Zaytinya

4.3 (412 reviews)

Turkish, Greek, Lebanese

Closed • 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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Zaytinya - SESAME SALMON - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - inside bar near entrance... - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - Sujuk Pide: Spicy sujuk sausage, kasar cheese, 65° egg ($16) + Zaytinya Fries w/ house mushroom salt, roasted garlic yogurt ($9) - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Zaytinya - OCTOPUS SANTORINI - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Classy

Upscale

Dogs allowed

Outdoor seating

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Sharon H.

Located in the Stanford mall, in the corner with Blue bottle coffee. I loved the menu and the welcoming modern decor . Always enjoy the ambience of a spot with indoor olive trees and the laterns hanging from the ceiling were so pretty. My main gripe would be that I wish they offered a sampler plate with multiple dips, because it's always hard for us to choose amongst them. We ended up getting the eggplant dip and the labne which were both really good. Comes with the pita that is baked into a huge puff, and is nice and thin for dipping. You can add on vegetables to dip with which is a nice option - but it's hard to dip with the leaves that make up the majority of the bowl! The carrots, bell peppers and cucumbers were nice to dip with though The crispy Brussels sprouts are a must. I usually find the brussels sprouts at restaurants to be too greasy, but these were well crisped without feeling oily in the mouth. I was intrigued by the Spanish crudo on the menu. It comes with on top of a potato purée and a sprinkled with some chips, most of my family thought the dish was a little weird, but I was into it ! The octopus was also beautifully pleaded, and also came on top of a puree, it comes as a chopped up arm, but you can see all the tentacles as well, which we prefer. We also enjoyed the cheese pide that came with halloumi cheese. Overall excellent food, beautiful decor, sufficient service We'll be back !

Samantha S.

Came to zaytinya on a Sunday night in a group of 4. Inside the restaurant is very modern and clean. Lots of natural light, love the ambiance. Service was good. Food was amazing!! We shared a bunch of dishes. Our favorites were the seared halloumi, hummus and kofte kebab. The Turkish coffee chocolate cake was soooo good too. They have pitas for the table, ask for as many as you want ;) Would definitely come back

Brandon L.

Came here with coworkers so we ordered a lot. Good excuse to try almost everything. All the spreads were solid, we got the baba ganoush, labneh, hummus, etc. The pides were good too, can't go wrong there. The octopus was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Table favorite for a lot of us. But the real star was the lamb shoulder. Perfect amount of woodiness, seasoned perfectly, came with a bunch of sauces and paired with the bread they give you it was such a simple but great combination. Tender but still meaty, which is exactly how I like lamb. I don't like when it just falls apart. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium for the group. The whole fish was moist and cooked well, though a little bland on its own. Paired with the other sides on the table it worked really well though. The cocktails were also really good. The 3PM in Istanbul was a group favorite. Not too sweet and the flavors kind of evolved as you drank it. They also have a lot of solid vegetarian options which is always nice to see. The ambiance inside is sooo nice and the decor is really well done. This would make a fantastic date spot. Service was extremely friendly. Wish I had caught our waiter's name because they were amazing. I'll be back!

Tina K.

First off, the decor and details inside this place are beautiful. It's a large spacious restaurant with lots of seating. One thing to note, it is a noisy dining experience (maybe because our booth was right by the bar area). Our server was great and all the staff we interacted with were very nice. We opted to order everything family style so we could try as many dishes as possible. The portions are pretty small, but the flavors were great. The dishes that stood out: * cauliflower was perfectly cooked * smoked beet salad was incredible and truly had a smoky flavor * the chicken blew us away, the perfectly crispy skin was 10/10 * kebab platter was a good assortment of different types of meats for all of us to try. Everything was well seasoned. The dips and bread were really great too, but nothing extraordinary especially based on the price. Overall, a great elevated dining experience. I look forward to coming back.

Tiffany H.

Had high expectations for this place since it's one of Jose Andres restaurants. Loved the decor and the service was first class. People came around to check on us frequently and to refill our water. For the price, however, I was expecting more. Tried the smoked beet salad and hummus to start. The portion for the salad was quite small and was like a side salad but I enjoyed the flavors and it was delicious! The pita bread was a nice fluffy puff and served hot. The hummus had a good blend and flavor as well. We split the kebab platter which had 4 different kebabs, onions and tomatoes. It was enough for two mildly hungry people to split but was also a fairly small portion for $70. It had good flavors and we liked the meats and sides which we put in our pitas. We overall enjoyed the meal and service.

Ivan B.

What an amazing experience in a Mediterranean restaurant at Stanford Shopping Center! Really excited to come here with my mom and her friends. I'd like to thank them for inviting us here! Place looks really nice inside and I like how staff takes care of the tables while we're still dining here. Just imagine living here. I mean it's nicely decorated with good materials to build this place. About the menu, not really much options when scrolling through everything since obviously there were a few pages, but definitely know that they will serve good food. Food is really tasty and authentic here. Not really big portions though the quality of the food is very peak. Also, the bread tastes good. Highly recommend wrapping around meats and other sauces with the bread. My favorite dishes are the ones that come with three meats and ones that look like cheese pizza. If you're planning to come here, it can get crowded especially on the weekends. Just be sure to plan ahead since it can get packed during that time.

Hutch C.

We did the tasting menu which my boys loved! Plenty of food even though I skipped a few things (oysters and shrimp). Waitress was awesome and she offered to sub things for these courses, but boys were happy to eat the extra. Also did the wine tasting which was fine and reasonably priced. The kebabs were the star of the show. Lively atmosphere, good drinks, a nice addition to Stanford Mall (actually coming back with a friend 2 nights later!)

Lin C.

We went for the Mother's Day menu and it was a disappointing experience. Seems like there might have been a mix up with items coming out of order- we waited almost 50 min for our 2nd course to come out, and instead they brought out our 3rd course. We then had to let them know that we never got the 2nd course and so they brought it out after. We did not get any refills of pita breads after the first basket and no one really checked on us to see if we had questions or concerns. We absolutely love the Zaytinya in DC so we were really excited for the Palo Alto location. Unfortunately it did not live up to our expectations.

Karla M.

One year to celebrate my best friend and I's birthday. We made reservation reservations for the evening and we were sat down within 10 to 15 minutes. Firstly, the ambience is pretty loud for dinner time. Felt like I had to definitely yell a little bit to have a conversation. The restaurant inside, however it was really chic and classy. The order of brussels sprouts and a salad for starters and for our main dish we got the platter. The bread that was served is also very delicious. I definitely see their brussels sprouts are a must-- you can never go wrong with that and I really loved the taste of the salad. I felt like I never got tired of it. The platter was also very interesting because they allow you to try different meats I did think that I had liked the chicken a bit more and there was also some lamb but it's still a good experience to try.

Luc Y.

Great food but expensive. Very nice ambiance with high ceilings and spacious dining room. Located inside Palo Alto Shopping Mall. They have a lot of smaller mezee appetizers if you want to mix and match items. About $25 apiece for those. They also offer larger shared plates under the family platter section. Kebab is very good and comes with 4 types of meat skewers. Very flavorful, you can taste the spices blend and it comes with tahini, garlic, and red dipping sauce. Rice platter is flavorful but portion is not big enough for more than 2 people to share. Coffee cake was fine and fairly priced at $13. As a side note, this is one of the few restaurants supporting Bilt mobile checkout so Bilt cardholders can get $25 off their meal with CC redemption. Overall conseus, an authentic Mediterranean / Middle Eastern restaurant with upscale vibe and pricing.

