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Zaytinya
Mediterranean Restaurant, Greek Restaurant, and Turkish Restaurant$$$$
Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown, Washington
Has a stamp of approval from Bon Appetit Magazine and Washington Post
"My favorite Jose Andres spot in the DC area."(9 Tips)
"My favorite restaurant in DC!! Go during lunch - 4 courses for $25."(7 Tips)
"Absolutely amazing, creative and flavoursome mezze."(12 Tips)
"The lamb kleftico is overrated."(5 Tips)
391 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Luisa JoyNovember 9, 2013Order at least 2 plates per person. It's an excellent culinary experience. Try as much as you can... The kibbeh and the crispy Brussels are really good
Tim HelmsJune 27, 2018Brussels, octopus, lamb kleftico all tremendous. Ates de duman cocktail was excellent as well.
David MorenoJuly 16, 2012Delicious Htipiti that complements the pita bread perfectly. The lamb is very tasty and if you are feeling adventurous, the kibbe is also a delight. Also loved the okra dish.
Hamid Alan9aryDecember 31, 2016Many options to choose from 👍🏽 small portions but better for sharing #Yeswaa beetroot salad 🥗 light n refreshing
Jennifer PlanteApril 22, 2017Recently had the seasonal mushroom dish which was fantastic. Interesting wine selection. The place is large but gets very crowded on game days.
Wes AdamsSeptember 11, 2017The Turkish Storm is a surprisingly complex cocktail. Citrus forward with a vanilla finish. Must try!
Heidi MaesApril 19, 2016Amazing experience , I would want to go back now !! We sat outside , inside was noisy...
Yong KwonSeptember 15, 2014Do this: Down ouzo on the rocks at bar. Pick up bottle of red. Proceed to table. Order octopus, baba ganoush, Brussels sprouts, lamp chops. Eat until you can't. Fin.
Sophia HJanuary 12, 2019Falafel shawarma was delicious! I've never been crazy about falafels, but this was fantastic awesome delicious!
KarenMarch 20, 2014The Brussels sprouts are to die for. I didn't like then before I tried them at Zaytinya. The seared Haloumi cheese is pretty delicious, too.
Caitlyn BrownJanuary 26, 2014Come here with a group and let the waiter order for you! Everything dish is spectacular but the toum is life changing. Dip your puffed pita in it!
Steph FontJanuary 9, 2013For smaller bites, try the butternut squash hummus and the beef tartare. Great bar for happy hour if you get there early & secure a table.
Jaime CookNovember 23, 2021Don't be afraid to try the Greek wine - we had the best red wine with our meal. And the service was fabulous!
Jimmy KastnerSeptember 9, 2014Wow! The food here is awesome! This Greek food is the real deal and everything was enjoyable. Hope you like yogurt.
Burak GürelSeptember 10, 2014Everything is perfect in this place, as a Turkish citizen, I definitely can say that tastes are almost same with the ones in Turkey.
Mirko PintarJuly 10, 2015Mezzo choices imam bayildi, piyaz with specials crispy squash blossoms and grilled whole bronzino was excellent choice.
One of the best mediterranean resturant in Washington DC. Try the Adna Kabob and the Brussels Sprout
Tamara VSeptember 21, 20131 word: amazing! Definitely one of DC's best restaurants. Chef José is an artist. Try the lamb and the haloumi cheese!
Cindy RobbinsJuly 1, 2013Everyone at the table get something different bc it is all excellent ... Unless we are thinking about the Brussels then it's ok to order multiples bc ...wow
Expensive but incredible. So veggie friendly - fresh bread, spinakopita, tadziki, brussel sprouts, halumi and WINE!
Karen L.December 12, 2011Middle Eastern flavor and Mediterranean favorites served with a gourmet twist. Serves any purpose, business or pleasure. Delicious appetizers and good service. All around delightful
Charles BaltimoreJune 24, 2016Jose Andres has taken Mediterranean dishes you thought you were familiar with and made them absolutely the best. Each with a twist.
Vaibhav PDecember 5, 2014One of the best Mediterranean places I have been to in the US. And it has been consistent over the years...
Mary W.December 30, 2016Get the fried eggplant, seared salmon, shish taouk, and Turkish delight on the Mezze lunch menu
Toshka TMay 12, 2014Probably the best restaurant I have ever been to! Scallops are awesome, service is amazing/friendly. Must go to this place!- Suzanne LAugust 5, 2010Absolutely amazing, creative and flavoursome mezze. Brussel sprouts with berries, scallops with dill, melt-in-the-mouth lamb shank with eggplant puree, baklava icecream and amazing melon sorbet. Every
- Amelia FriedmanSeptember 2, 2015Amazing Mediterranean tapas. Expensive, but you can go and just order one dish to make it affordable.
Amy CummingsOctober 28, 2018Do a Mediterranean rosé flight at the bar before sitting down for your meal.
Matt BernsteinAugust 11, 2014Great Greek food. One of my favorite restaurants in DC. Make sure to try the scallops and Brussels sprouts
Daniel SchwartzNovember 26, 2010Try the Tapas. Just kidding. Everything is good--I stuck to the middle eastern Hummus falafel menu but tasted everyone else's. And the drinks are lovely too. Lemon, vodka, sugar, forget what its calle
Mike CFebruary 1, 2014Excellent Mediterranean! Mussels, grape leaves, snails, eggplant, you name it. All delicious. Jose Andres nailed it!
Mrunal ParikhNovember 27, 2012Great ambience, fast service, exceptional food. Every item is small plate so order more. Must go if you are around the D.C area.
Vivian NunezJanuary 1, 2013Food is Spectacular!!! Could be one of the best restaurant in DC. It is one of my favorite restaurant UN the whole world!!!
Debra Willcoxon RicardMarch 31, 2018Food is good, interesting combinations. Kitchen had problems keeping up. Half our table received their food 30 minutes afterwards. Fun atmosphere!
Pat RussoDecember 29, 2016The Skuna Bay Salmon and the spit-fire, slow roasted Lamb Kleftico were phenomenal. Highly recommend.
ayşe egeDecember 14, 2015The best food i have ever had in Dc Metro area. Especially, Hunkar Begendi, Humus and ottomon pilav.
JohnJune 20, 2012One of the only places where I consider the bread and accompanying "dip" a decadent delight...and that's not even touching on the fantastic tapas plates! Service is spotty though.
Christine ShepherdFebruary 8, 2012Enjoyed it all, but seriously don't leave here without getting the brussel sprouts. I don't even normally like brussel sprouts but these are amazing!!
Don’t have a reservation? If it’s just 2 people sit in the bar section. Great service, and a full menu!
Get the crispy brussel sprouts and the saganaki cheese. Really it is all delicious.
Mihika VermaDecember 2, 2014The chef's experience + beverage experience if you're ready for a nice long delicious meal
Katurah ToppsMarch 21, 2014BEST OCTOPUS EVERRRR! I mean seriously, moist and full and flavorful. I will get it EVERYTIME! seriously
1,293 Photos
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Open until Midnight (Show more)
- Mon, Sun
- 11:30 AM–10:00 PM
- Tue–Thu
- 11:30 AM–11:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:30 AM–Midnight
(202) 638-0800
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Music
No
Parking
Street, Valet
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Happy Hour, Bar Snacks
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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"You can't go wrong with Cava. The red pepper hummus paired with the rotating veggies are delicious"
Stephanie DeDecker - 7.5
"my favorite is the pita with chicken kabob and extra cous-cous and rice!"
Natalie K. - 8.7
"Go with the tasting menu. The wine selection is fantastic and the staff is very knowledgeable. Great experience."
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