We went for a date night and were very excited to have a west coast location after being several times in DC. The restaurant was packed but we were seated right away for our reservation. While our server was very nice we had hoped for a bit more in terms of recommendations for drinks and food. Perhaps being a newer location the menu knowledge is still getting there. Having said that, the food was as advertised. From the bread service that comes right away, to our hummus and lamb, grilled halloumi, and beet salad appetizers, all of the dishes were solid. Very very solid experience and would recommend coming in a bit bigger of a group to be able to try more things. We will be back. read more

Went for the first time for brunch, the restaurant wasn't busy but service was very slow, we had to flag down our server after 30 minutes of just sitting there. Once we put in our order, the food came out but our drinks didn't, had to flag down our server again. Mind you, there were maybe 6 other parties in the restaurant at the time. The food was also not impressive, but even if it had been, the service was bad enough I wouldn't return. read more

Small plates with enough to share with 3 adults and 1 child. Fairly good food, albeit on the salty side (for me). Very, very good service. I think there are other Greek/Mediterranean restaurants that suit me better, but this was a nice dinner. read more

This restaurant has failed me twice. In New York, they canceled my birthday reservation because of a gas leak. While frustrating, I decided to give them another chance at their LA location, which turned out to be just as disappointing. Despite having a confirmed reservation, I was forced to wait over an hour for a table. To make matters worse, the restaurant closes at 10, and we weren't seated until 9:30. Although we weren't rushed, the entire experience felt awkward and uncomfortable. When the food finally arrived, it was so salty that it was hard to enjoy. Definitely not a place I would recommend or come back to. read more

Service- 4.5 Food- 3 Love Chef Jose Andres. Been to The Bazaar in BH, Zaytinya, Oyamel, minibar in DC. Zaytinya in DC is my favorite of all of Chef's restaurants. So happy when it popped up on Yelp. Booked a table for 5 immediately. Sad to report that it didn't measure up to the original. Favs: baba ganoush, beet salad, dolmades Mid: imam bayildi (eggplant), spanakopita, octopus, black cod, dill shrimp Not good: kebab platter....way too salty and overcooked. Falafels were way overfried. The whole meal was too salty and I LOVE salty food. Chef needs to send someone from DC ASAP to retrain BOH. The football shaped pita is not soft and fluffy as I remember. It stiffens up quickly. Service was nice. Ambience was a bit dark, but not in the romantic sense. Keep in mind it's only about 5months old...4-stars b/c we all love Chef JA and we look forward to the improvements. read more

The food is excellent! We had babaganoush, cauliflower, and a vegetable salad for appetizers and then lamb and beef kebabs mezze. Everything was very tasty! They also serve really good pita bread and make really good drinks. We had Turkish coffee with an apple desert at the end. The presentation of the food and the decor inside the restaurant are great! All the different servers were very nice and polite. I would definitely return here again - the experience in the restaurant is something different and very pleasant in my opinion. The restaurant is located right within the parking/hotel of the Ivy metro station in Culver City. read more

Good food and service. Sampler platter was perfect. Recommend the beet salad and Brussels sprouts.

When I go home to visit my family in LA, I always try and go someplace new. Since I am always wanting to try falafels my daughter suggested we go to Zaytinya on a weekend for lunch. We ordered and split the falafel wrap and hummus. They serve these light puff pitas, that are called something else and are unlimited along with the olive oil, very good!! And the humus arrived started dipping in that with this bread-had to practice self control. The falafel roll came with a salad, so we had plenty of food. I would definitely go back and order the exact same items, since I do not eat meat. The only negative is that I cannot buy the hummus at my local store, because I would keep it stocked in my refrigerator. read more

Overall, with regards to food, I was "whelmed" with Zaytinya. Everything was prepared properly and tasted good. But there were not really any surprising flavors. Everything was just good. The hummus and babaghanoush: solid but standard (although my wife did really like the pickled veggies added to the hummus). The fried cauliflower dish was good as was the crispy eggplant. Everything was... good. But somehow didn't elevate. Actually, the french fries were surprisingly outstanding!! With regards to the drinks, we actually did really like the three cocktails we got: the 3pm in Istanbul, the Magic Carpet, and the Minoan Sour. I would basically recommend going to Zaytinya for drinks and get a few snacks to go with it rather than having a full dinner. The service was very friendly. And we were celebrating the birthday of one of the people in our party and they gave us a complimentary dessert, the Turkish coffee chocolate cake with mastic ice cream. Mastic is kind of a pine-y flavor so I am not sure it actually worked with the chocolate cake but it definitely was trying for some different, more unique flavors so I respect that. read more