Let me say something good first and that was about the service, which was absolutely fantastic. Also, the dessert was all right. The Turkish yogurt mixed which was more like Panna cotta was absolutely perfect. The problem really was with my main course as a pescatarian, which turned out to be a combination of the shrimp and a scallop appetizers. These were both undercooked and lacked flavor and were overpriced three little scallops, which were still pink in the inside without flavor at $21 was ridiculous. I asked our waitress to get my scallops well cooked and return them to me and she had the whole dish redone. Even after that, the result was still not much better. My family enjoyed the kebab combination, but for the price it was too little. My overall take for this place is that the ambience and the service is great but the prices do not meet the quality.

Phong T.

Zaytinya is a restaurant nestled at the Stanford Shopping Center by renowned Spanish-American chef José Andrés. They opened in December 2025 so my friend and I were excited to try as this is my first experience at one of his restaurants. We walked in on a Sunday afternoon around 1PM for lunch. Since it was sunny and warm, I asked for an outdoor seat when checking in with the host, but the wait was up to 45 minutes. Fortunately, there was a table inside right by the opening to the outdoor seating near the bar, so we were able to catch partial sun rays. SERVICE Based on previous reviews, there was a lot of feedback about the customer service. Like any restaurant, there is a period when improvements are made. I can assure anyone reading my review that the service was excellent. From the host to our server, Gil, great personalities and good vibes all around. FOOD We ordered a few apps & mezze to share. - Complimentary Bread with Oil & Vinegar - HOMMUS purée of chickpeas, garlic, tahini, harissa chili crisp - FALAFEL traditional crispy chickpea fritters, tumeric pickles, cherry tomato, tahini - ZAYTINYA FRIES crispy potatoes, house mushroom salt, roasted garlic yogurt - OCTOPUS SANTORINI grilled mediterranean octopus, marinated onions, capers, yellow split pea puree - SHISH TAOUK grilled chicken skewer, sumac onions, garlic toum, grilled tomato Everything was fresh and tasty. Highlights we really enjoyed were the hommus (so smooth and fresh!) and falafel. My only main feedback was that the octopus was overcooked and dry. The pea puree was flavorful but quite thick and slightly gritty. We thoroughly enjoyed our server and the delicious food. I will definitely return to try more menu items and explore the dinner offerings. The interior decor is immaculate, truly transporting you to a Mediterranean destination.

Tina A.

Sitting at Zaytinya, you'll be transported to the stunning Mediterranean. This beautifully decorated space, with its whitewashed walls, terracotta pots with olive trees, and soothing hues of blue, will make you feel you are sitting at an elegant seaside taverna. Throughout our meal, service was exceptional - friendly, efficient and attentive. We started with the Hommus dip, which was as creamy and flavorful as it should be! The green chickpea garnish added a great finishing touch to the dish! The warm, puffy pita bread with olive oil swirled with pomegranate molasses was so one of the highlights of our meal and our server was kind enough to keep replenishing the warm bread. The Garithes Me Anitho (Shrimp with dill, shallots, lemon and mustard) was excellent. The shrimp were perfectly cooked and we couldn't resist dipping our bread into the zesty lemony sauce. The Fatoush Salad, while refreshing, surprised us with its absence of the traditional lettuce component. The Crispy Brussel Sprouts Afelia was one of our favorite dishes & the fried Brussel sprouts contrasted nicely with the barberries & garlic yogurt sauce. It was also one of the more generous portions of the dishes we ordered. The Octopus Santorini was tender and succulent & it was complemented by the creamy yellow split pea puree. However, we couldn't help but be taken aback by the small portion size of the Kofta Kebab, priced at a hefty $19. This was a recurring theme throughout our meal - the dishes were incredibly tasty and beautifully presented, yet the portion sizes were shockingly small for the prices. We understand the high rents in the Stanford Mall, but customers also deserve value for their money. The Chicken Muhammara was the only dish that was a decent portion size. I guess that is considered a "main dish" but that too came with a hefty price tag of $45. So our final thoughts are that Zaytinya is an excellent choice for those seeking upscale Mediterranean cuisine. However, be prepared for small portion sizes and higher prices.

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Anand A.

1 month ago

Great food and fresh ingredients. A nice ambience too. Not to mention the great service from our waiter Jess!

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J. A. G. Marketing

Anand, we're thrilled you enjoyed the fresh ingredients and…

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SZ B.

29 days ago

The food was absolutely delicious, everything was fresh and beautifully prepared. Combined with Burcu's outstanding service, it made for a fantastic dining experience. I highly recommend this place and look forward to coming back. Thank you, Burcu! read more

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J. A. G. Marketing

SZ, we're so happy you enjoyed the fresh flavors and beautiful…

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Noor K.

7 months ago

We have been looking forward to the opening of Zaytinya for a while, Ive dined in the DC location and had a very positive experience there. When we first entered the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by the host staff who are very kind and accommodating for seating preferences. We started off with a non alcoholic drink, Mediterranean milk punch, which was very unique and tasty. We ordered the hummus, fattoush, soujouk pide, and brussels sprouts from the mezzes. The brussels afelia mezze is amazing and a must if you come here, but the rest was okay. Hummus was good, fattoush and soujouk pide can be found better elsewhere close by (hummus mediterranean has better hummus and pide and is in the Stanford shopping center as well). The dinner took a turn for the worse when we were offered more bread and it never came, and we then asked for it a couple more times and it didn't come until the mains arrived which took a while. That was another issue, the lamb shoulder was taking some time and so our waitress asked us to choose a mezze on the house. We chose one, but she never brought it and in the end didn't comp any other mezzes or dessert. That's fine, but it's rude to offer something and not follow through, very unprofessional. For the mains we got the celebration rice and the lamb shoulder. The celebration rice was just not good, it lacks any flavor. You have to put a ton of salt to start to enjoy it, and only as a side. The chicken in it was so dry. It would be very disappointing if someone orders that as their only main or protein dish. On the way back from the bathroom my husband overheard that a couple celebration rice dishes were sent back to the kitchen and perhaps we should have done that too haha. The lamb shoulder, however, was great and the star of the dinner. We loved the dips it came with that really complemented the meat which had a really nice and smokey flavor to it. We ended with the lava cake and it was good. Overall disappointed by aspects of the service, and some dishes. But the Brussels sprouts and lamb shoulder are unique, delicious, and worth coming back for. Maybe next time we will try other things on the menu and perhaps by then they get better since we did just come their first week open. read more

Zaytinya - Lamb shoulder and celebration rice - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - SOUJOUK PIDE - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - TURKISH COFFEE CHOCOLATE CAKE - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - Hummus - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - FATTOUSH and CRISPY BRUSSELS AFELIA - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Piper S.

1 month ago

Gil was amazing and the food was scrumptious! The food was excellent and the service was exceptional! The patio is awesome e

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J. A. G. Marketing

Piper, we're thrilled you had such a wonderful experience! Gil will…

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Stephanie P.

7 months ago

Food: Food was excellent. Everything was very fresh and vibrant. The scallops and lamb chops were cooked perfectly. Loved all the dips and sauces. The Magic Carpet cocktail is my new fav. Service: Perfect amount of attentiveness. Our server, Damla was intuitive and kind. The GM, Cyrus, came to our table with warm greetings and thanked us for being there. Thank you Chef Andrew and the team for a top notch experience. read more

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Alan S.

5 months ago

We've been to Zaytinya a couple of times, and now that they are past their opening phase it is apparent that they have become rather chintzy with the portions and high with the prices. We ordered a beet salad, which had exquisite flavor, but there were hardly any beets in the dish. We decided to splurge on "Celebration Rice" ($48!!!) and it was nothing to celebrate: a few pieces of chicken with rice in a side dish container. The room is beautiful and the cuisine is ambitious, but I question the value -- even for Palo Alto. read more

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Sai P.

