kibbeh and more. While many dishes are done well, it is very hard to standout in a crowded market like NY with excellent mediterranean restaurants at all tiers. The place is elaborate, love the bar, service at later courses was lacking and slow.

Can’t thank the team at Zaytinya enough for such a wonderful birthday dinner experience! I emailed with the team literally the day before my event, and they pulled together a customized menu and seating for 14 people in the center of the restaurant. The food was fantastic and the service was excellent! Perfect spot for a group event or any dinner date.

Had such a beautiful and romantic dinner at Zaytinya in the city. The restaurant is absolutely stunning — cozy, aesthetic, and designed with a modern Middle Eastern touch that instantly sets the vibe. It’s warm, intimate, and perfect for a date or a special night out. We went with their Chef’s Experience, which is $80 per person (or $125 with wine pairing) and honestly, it’s so worth it. You get multiple courses — appetizers, salads, sides, entrées, and two desserts. Even though the portions are smaller, the variety and amount of food you get make it more than enough for two people. Plus, you get to try so many dishes you probably wouldn’t think to order individually. Everything was flavorful and beautifully presented. The spreads, salads, shrimp, falafel, and hot appetizers were amazing. I also tried a cocktail with za’atar, which was strong, unique, and really delicious. The service was friendly and very attentive, and the whole atmosphere felt elevated but still comfortable. It’s one of those restaurants you walk into and immediately feel relaxed. I would definitely come back to explore more of their menu. Highly recommend for anyone who loves Middle Eastern/Mediterranean flavors or wants a romantic, memorable dinner in the city.

Went there for my birthday. Such a pleasant experience We opted to order A La Carte as you have the option to have the Chef's Experience. We loved the bread that was given warm, puffy and fragrant. Lamb hummus and alumni cheese for aptz were tasty. We shared the steak that was plenty for two, the veggies that accompanied it could have been a bit tastier. For desserts we had the kataifi that wasn't too sweet but balanced. We will definitely go back as drinks too were really good. The restaurant as also a great looking bar.

We went here for a birthday dinner for one of my best friends and the atmosphere was amazing. A bit tough to get reservations but definitely worth it for the vibes and food. My favorite bites of the night were the Chicken Muhamarra, Kebab Platter and Celebration Rice. Just as a heads up, only items with chicken are halal!

Hit up Zaytinya for an earlier dinner on a Monday and the place was great. Started with the lamb hummus and another dip then on to the scallops and octopus and barely had room for the lamb burger but was still able to devour it because it was just that good. The service and ambiance were perfect as well. Would definitely go back to try other things.

Nice place with good service, nice ambiance. and lovely cocktails. Good selection of mezze for both vegetarians and meat lovers. The food quality is good but not exceptional. Service also very good, friendly and polite. Great place to share food but better to under order to start with as the food comes out quickly so you can judge the quantity as you go along.

I’m almost sure I had already written a review for Zaytinya because I truly love this place, but I couldn’t find it — so here I go again. This time I visited for lunch (for a friend’s birthday), and the previous time I came for dinner (my anniversary). Both experiences were absolutely incredible. The food has a truly authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavor, and I genuinely love their menu. The Adana Kebab is outstanding — perfectly seasoned, full of flavor, and beautifully prepared. Portions feel just right, prices are fair, and everything tastes high quality. The service is also a huge part of what makes this place special: the attention is professional, the staff is kind and attentive, and they’re very thoughtful with every detail. It feels luxurious without being stiff — the ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, which I really appreciate. Even after finishing our lunch, we ended up coming back later for a drink at the bar, simply because we enjoy the space so much. Highly recommended.