we were a party of 5. 3 got there early and ordered the chef's choice at $95 each. 2 of us got there about 10 minutes later, we looked at the menu but were told that with chef's choice EVERYONE at the table had to order it. There was no where on the menu that said we ALL had to order the chef's choice. Nor was it said out loud. One of our party doesn't eat seafood so we pleaded to please make an exception. The server had to go ask management if that was okay, so he came back and said yes, they will make an exception so we can order something else off the menu, which was a Hangar steak for $80. No sides. Food was good. but value really wasn't there. Parking is $18 with a 3 hour limit. Jeeez. I don't think Zaytinya will last...but maybe I'm wrong. In these times, with economy in a teeter totter, this restaurant seems out of place and not worth the investment for dinner... read more

Zaytinya is officially my favorite restaurant. I've been there 3 times and it's better every time. The ambiance is immaculate, perfect lighting, lovely tableware, beautiful bar. From the host station to the servers and wait staff- everyone is there to make it pleasant efficient and inviting. The food: shish taouk, kofte, crispy Brussel sprouts, smoked beet salad, hummus, French fries, unlimited warm pita, individual pots of tea, galatopita for dessert ALL AMAZING!! read more

Zaytinya - Beet salad, hummus, fries, Brussel sprouts, chicken, dessert - Greek Near Me - Culver City, California

Great personality jose Andreas But The restaurant zaytinya was a huge disappointment Any falafel place or truck has more soul on its menu. The cucumber salad was flat and boring The lamb falafel cold and tough The roasted Brussels sprouts inedible Prices are shamefully high and the parking was $ 30 read more

The star of the show here was the drink! The "magic carpet ride was lovely" and stiff. The ambiance was nice also, it gave Tulum casual. Everything else? Fell entirely flat. The parking was rough unless you want to pay $18 to valet. The wait staff was kind but disorganized and seemingly short staffed--my waitress was also working the bar and couldn't cover my table at all. The food was wildly underwhelming. If you live walking distance it'd be nice to have a casual drink with a friend but otherwise I'd skip it. read more

There is really nothing special about this place, but the actual restaurant is beautiful. The food is very average and the lamb is really unremarkable and dry. There are so many better options in LA that you shouldn't waste your time on this place. read more

Jose Andres does it again! AMAZING FOOD. We love to try his chef experiences. The mezzas were great. Lamb chops divine. The vibe was chic but relaxed and the service impeccable. So good, I'm ready to go back again real soon. read more

Was excited to check this out as we went to the DC location last Spring and LOVED it! The food and drinks at Zaytjnya are incredible - but unfortunately the vibe is very lackluster, and needs some tweaking!!! We went for dinner on a Saturday evening with another couple, and we all agreed. It's somewhere my hubby and I may go back to for the food - but not somewhere where we would take out of town guests or anyone looking for a fun night out. Please bring the DC ambiance to Zaytjnya CC! read more

Great experience in general and food were great. I already went back a second time and will definitely be coming back more. The only objection is on our waitress the second time, she was very short and sounded more like a salesperson more than anything else. We like to order and then go back for more if we are still interested in trying more things.. she refused to do that, instead she instead that we order all at once and was pushy about it. We of course reflected this in our tipping. Word to the management, talk to your staff and provide more training on hospitality. read more

Zaytinya is in the space formerly occupied by Etta and Prima Donna. The layout is the same but with some changes in the decor - comfortable, a little more formal and lighter in colors. The menu is Mediterranean focusing mostly on Greek, Turkish and various North African influences, and is designed for sharing. This is our first experience with a Jose Andreas eatery. Knowing of him from a few PBS aired programs, WCK and his various awards, we did have reasonable expectations. The wine list has a substantial section of Greek wines which I have little knowledge of - I ordered a red blend from Central California. The somm had a great amount of knowledge and back story on this particular wine which I truly appreciated since I had none other than the grape varieties. The food was impressive. We went during DineLA and considered ordering from that menu, but there were a few items that we wanted to try that were only on the main menu. Still - the number of courses and options for each course on DineLA is generous given the $55 price. We ordered several dishes - we ordered too many dishes to list - but literally everything we tried was presented well and very appetizing. Each time that we tried something, the most frequent comments were how good the food was and that we needed to come back again soon. The service is excellent. As I already mentioned my very positive experience with the somm, the other staff members were excellent at covering the tables, minimally intrusive and very attentive at the same time. Each time a guest would leave a table, I noticed a staff member adjust the seat and refolding the napkin. This level of attention is not unheard of but definitely uncommon - at least in L.A. Visiting Zaytinya for dinner during DineLA is a relatively economical way to try some excellent food. But we felt that spending more for what we truly wanted was worth the tab as well. One would expect a great dining experience here given the pedigree, and we feel Zaytinya did just that. read more