198

4 months ago

I've been to the original zaytinya in dc and this location pales in comparison. The interiors and ambiance were beautiful and great but the taste of the food and the quantity of food lacked. Barely a tablespoon of each dish. Esp the hummus and other dips. The bread wasn't as warm as the original location. I'm a HUGE fan of Jose Andres but this place was just a waste of money. The desserts too were also just flavorless. The mocktails were pretty good though. Just honestly a waste of money. I miss the DC zaytinya. Side note - the menu is not as expansive as the original location. Some favorites were missing (Mudajara etc). The service was great though. read more

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Ghaidaa M.

2 months ago

Food, ambiance, and service were excellent and flavorful. Our server Burcu did an outstanding job. She had great attentiveness and great attitude on a busy late Saturday afternoon. I would definitely return to the restaurant and ask for her. read more

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Alyssa C.

Ghaidaa, we're thrilled you enjoyed everything from the food to the…

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Purnima K.

1 month ago

Brilliant experience!!!! Ambiance, food and service were fantastic. They made a 50th birthday experience unforgettable. ADRIAN was our server and he was warm and helpful in navigating a birthday celebration complete with surprises! He made the evening flawless and enjoyable for all. Thank you!! read more

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Alyssa C.

Purnima, we're thrilled you had such a wonderful 50th birthday…

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Mayank M.

1 month ago

such a wonderful experience dining here. Jess is an amazing guy! helped us with guiding our menu like a breeze - took care of our dietary needs and made wonderful suggestions. will def return here soon read more

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Alyssa C.

Mayank, we're so glad Jess took such great care of you and made your…

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Ramla C.

1 month ago

our server Ivan was excellent! Food and atmosphere good! Super glad to get tableso quickly.

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Alyssa C.

Ramla, we're so happy to hear Ivan took great care of you! It sounds…

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Kathleen J.

1 month ago

Had wonderful lunch today -- Thomas provided excellent service ! Thank you ZAYTIYA. We had a very special ladies day out !

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Alyssa C.

Kathleen, we're so happy you and your group had such a special ladies…

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Madeline W.

1 month ago

Thomas was amazing! The food, service, and beverages were above and beyond. Can't wait to come back!

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Alyssa C.

Madeline, we're so happy to hear Thomas took such great care of you!…

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Iris W.

1 month ago

The kebabs were amazing!! Especially the lamb was super juicy and everything was quite solid. I'd probably skip the seafood and go straight to the meat bc it all was so flavourful. The service was attentive and kind, and no over bearing. Brings you tons of bread, food comes on fast, and we were lucky to be helped by Ivan who was very sweet! Thank you! read more

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Alyssa C.

Iris, we're thrilled you loved the lamb kebabs and had such a great…

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Paddy M.

387

1 month ago

Our server Adrian (aka Axper) is now one of the Armenian family. He was so amazing and amazing with the whole family. He was so knowledgeable about the menu and made amazing recommendations. I completely recommend everything that he has to say. They are lucky to have him. We will be back just to see him specifically and recommend that we be seated at his table. Restaurant vibes were amazing. Great ambience. Great recommendation for a nice evening for graduation ceremony. Well done, Jose Andres! read more

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Alyssa C.

Paddy, we're thrilled Adrian made such a wonderful impression on your…

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Katie K.

1 month ago

Amazing service with great recommendations and lovely patio for a friend's birthday dinner.

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Alyssa C.

Katie, we're so glad you celebrated your friend's birthday with us!…

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Carolina A.

1 month ago

Great food and amazing service! Jess was very nice and had great recommendations. Great experience!

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Alyssa C.

Carolina, we're so happy you had a great experience with us! Jess…

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Reem T.

5 months ago

We celebrated our friend's birthday here and had been looking forward to this experience for months. Since this is our cuisine, our expectations were high, but unfortunately the experience was disappointing. The food was average with very small portions. The chicken platters were not good (we ordered three), and the kebab was just okay. Presentation was also underwhelming. The only highlights were the ambience and our server, who was friendly, attentive, and professional. Overall, this did not meet expectations for a special occasion. read more

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Sanam H.

5 months ago

Amazing food! Place was popping on a Wednesday night. The kababs were the juiciest I've had in a while! The lamb was lambing! The pide was perfect! Our wonderful server Adriana made the experience lovely for us. Definitely recommend read more

Zaytinya - Complementary bread - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - ZA'ATAR PIDE* - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - LAMB BAHARAT - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Andrew E.

2 months ago

The food was amazing and Leo was fantastic! He made my birthday lunch special. Great place.

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Alyssa C.

Andrew, we're thrilled Leo made your birthday lunch so memorable!…

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Janet C.

4 months ago

Where do I even begin?! Zaytinya absolutely delivered on every front, and a huge part of that was thanks to Brikston behind the bar -- hands down one of the best bartenders I've come across in a long time! We grabbed seats at the bar, which turned out to be the BEST decision of the night. Brikston was incredibly attentive -- never let a glass run dry, checked in at just the right moments, and genuinely knew the menu inside and out. His recommendations? Spot on. We went with the octopus (oh my goodness -- perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth incredible), the shish taouk (tender, flavorful, absolutely devoured), and the brussels sprouts (don't sleep on these -- they are a revelation!). Every dish was a winner. The whole vibe at the bar was warm, buzzy, and fun. Brikston made the whole experience feel personal and special -- that kind of hospitality is rare and genuinely elevates a meal from great to unforgettable. If you go to Zaytinya -- and you absolutely should -- ask for Brikston at the bar. You won't regret it. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Ariana S.

2 months ago

Amazing food, ambiance, and service. Our waiter Randy was excellent. He was very friendly and knowledge about the menu.

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Alyssa C.

Ariana, we're so glad you enjoyed everything! Randy will be thrilled…

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Kelly F.

5 months ago

I was given a gift card around the holidays and wanted to give the restaurant some time to work out the kinks before deciding to dine here. I had a lunch reservation with a friend at 12:15 on the Saturday before the Super Bowl. We arrived a little early, and my friend went to check in with the FOH staff. The woman manning the front desk was cold and dismissive, if not a little rude. The restaurant was empty, staff was standing throughout the restaurant waiting for customers, and there was a crowd of multiple parties waiting to be seated, and they were seated one at a time. When we were finally seated, we were brought water right away and had drink orders taken quickly. The couple seated next to us was already requesting to speak to a manager due to the experience checking in to the restaurant. Once they complained, they were served promptly, and they noted this to us, as we had struck up a conversation with them while waiting to have our order taken. I ordered the falafel mezze, the baba ghannouge and an order of fries. My friend ordered the lamb barahat mezze. The baba ghannouge came out quickly with pita bread. The baba ghannouge was garnished with pomegranate seeds. It was... ok. Not a ton of flavor, and a fairly small portion, and fairly bland. ($12) The falafel came out with 5 or 6 small pieces and was served over a tahini spread with some pickled veggies and cherry tomatoes. I thought the falafel were good, if not a little bland. ($14) The fries were fine. They came with a garlicky toum dip that was decent. They were my favorite part of my meal, ($9) The lamb baharat came out raw. Not rare, but raw. It was a very small portion and came with the tahini spread underneath. We had them take the plate back, and my friend ordered an additional order of the falafel. ($18 for the lamb). We also had 2 diet cokes that came in the small glass bottles ($8 each). After having the lamb removed from the bill, the total for the dip, the fries, 2 diet cokes and the 2 falafel came to $77 before tip. The wait staff was friendly, if not a little chaotic. The FOH staff was cold and unfriendly, and we were not thanked on our way out. We did not opt for dessert. I would not return. If I happened to be there, I would stick with all vegetarian dishes. I would have given them 2 stars for the food, but the cold reception, and no one checking on us after sending back raw meat, knocked it down to 1. read more

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Tiffany P.

1 month ago

We celebrated our birthday and graduation at Zaytinya and it was wonderful! From the food to the service and all the special touches like birthday signage, we had the best experience! Whitney was our server and helped make the day wonderful! She made us feel like we were the only people in the entire restaurant! We cannot wait to come back! read more

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J. A. G. Marketing

Tiffany, we're so glad we could help make your birthday and…

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Rob L.

2 months ago

Jesley was a great server....and food was excellent! Perfect Mother's Day experience. We'll be back...

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Alyssa C.

Rob, we're so happy you had a perfect Mother's Day with us! Jesley…

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Ben N.

2 months ago

Food was incredible, our server Jess was great. We love all of Jose's restaurants and are looking forward to coming back.

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Alyssa C.

Ben, we're so glad you loved the food and that Jess took such great…

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El C.

2 months ago

Food amazing, our server Adrian (apologies if i'm misspelling) was absolutely fantastic !!

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Alyssa C.

El C., we're so glad you loved the food and that Adrian took such…

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H Z.

2 months ago

Our waiter Jess is great ! Food and drink all good. Restaurant is new and clean. The kids love the bread

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Alyssa C.

H Z., we're so glad Jess took great care of you and that the whole…

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Ashish C.

2 months ago

Enjoyed celebrating our daughters milestone bday here. Lovely drinks, food & our server Adriana was awesome!

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Alyssa C.

Ashish, we're so happy you celebrated your daughter's milestone…

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Daniela C.

4 months ago

BEST EXPERIENCE. BEST SERVICE IN A WHILE!!! Food was amazing, ambience on point, but the highlight of the night was our amazing server Dodo. He was very knowledgeable of the menu, his recommendations were on point and ended up having the best drinks I have had. He really went above and beyond to make this experience so enjoyable. Can't wait to be back! read more

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Rob C.

Elite 12

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6584

189

7 months ago

3.5 i think the expectations are too high as a jose andres outpost, which i did like in DC. beautiful spaces and fancy drinks. chef recs in boxes. crispy brussels afelia brussels sprouts, coriander seed, barberries, garlic yogurt are still done well like DC the sauces like hommus and baba ghannouge are weak, miss the texture and smokiness. lamb, kofte, chicken and adana kebabs meeting expectations but needing dips for flavor lamb shoulder is done well like a steak, good texture and nit gamey, garlic toum, harissa, tzatziki and lettuce leaves whole fish good and pricey but also nice / nicer at evvia read more

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Kylee C.

1 month ago

We visited tonight for the first time and had such an amazing experience!! The food and service was phenomenal. Our server Sydney was great along with her trainee! The manager Brittany was the sweetest and helped make our visit very memorable. Everyone was very knowledgeable on the menu, everything came out in a timely manner, I have no complaints. If you haven't checked this place out, I highly recommend to do so! And if you've already been, then go again! read more

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Alyssa C.

Kylee, we're thrilled you had such a wonderful first visit! Sydney,…

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Ann L.

2 months ago

Nice venue. Service is attentive. Love the kebab, lamb and bread with various dipping sauces!

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Alyssa C.

Ann, we're so happy you enjoyed the food at Zaytinya! Thanks for…

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Amiran T.

4 months ago

The best Mezze restaurant with delicious food, great service and amazing ambience! Strongly recommend. read more

Zaytinya - Horta Salata, Seared Halloumi, beets salad and cold Assyrtiko. - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Jonathan L.

1 month ago

The food was great and there's a large variety of options. I've been twice and the restaurant is beautiful and there's service is very attentive. My server, Adam, was very kind and knew a great detail about the menu items. I found the food to be a bit expensive for mezze style, but overall was a good experience. read more

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Alyssa C.

Jonathan, we're so glad you enjoyed your visits and appreciate you…

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Alex V.

6 months ago

The menu was creative and had a number of things I had not tasted before. The lamb chops were maybe the best I have ever had. The flat bread with Truffle flakes was fancy but tasted like the best comfort food ever. The steak was perfectly prepared and seasoned. The service was excellent and the ambiance was ok. I prefer "closer quarters" than high ceilings and big windows. read more

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Nurullah G.

4 months ago

Two weeks ago, my wife and I visited Zaytinya and we honestly had such a great evening. The ambiance was beautiful and the food was absolutely delicious. The menu looked so good that we couldn't decide what to order, so we asked the server for recommendations. We started with the baba ghanoush and hummus, and both were amazing. Then we had the octopus and the lamb chops, and they were fantastic. The cocktails were also outstanding. I had the Last Word and the Paper Plane, and they were probably some of the best and most well-balanced cocktails I've ever had in my life. You can really tell they were made with care. We're not very familiar with Greek wines, so we even sent a photo of the menu to ChatGPT. I more or less knew what I wanted, but my wife wanted wine, so we asked for a recommendation based on our taste. Funny enough, the suggestion we got was almost exactly the same as what ChatGPT recommended, which made us laugh. A special thank you to Dodo for the kindness, knowledge, and genuine hospitality. The drink and wine recommendations that matched our food and taste were spot on. We truly appreciate it. And of course, big thanks to Chef Jose Andres for bringing this amazing cuisine to Palo Alto. Everything was wonderful, and we will definitely be coming back! read more

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Mel K.

4 months ago

Ana Maria made this experience so memorable. She made us feel like we were dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Food was also very good (portions are TINY). Would return for Ana Maria's service! Outstanding. read more

Zaytinya - SHISH TAOUK - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Zaytinya - Hummus, fattoush salad, pita bread - Turkish Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Susan V.

307

6 months ago

It was probably the best meal I've had in a very long time. I really don't care for lamb but I had a bit of my husband's lamb chops and it was incredible! Our host also ordered the whole fish and it was so delicious! My favorite item of the evening was my husband's deconstructed martini. So creative and full of flavor, it was like drinking memories Italy! read more

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Allison M.

2 months ago

Burcu was genuinely the best server ever she was very kind and really took time to talk to us. She definitely made our dining experience more enjoyable. The food was also 10/10 every dish was well put together and the flavors were all wonderful. Over all I would recommend this place to dine. read more

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Alyssa C.

Allison, we're thrilled to hear Burcu made your visit so memorable!…

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Page 8 of 11

180 El Camino Real
Ste EE1400
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Directions
(650) 203-2000
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.zaytinya.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Zaytinya open?

Zaytinya opens at 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.Zaytinya opens at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Zaytinya close?

Zaytinya closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Zaytinya closes at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.Zaytinya closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Tue 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMWed-Thu, Sun 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Zaytinya take Bitcoin?

No, Zaytinya does not take Bitcoin.

Does Zaytinya take credit cards?

Yes, Zaytinya takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Zaytinya have catering options?

No, Zaytinya does not have catering options.

Does Zaytinya have a drive thru?

No, Zaytinya does not have a drive thru.

Does Zaytinya have a happy hour?

No, Zaytinya does not have a happy hour.

Does Zaytinya serve alcohol?

Yes, Zaytinya serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Zaytinya allow dogs?

Yes, Zaytinya allows dogs.

Does Zaytinya have TVs?

No, Zaytinya does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Zaytinya have bike parking?

Yes, Zaytinya has bike parking.

Does Zaytinya have outdoor seating?

Yes, Zaytinya has outdoor seating options.

Does Zaytinya have parking?

Yes, Zaytinya has parking options. Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Zaytinya wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Zaytinya is wheelchair accessible.

Does Zaytinya have free WiFi?

Yes, Zaytinya has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Under the direction of celebrated Chef José Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup team, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on José's deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Palo Alto.