With all of the options available in LA for Mediterranean cuisine, the food really fell short on offering a Jose Andrés touch. The service was attentive but the plates flowed out in a way where we had nothing on the table and then suddenly all courses appeared. Nothing stood out as far as flavors except the overly smoky babaganoush. It tasted like liquid smoke. We came to take part in the DineLa dinner. read more

If the review was simply based on food, I would give FIVE stars but alas overall service was a big disappointment. We arrived early for our made 715pm reservation at a standard table to celebrate my birthday with family. The hostess advised that the previous party was still seated but they hoped to seat us shortly, I was invited to sit at the bar or wait in the hotel lobby...we waited in the lobby. It was a friday night and the last day of dine LA so anticipated. We watched as other guests arrived or what appeared to be similar sized parties, who were also asked to wait but then taken to their table shortly after. Finally after waiting over 40 minutes we were escorted to a table outside, right by the bus station...my reservation was for a table INSIDE, so we politely refused the table and were led back to the lobby to wait for a manager. After waiting almost an hour we were taken to a table, by the manager, he explained the menu and returned shortly with a celebratory glass of champagne for each of us...the gesture was appreciated Service was disappointing...we were promised pita bread, but watched andcwaited as the server on the other side of the restaurant delivering to other tables. I reminded the waiter staff several times before it was finally delivered. At the waiter recommendation, we ordered from the dine LA menu - our first 3 courses arrived at the same time and then there was a very long wait between each of our final courses and the check. We had to ask for a refill of water and were never offered a 2nd cocktail, wine or any other beverage. Food is delicious and worth returning for but I've made a note never ever again on a Friday read more

Go once: Yes! Go again: Likely! I generally like José Andrés. His restaurants tend to be very solid. I previously loved The Bazaar in Beverly Hills, so I usually will give his restaurants a chance. Zaytinya wasn't our first choice when we went, but we also weren't disappointed. The seared halloumi was beautifully prepared. The dish was stunning and delicious. Spanakopita was on the small side but quite good. The meatballs (soutzoukakia) were good but not particularly impressive. The stand out dish for me though was the mujadara. I loved it, and would come back just for that dish. I liked the scallops but could have gone with less of the yogurt, radish and apple mixture beneath it. The avgotaraho was minuscule. I would avoid unless you'd like to be disappointed. We also tried their cocktails, which were interesting. We appreciated the nods and usage of spices to pair with the food. Overall, we enjoyed Zaytinya, but it's definitely on the pricier side. I say it's likely we'll go back because it's close and we had some dishes we really liked, but I also don't feel a rush of excitement thinking about going back. read more

This is a 5***** restaurant!! I went for lunch and then for a family birthday dinner and was so impressed with each small plate. I've tried approximately a dozen dishes and each was unique, creative and SO delicious! It's a fun eaterie where you can share a lot of small plates and keep asking for more. Jose Andres has done it again! He's a brilliant chef and a great humanitarian for the world's darkest moments. I can't wait to go back to the Shay Hotel and sample Jose's Mexican food on the roof of the hotel around the pool. read more

It is so difficult to find a good greek place in this area and Zaytinya filled that need. I went last night and was extremely impressed. They also bring you unlimited pita throughout the whole meal! Our waiter was extremely helpful too with suggestions. He clearly knew the menu well. If you are looking for suggestions, this is what I thought of everything we ordered: Labneh - this was my first time trying labneh and this didn't disappoint Baba ganoush - sooo smokey and amazing Brussels - unreal, super crispy and the sauce is amazing Falafel - So flavorful and very green! So good wrapped in the pita with the baba famous and labneh Garides (shrimp) - The shrimp was my favorite. The sauce was amazing. This is a must try. Soujouk pide - this was also great. The bread itself was so good. They know what they are doing with their dough! Beet salad - refreshing and good but nothing special Soutzoukakia - this was good but also nothing special. this is the only thing I wouldn't order again if I went back. The lemon olive oil cake was also great! read more