Zaytinya Reviews in Other Languages

Turkish
1 Review

Ask the Community - Zaytinya

Are there quiet tables?

Not really but you could pick a corner and hope it'll be quiet.

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Can I bring my own bottles of wine? Is there a corkage fee?

Hello Curtis, Our corkage fee is $30 per 750ml bottle with a maximum of 2 bottles per reservation.

View question details

Is this restaurant child/baby friendly?

Yes, plenty of space indoors and outdoors other patio--it's upscale casual :-) When we went, we saw toddlers!

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Do you have outside seating available?

Yes. Patio seating is available.

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By any chance, is the meat halal?

Everything except the steak.

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Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Beit Rima

We arrived around 5pm and many tables outside weren't cleared but there were many seats available…read more We were told to wait outside when we're supposed to order at the cashier first, so I was confused. The ladies took awhile to get us seated outside, only to then tell me to order inside. The super efficient guy with the red shoes was quick to take our order of chicken shish tawook and Mezze sampler. Portions are large and food was great! We love people watching as the N Judahs goes by. It's Arab comfort food in a cozy indoor/outdoor setting.Sooo good!

The food was great. I'm someone who is vegetarian (no eggs)…read more We got the Falafel Platter and it was good. It was very similar to other falafel dishes I have tried in other restaurants. I got Baba Ganoush was good and liked it a lot My friend (who s vegetarian but eats eggs) got the Ful with egg and she loved it a lot. (Must try acc to her) The service was good. The ambiance was very snug and cozy (we sat inside, outside it is freezing) , but it does get very loud in there

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Dining area

Chicken Shish Tawook Plate

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Inside

Iraklis

Social media strikes again…read more.. I came across a reel on IG featuring Iraklis. The food looked intriguing and scrumptious...in other words FIRE! I would not have known about this place if it wasn't for the reel. I'm also not familiar with Syrian and Lebanese cuisine. Thought I'd give it a shot. Not the biggest of venues, it a bit small on the inside, they have few benches and tables outside. Parking wasn't an issue, plenty of spaces in the parking lot. The staff was very helpful and informative. This is a fast casual spot with table service. They do bring the food to you, but you can help yourself to everything else afterwards, is: water, sauces, napkins etc. #SyrianEats: WRAP: ~ SHAWARMA: Damascus style CHICKEN - 5/5 Absolutely DELISH!! Love the garlic spread that came on the side. The wrap was already tasty enough, but somehow it was even tastier with the Garlic spread. Even the fries that came with it were spectacular! That drizzle pomegranate molasses... just DELISH!! This was one of the best wraps I had Stateside. Actually the best! PLATE: ~ MANSAF - 5/5 The Lamb shank was excellent as well! Tender fall of the bone with flavor galore, and the butter sauce was amazing as well...delish! The rice that came with the Lamb shank was OK. It was probably good, but the flavor profile didn't stand up to the rest of the food. I thought it could use more flavor, but that just me nitpicking... 4.5 ***** rounded up to 5***** for me This food here is amazing. I'll be back...

Four and half stars. I really love Middle Eastern food and all the shawarma videos I've seen on…read moreYoutube and how. Alot of people have said that the Syrian version is the best I know I needed to try it. Behold Iraklis ended up being only five minutes from my house. I remember that this place used to be so many other restaurants,and now has been replaced by this great place. You know the food is going to be good when the owner or manager comes out to ask you how the food is to each costumer. I felt that warmth for sure. As for the food it was very delicious the stand out was of course was rmthe shawarma I got chicken which came with the pomegranate molasses, which was good, but maybe next time I can ask for a little less because I do want to also try the chicken flavor itself, which is why I also for the chicken kakbab on the side to which was very well seasoned and delicious. The pickles and hummus on the side for both plates are a very nice touch they help cut some of the richness down. The fries are the underrated gem also. The way they are fried and cooked here, I think they do fresh batches every time, that is the vibe I get with this place. The hibiscus juice was also really refreshing to drink. It's a small place but most of the tables were all seated by people, and people were coming in and ordering to go, so you know it's good! Definitely give this place a try!

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Menu (Apr. 2026)

Mango Lassi ($3)

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Chicken Shawarma Taco

Tannourine

Had dinner here with my girlfriends and had a very pleasant experience! We came on a weekday around…read more6pm and the restaurant was completely empty. There wasn't even any music or anyone inside to greet us so it felt a little awkward. Luckily, a nice hostess came out shortly and gave us a nice seat by the window. We ordered the cheese boruk as an appetizer and the chicken and garlic as my entree. The cheese boruk was fresh and crispy on the outside. The chicken and garlic was also very good! The chicken was nicely cooked and I liked the garlic sauce (definitely on the stronger side!) and potato wedges. I wish the chicken was a little more grilled for some extra char, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Overall, good food and pleasant dining experience! Hope this restaurant gets more attention!

The appetizer is pita bread with yogurt, olive oil, herbs and sesame seed. Had to take out what was…read moreleft cause there was a lot of food. We ordered chicken caesar salad, it was fresh with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and other greens. The lamb shank was cooked so tender and fall off the bone perfection. The spice is just enough so you won't taste the gaminess of the meat. I would recommend to those who wanna try and appreciate meditterran food to check it out. When we went there, there were about three tables occupied, the service was just right on time and ambiance is good for medium size family gathering or party. The place cam accomodate maybe 40-50 people.

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Lamb couscos

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Veggie Couscos

Zadna Grill

Not exaggerating when I say this is probably the best shawarma I've had since being in Jordan. It…read moreactually tastes authentic, and everything was super fresh. The place has such a cozy, homey vibe, and the owners are genuinely so sweet. Honestly, I have no idea why this place isn't packed all the time because the food is that good. It feels like one of those hidden gems that people somehow haven't discovered yet. If you're looking for really good shawarma and just a place to have good authentic middle eastern food this spot is 100% worth checking out.

3.5 stars overall…read more Tried the spot again for to go and similarly their chicken kebab plate is good and so was their hummus, their chicken this time around was much better and seasoned well, I am not keen on their salad dressing. Overall a decent spot for a quick Mediterranean bite

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Chicken Shawarma Arabic Style

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Private party rental available

Mezze and Mooore

This place is sooo underrated! I live in Mission for a couple yrs & so mad I'm just now trying it!…read more I'm a big fan of Mediterranean, so high expectations. Bomb: - chicken Shawarma (super moist and flavorful chicken & comes with pita at no extra cost!) - beef Shawarma plate - hummus was incredible - literally the best baklava I've ever had Highly recommend!

Solid food and warm atmosphere. We ordered the Kafta, Shawarma Combo Plate, and finished with a…read moretasty dessert Knafeh. Once you sit, you can take photo of the QR code to order. Nice and efficient. The shawarma combo plate was my favorite and the vibes of the restaurant was very welcoming.

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Interior looking at counter

Bread @colorful.eats

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Chicken Shawarma @colorful.eats

Me'Mo's Middle Eastern Cuisine

Holy heck; was not expecting the amazing meze and fantastic chicken shawarma…read more Service was on point, we came with a group of eight, were able to pull tables together. Small shop, big hearts. If you are a fan of Middle Eastern - keep these guys on speed dial! Will be back-

Love it great food and wonderful assistance,good portaging and I will recommend it to everybodyread more

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Fun Falafel Plate (6 Pc)

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Spread Kitchen

Excellent food, all of it, and there's a great variety; incredible value for money, and most of all…read morewonderful people and a friendly, comfortable place to eat, inside or on the patio.

Such a gem in Sonoma. They might seem small when you walk in, but the move is to sit in the…read morebackyard. Dip plate is fun to start with, it's not mindblowing but it's good. The turmeric chicken though was the real highlight. Every bite was juicy, and you can't go wrong with grain bowl or wrap. The za'atar fries were great too.

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Inside dining room

Whipped Feta and Beet and falafel

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Summer salad with beef/lamb. Added feta

Mozaic

We were quite impressed with all the 8 diff dishes we ordered. Every single one stood out. The…read morelamb shank, octopus, salad, the appetizer plate, and the rest were all deliciously enjoyed! The service was great, & the atmosphere was lively! We're happy we picked this place during our Santa Cruz visit. Highly recommend!!

Visited again and was really hoping to update my rating bc I want to support Arab owned businesses…read more Rating was still around a 3.5. This time we ordered the kefta dinner and another dinner that was one kefta and one chicken skewer. Definitely better than the wrap I had last time. And the chicken and rice were particularly good. Still disappointed they don't have tahini sauce for these items. Both served with tzatziki, which doesn't fit. We paid around $80 for this with one nonalcoholic drink. Unfortunately, as before, the service was still not great despite the restaurant being empty. The woman (same one as last time) was nice but just not that attentive. My drink came well after my meal. The bread service came when we were almost done. I did notice a guy going around to other tables. Maybe he was the owner and he was a lot more attentive to other tables. Still love the Arabic music. However, With the mediocre service and food lacking real Arabic accoutrements, I cannot recommend but also can't say don't go.

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Falafel Wrap Sandwich

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Baklava @ Mosaic

Beit Rima

From the River to the Sea…read more This is the second location for this local, family-owned Palestinian restaurant that opened in 2019 and is operated by Samir Mogannam, the son of the former owner of the Burgermeister that formerly occupied this space, as well as the original Church St. location. Mogannam did a complete rebrand from an American burger restaurant to a fast-casual "Arabic comfort food" establishment that's named in honor of his mother and features her scratch-made recipes. To say it's a success is an understatement, as they've been named one of the best restaurants in SF not just by the Chronicle, but even made the NY Times' "The 25 Best Restaurants in San Francisco Right Now." After one visit, it's clear to see why. The Good: * Yelp Waitlist available * Bus stop right outside the door * Outdoor dog-friendly seating * Fast-casual order at the counter, and they bring the food out to you. * Service was friendly and efficient. * Palestinian and Jordanian beers in bottles! I didn't even know that was a thing. * Falafel were about 98.753% like my mom's. In a word: delicious. * Musakhan was phenomenal. The chicken was cooked perfectly with crispy skin and the sumac-onion "relish" was spot on. Get this. * Handmade pita bread was delicious. * Carissa enjoyed her Shish Tawook plate, as they were smart again and used chicken thighs which kept the well-seasoned meat nice and juicy. The concomitant hummus was fantastic, and the "Mom's Rice" was fuhgeddaboudit good. She did think the chicken could've used an extra thirty seconds on the grill to firm up the meat just a touch, but otherwise it was perfect. The Meh: * The Fattoush salad was just OK. It was overdressed and needed more dates that were cut into smaller pieces so that you get more of it in each bite to help offset the vinegar. The Ugly: * Parking here is a real hassle, as it's street parking only and it's all neighborhoods. So, be prepared to drive around endlessly looking for an opening. Conclusion: Best Palestinian food outside of me mum's kitchen. 'Nuff said. **https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2024/best-san-francisco-restaurants/ ***https://www.nytimes.com/article/best-san-francisco-restaurants.html

I loved this spot! The first thing you notice is how cozy and welcoming it is with the staff being…read moreso warm and willing to help for anything. It's a small spot but their waitlist system works great if you join ahead of time. And a bonus is that the N line on the muni drops you off directly in front of it! As for the food, it's safe to say that every dish I had was delicious. The mezze platter is a sample that I would highly recommend you get. The lamb shank was perfectly falling off the bone and the fried branzino was my favorite! It was cooked to perfection with the lemon and herbs on it and the crispy skin. I had their white wine and I loved that on the menu it tells you which wine would pair best with what you order. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here and would definitely come back!

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Outside sitting

Musakhan ($20)

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Complimentary TEPID Water ($0)

Paprika Cafe

What a cute place! The falafel wrap was one of the BEST I ever had! So fresh and made with love…read more The SPICY LEMONADE was outstanding, we never had anything like it. A wonderful surprise and a joy for our tastebuds! Small and comfy area to sit. Very casual and awesome! One man show and made with love. THANK YOU!

What an amazing little hidden gem. This place is the real deal. Very authentic, and very…read morethoughtfully cooked. The man who made our food was making it to Order and he had been running this business for over 40 years! The service was excellent and it felt very personal. The food was absolutely delicious! Everyone in our party completely agree agreed that they loved everything they ate. There were two omnivores, one vegan, and one vegetarian. And the vegan baklava! What an incredibly unique and special treat to find baklava vegan! Absolutely delicious! I'm a huge fan of spanakopita, but I haven't been able to eat it for a long time because I'm the vegan in the group and when I said something about that out loud, he said he would make me a special vegan spanakopita! Right there! Made To Order! This man is amazing. Seating is very limited, so several of the people we saw that came behind us got their food to go. I think most people there need to expect there would be a little bit of a weight and that seating is very limited and it's outdoors. Although the outdoor seating does have covering. All the people in line, waiting for food seem to have no problem waiting for it because they knew it would be worth it. And honestly... Considering the line of people we saw behind us (10-11?) and the fact that there were three ahead of us... no one really had to wait very long at all! It was really impressive how much he could get done by himself. The next time you're in Monterey, California, you definitely need to check out Paprika. I only managed to get one photo of my plate of food because I was too distracted by deliciousness to remember to take photos of anyone else's food. And obviously, by the time I remembered to photograph the baklava.... Several pieces seem to be missing.

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Outdoor seating

Insanely delicious vegan baklava

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Outside of Paprika cafe

Macarena

This is the first Spanish restaurant I have tried in the bay that checked all the boxes for me. I…read morecame here with my family in a party of four to celebrate a birthday. The service was spectacular -- Our server made honest recommendations when helping us select tapas to order, the food came out promptly after ordering (not all at once which we appreciated), they were very attentive and checked on us frequently even though we had outdoor patio seating. These are the dishes we ordered: Appetizers - Jamon iberico: 9/10 can never go wrong with freshly cut cured meat, however today's slices were a bit on the chewier side - Pan con tomate: 6.5/10 good pairing with the jamon, deliciously toasted crunchy bread, but the tomato was underwhelming -- not enough tomato and acidity and soaked too much of the top making it soggy - Cornetos with tuna tartare: 8/10 perfect little bites of tuna and loved the sweetness and citrus flavor from the orange - Grilled calamari: 8.5/10 The squid was cooked perfectly -- smoky and had a nice bite to it but still tender, and the salsa and aromatic oil paired deliciously with it Mains - Pulpo: 9.5/10 Absolutely delicious, one of our favorite dishes of the evening. The potato purée was a bit too thick, but the flavors were very balanced and well seasoned with the garlic paprika oil. The octopus was a generous portion compared to other Spanish restaurants we've tried and it was grilled perfectly. - Paella negra con vieiras: 10/10 The star of the show. The rice was cooked perfectly -- there was a crispy layer at the bottom and the top was not overcooked. The seafood flavor was very complex and we enjoyed the calamari mixed into the rice in addition to the perfectly cooked scallop, shrimp, and swordfish on top. Best paella we've had in the bay. Dessert - Tiramisu: 7.5/10 It was tasty and not overly sweet, but the mascarpone was a bit too thick for my liking - Cheesecake: 7/10 The textures/flavors were good but nothing special.