We were really excited to find this place and eat some Mediterranean food in a fine dining type setting, but Jose Andres really disappointed here!!! The service and atmosphere was good, but the food was mediocre to terrible depending on the dish. The sauces and flavors were not refined at all. The meats either had no flavor or no texture because of the way they were prepared. While the prices were reasonable, the unique flavors of Turkey and Lebanon were completely missed or ruined. If you've had the privilege of tasting authentic and good Mediterranean food, this place will severely disappoint you read more

Service was fine but the food is so disappointing. Overly priced for what you get. Overall not worth a visit. I also have been to the one in Florida. Same experience. Such a shame. read more

We got A LOT of dishes (they recommend 3-4 per person, group of 4). Here are some of my favorites in ranked order: -Grilled lamb chops -Turkish coffee chocolate cake -Halloumi pide -Kabob platter -Crispy brussels afelia -Soutzoukakia -Batinjan bil laban -Whole sea bass -Sea scallops read more

A group of us had dinner at Zaytina this past weekend after my book launch at Inkwell Books & Coffee in Culver City. When our waiter heard we were celebrating my book, he brought everyone at the table a generous pour of their special house Prosecco which was incredibly kind. He also took great care, because I have serious food allergies. The food was delicious, the service was wonderful, and the ambiance was festive. I highly recommend. read more

My girl loved it, recommend by my family. Take extra food to go to have left overs. Fast and cleaned place to eat

The food is Soooo good and the portions are perfect. I shared 5 dishes with one other person, and each was delicious and filling. The service is very fast and the staff are lovely. Definitely would recommend. read more

Great drinks, service and ambiance. The portions are more tapas style. I wasn't impressed with the food maybe they need more time to flush out the menu. I like Jose Andres but this was my least favorite of his restaurants. read more

This was my second time at Zaytinya. While the space is beautiful, my zaatar margarita was great, and the service was mostly attentive, the food left a lot to be desired. The hummus was bland, the lamb and octopus were overcooked, and the scallops were undercooked. We likely won't be back. read more

We love, Jose and have been to many of his properties around the country. We support his philanthropy. As other reviewers have noted, however, it's unlikely Jose has set foot in this place himself. The staff was clearly trained by managers out of corporate headquarters. The hosts were officious and standoffish. Yes it's Andres, but dude you are not him! The wait staff was obsequious and distracted and messed up our order. We tried the tasting menu and dishes came out too fast and too rushed. They left out dishes. We really enjoyed the dolmades, and the falafel. The tzatziki was watery, the sea scallops were drowned in it, which was a tragedy. The brussels sprouts were undercooked. There are some real bargains to be found on the wine list and look carefully. Will stick with Bazaar for now until Jose has time to come out here and straighten things out. read more

Food was so tasty and the waiter was knowable. He helped us order and everything he suggested was great. Had crispy Brussels sprouts eggplant beet salad and lamb kabob. read more

For someone who is very familiar with mediterranean cuisine I found the food to be good. Reason for 4 starts is the service. It was rushed also, the dessert looked good but, was not tasty. As for the ambiance the music was loud so we had to speak loud in order to hear each other therefore it was quite noisy, Will I go again? I don't think so. read more

I tried Zaytinya in Washington DC and was excited when it came to LA!! I went for their Dine LA menu last week and this was my experience: 1. Had to wait for a while past our reservation time to be seating (probably about 15 minutes). Sat at a high top table and was unfortunately uncomfortably cold. I think the outside door was open and wafting in. 2. Food was delicious and A LOT. Perfect for the Mediterranean craving I was having. The coursing was unfortunately not well organized so at times our table was too full of food and overwhelming, and at times we were sitting with nothing on the table waiting a while for the next course. 3. Service was medium. Our waiter was great, but I think he forgot to bring out our entree course, and he forgot about our dessert until we reminded him. We also didn't get served water for a while after being seated and I had to request water again because no one came by to refill it. I'll probably go back once Dine LA is over and the restaurant has had some more time to get settled in since it's still semi new. read more

The food was amazing and the service was great. A great restaurant for going with friends or family and doing shared plates because you'll want to try a little bit of everything. read more

Excellent dinner all around. We did the valentine's 6-course dinner and the food and service were terrific.

The dineLA meal is wonderful. Great space and service. Happy to support Jose Andres and all he does with WCK. Go!

It was just okay. The food was very subtle. The food had spice(s) flavor, but no salt flavor so it made the food taste bland. I went for brunch. I will try it one more time maybe for dinner but overall I give it a 3 out of 5 read more

Great food and ambience! This location has seen a few restaurants come and go so I sincerely hope this stays. As all Andres' restaurants just fresh and delicious.... Including the drinks. S/O to Mike who was our waiter and fab read more