Our group of 3 picked Macarena for Friday dinner. And yes, we were definitely influenced by the…read morefact that Bad Bunny ate here lol. My bestie made a reservation and thank goodness she did because the restaurant was packed. The interior is beautiful with a classy, upscale vibe and warm dim lighting. My favorite area was definitely the bar, it looked gorgeous and now I have an excuse to come back for cocktails. Our table was in a quieter section, which was perfect for catching up and gossiping. Service was amazing from start to finish. Everyone was welcoming, and our server gave us great food and drink recommendations. We went through two rounds of drinks: Espresso Martini, Piña Blanca, and Margarita. I originally came for the frozen espresso martini but they had just changed the cocktail menu the week before... so sad lol. The regular one was still really good though. For food, we shared the Churros Bravos, Abuelita's Meatballs, Oxtail Canelones, Wagyu Carrillera, the Rib Eye Paella special, and finished with the Saquets de Crema. (big feast, i know lol) The Wagyu Carrillera completely stole the show for me. It was so tender that I ended up ordering another one to-go. The Oxtail Canelones was probably my least favorite since they put too much sauce I hardly can taste the oxtail. The dessert - Saquets de Crema, on the other hand, was amazing. Our server told us to eat it in one bite, and wow... he knew exactly what he was talking about. It was crispy on the outside, rich and creamy vanilla cream inside, dipping with soft warm chocolate sauce, killer combo and explosion of taste bud. Overall, such a great dinner. Beautiful atmosphere, great service, delicious food, and definitely a place I'd recommend Macarena for a fancy date night or upscale business meeting because the vibes they giving is high-end from start to finish.

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Interior Bar

Oxtail Canelones: Mini Canelones w/ slow-braised oxtail, béchamel, veal reduction ($16)

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Churros Bravos: Potato Churros w/ brava sauce (5 pc- $12) - GET THIS!

Evvia Estiatorio

Amazing food and service, Really like the whole fish!…read moreWe will be there again and again Highly recommend

I love this place. I would frequent it in the early aughts when I worked in Palo Alto, but these…read moredays, I live in Alameda so I get down to the South Bay much less frequently. A friend wanted to treat me to birthday dinner here, so who was I to argue? Our starters, gigantes--I don't even like beans--and could not stop eating these-- and tender, succulent grilled octopus were perfect. We both had fish--hers a whole, steamed branzino and mine a roasted salmon--both very good. I regret not having photographed the dessert, a luscious light meringue with fresh berries. Don't pass that one up!

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Inside area

Galatoboureko - half order shown

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Lamb Chops

Ramen Nagi

My family and I have been going to Ramen Nagi for years -- it's our favorite because we can…read morecustomize each of our bowls to our own likings. And the gyoza is amazing! We also recently met Michael, the GM. He's the best and remembered us from the first time we met him! He and the rest of his staff are super efficient, personable, and well-organized, helping to move the line as quickly as possible. Big kudos to Michael for making us feel so welcome!

Fantastic ramen, full of rich flavor. Everything here is custom ordered - the type of noodle, how…read morewell cooked, garlic levels, spice levels, everything! The black pepper bean sprouts side dish are a great touch. The chicken karage was crispy and delicious. Be prepared for a long line, but it moves fast. Service is busy but efficient.

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Fambrini's Cafe

This place is awesome! There was quite a line when we arrived around 10:30am on Saturday, but it…read moremoved decently fast (~15-20 mins) and then the food arrived pretty quickly after we sat down at a table as well. There's a beautiful outdoor area in the back with tons of tables. Even though it was super busy, we still had our choice of a few tables, and the foliage/patio umbrellas make it nice and shady. Our food was also delicious! We got: Prosciutto and egg sandwich - eggs were super light and fluffy, and the sandwich was well balanced and cheesy too! Fat and fluffy French toast - such a generous portion and the berries and whipped cream were so yummy! The toast itself had crispy edges and was super fluffy! They have such a large menu too and I'll definitely be back to try more!

We had the most AMAZING breakfast here at Fambrini's. We were in town after staying in town for a…read moreconcert and stopped in for breakfast before hitting the road back home. Mid week brunch meant a quieter atmosphere and open seating. After perusing the menu we ordered at the counter before sitting at a table after picking up utensils and water. We ordered Fambrini's Breakfast, Brie & Mushroom Omelette, Crab Omelette, and shares the Lotus Biscoff Pancakes. Everyone loved their egg platters. The eggs were perfectly light and fluffy. I generally avoid omelettes getting scrambles instead because restaurants tend to overcook the eggs. Our dishes were prepared with quality and flavor in mind. I personally had the crab omelette and left no crumbs behind. The potatoes were well seasoned and wish I had enough room in my tummy to finish them off! The drip coffee was bold and delicious not watered down at all! Finally, we shared the 2 stack biscoff pancakes for a sweet finish. The pancakes were bouncy with biscoff sauce and a mound of whipped cream. This was mouth wateringly delicious. I don't have much of a sweet tooth but this was so yummy. This isn't a traditional sit down service but counter staff were friendly and efficient. There is a small parking lot off to the side and there is indoor and patio seating. Come by for a meal and you won't be disappointed! I wish I lived closer so I could taste the rest of their meal. Kudos and thanks for an awesome meal!

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Inside

Lotus Biscoff Pancakes/STACK OF 2

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Matcha Latte

True Food Kitchen

Second time at this location. I brought two friends that have serious allergies and they were…read morereally happy with the options that our server Sergio gave us. Food was excellent and our drinks (we got a kale aid and a hangover rx) were fresh and delicious. Definitely coming back!

Had a great experience at True Food Kitchen! Staff were very attentive and even came over to check…read moreon us when our food was taking a little longer than expected, which we really appreciated. Our server Leonardo was amazing and had great attention to our table the entire time. Food, service, and atmosphere were all excellent!

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Chopped Salad

Spicy Panang Curry Bowl

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Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl

Oklava Cafe

The food, drinks, and service were great. They also let us us our laptops despite their no laptops…read morepolicy which was much appreciated.

It's great that they are open later in the evening. The baklava is a step up in quality:…read more5/5: pistachio roll. Great flavor. Not too sweet. 5/5: square walnut baklava. Not too sweet. 4/5: spongy soaked Kataifi; great texture, but generic sweet flavor.

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147 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Zoya N.

6 months ago

Heading: Feedback on Allergy Safety and Guest Experience I don't normally write reviews and I had not planned to share publicly, but I felt it was important to share this experience because of allergy safety concerns and after speaking with the general manager, we felt it was important to document the experience. The music and ambience were enjoyable, and the hostesses were the best part of our visit--welcoming, attentive, and professional. My husband also enjoyed his meal and had a good experience overall. However, we noticed that manager check-ins were not consistent across all tables, which made some interactions feel uneven. I ordered jasmine tea but was instead served chamomile tea, which I am allergic to. I informed the server twice and asked for it to be taken back. She then brought green tea, which she had made herself, after becoming upset with the kitchen. Even though I did not drink it, I accepted it politely. By that point, I no longer felt safe consuming drinks or food, as allergy-related orders require strict accuracy. Even a sip of the chamomile tea caused my skin to start itching, which reinforced how serious allergy mistakes can be. The server did check on us afterward to make sure nothing else containing allergens was being served by asking me directly, which we appreciated. Before leaving, we spoke with the manager privately, away from other guests--even if it meant waiting outside in the cold. We told him we had a good experience and that my husband enjoyed the food. When he asked why we were in the cold, I explained we wanted to share our feedback privately. He thanked us for approaching him this way and gave us his card, encouraging us to call before dining in the future. The manager initially said he did not remember ordering chamomile tea. He only went back to check the tea after my husband insisted that it was chamomile, since he drinks it regularly. After confirming, the manager explained it was an herbal tea with chamomile listed as the last ingredient. While he was trying to understand the situation, he did not realize that even a tiny amount of an allergen can cause major issues. I shared this so he could make sure it does not happen again. Overall, it was a warm and cordial interaction with both the manager and the server, which we appreciated. The manager expressed that he hopes we will go back again. I'm sharing this feedback not to criticize, but to encourage better allergy awareness and consistent guest care. Attention to these details would help all diners feel safe, welcome, and well-cared-for. read more

B M.

7 months ago

Zaytinya is a truly beautiful restaurant with a refined, elegant design, and the service is excellent. The staff is warm, attentive, and very professional, which makes the experience pleasant from the moment you arrive. The overall ambiance is lovely and you can see that a lot of thought went into creating a comfortable and stylish dining environment. When it comes to flavor, however, the food was just okay. Nothing was necessarily bad, but the dishes didn't quite deliver the deep, memorable, and authentic Mediterranean taste I was hoping for. Everything looked great, but the flavors felt mild and didn't leave that lasting impression you expect from this type of cuisine. For guests seeking truly authentic, rich, and unforgettable Mediterranean and Aegean flavors, I highly recommend exploring two nearby restaurants: * Esnaf in San Carlos -this place offers genuinely traditional dishes with remarkable depth of flavor. The authenticity really stands out, and many of the dishes leave a lasting impression. If you want real, bold, memorable taste, Esnaf is an excellent choice. * Meyhouse in Palo Alto -the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food carries a beautifully balanced, truly authentic Aegean touch. Their dishes feel very carefully prepared, and you can taste the freshness and craftsmanship. It's a wonderful spot for anyone who appreciates honest, well-executed Mediterranean flavors. Both restaurants provide a level of authenticity and culinary quality that at least in my experience stands out more clearly. Overall, Zaytinya is a wonderful space with impressive service, but if you're looking for deeper, more authentic Mediterranean flavors, Esnaf in San Carlos and Meyhouse in Palo Alto are exceptional alternatives worth trying. read more

Madeline C.

7 months ago

I had high expectations for Zaytinya, but the overall experience was unfortunately underwhelming. For a restaurant that presents itself as a thoughtful homage to Mediterranean cuisine, the food lacked both depth and authenticity. Many of the dishes were dominated by what tasted like garlic powder rather than fresh garlic, giving everything the same harsh, artificial note. The hummus, in particular, was disappointing--it tasted indistinguishable from a Costco version. The pide was another miss: extremely airy and hollow, lacking substance or texture. We requested a second bread basket, which took about 15 minutes to arrive. The server then took it to the back to box it up, but it never made it back to our table. Ironically, the fries were the most enjoyable item, which raises questions for a restaurant that markets itself around Mediterranean cuisine. The space itself is beautiful, but even that came with drawbacks. There is a sharp contrast in seating comfort throughout the dining room--some tables are assigned hard, uncomfortable chairs while others sit in plush booths. Several tables (including ours) requested to be moved to more comfortable seating. Overall, the experience felt more driven by hype and branding than by consistent execution. Given the price point and reputation, I expected far more. Unfortunately, this is not a restaurant I would return to. read more

José G.

29 days ago

Our experience at Zaytinya was absolutely wonderful. What started as dinner turned into a full experience that we genuinely enjoyed from beginning to end. I love the tapas style concept because it allows you to slow down, try different dishes, and really enjoy the meal. Everything was delicious, from the cocktails to the complimentary bread and every dish that followed. The ingredients tasted incredibly fresh and thoughtfully selected, and each plate felt like it was prepared with great care. Our server Burcu made the evening even more special! She was so warm, personable, and genuinely kind. She took the time to explain every dish in detail and was incredibly knowledgeable about the entire menu. You could tell she truly enjoys what she does, and her enthusiasm made us even more excited to try everything. We learned so much about the dishes and appreciated all of her recommendations. One thing that really stood out was that we never felt rushed. She timed everything perfectly and allowed us to enjoy each course before bringing out the next one. It made the entire meal feel relaxed and intentional. Great food is always memorable, but great service is what turns a meal into an experience. Thank you for making our evening so enjoyable. We cannot wait to come back. read more

Madison W.

1 month ago

5 stars isn't enough for this place. As someone who lives in the Bay Area and eats out a lot, this was one of the most elevated, vibey, and genuinely memorable Mediterranean dinners I've had in a long time. From the second we sat down, our server Adrian was absolutely impeccable warm, knowledgeable, attentive without hovering, and honestly the kind of service that makes you want to come back before you've even finished dinner. He walked us through the entire menu, gave amazing pairing recommendations, and made the whole experience feel super polished but still relaxed and welcoming. The entire restaurant nails that upscale Mediterranean energy without feeling pretentious. Beautiful ambiance, amazing cocktails, incredible Greek wines, flawless pacing, and genuinely impeccable service from start to finish. This is absolutely one of those spots you take out of town friends to if you want to impress them, but it's also the kind of place you'll crave on a random Wednesday night. read more

sara g.

5 months ago

The restaurant is beautifully designed with a pleasant ambiance. Unfortunately, the front desk experience did not match the setting. The staff was not professional or welcoming, and additional customer service training would be greatly beneficial. The cuisine is Mediterranean with a Middle Eastern influence. The appetizers were very flavorful, especially the tabbouleh, grape leaves, and baba ghanoush. However, the portions are extremely small for the price. At nearly $16 per appetizer, the value does not align with the serving size. The baba ghanoush, in particular, was served in a bowl with only about two spoonfuls of eggplant spread, which was quite disappointing. The restaurant has a bar that may interest you! The lunch menu is available until 3:00 pm and includes sandwich options, which is a nice touch for midday dining. read more

Natasha L.

1 month ago

Absolutely loved this place. The food was fresh, flavorful, and honestly one of the best meals I've had in a while. Every dish came out perfectly and the atmosphere made the whole experience even better. The beef kabab and fattoush salad paired so well together, and their pita bread is absolutely to die for. Whatever olive oil blend they use with the balsamic vinegar should honestly be bottled and sold, it was THAT good. Citrusy, slightly sweet, and ridiculously addictive. Huge shoutout to Jess for the amazing service!! He was attentive, friendly, and genuinely made us feel welcomed the entire time. You can tell he really cares about making sure guests have a great experience. Definitely coming back and highly recommend asking for Jess if you visit! 10/10! Ps. Loved the dessert, the one with yogurt was my fave. read more

Shabana A.

1 month ago

Visited Zaytinya recently and had such a great experience. The restaurant interior is absolutely gorgeous, beautifully designed with a really cool bar area that gives the whole place a stylish, lively atmosphere. The food was excellent across the board, and everything we tried was flavorful and well executed. Our favorites were definitely the lamb kebab and the chicken kebab -- both were cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. A special shoutout to our waitress, Sydney, who was incredibly sweet and attentive throughout the meal. She gave us great recommendations and really helped us figure out what to order, which made the experience even better. Definitely a spot I'd come back to again, especially with a group, since there are so many other dishes on the menu I'd love to try. read more

Neelam S.

6 months ago

We celebrated our daughter's birthday at Zaytinya, and it was a truly special experience! Our server, Ana Maria, provided exemplary service; she was incredibly attentive and took extra time to explain each dish, making our night so memorable. The food was packed with flavor--the Lamb Bharat was perfectly spiced and tender, and the Octopus Santorini was grilled to perfection. We also loved the smoky baba ghannoge paired with hommus and endless puffy pita. The drinks were equally impressive and innovative; the margarita was smooth and tasty, featuring a unique salty foam instead of a traditional salted rim. To finish, the Greek yogurt and pears dessert is a must! The decor is stunning with great attention to detail. While the music was a bit loud, the overall ambiance was amazing. read more

Jackie S.

1 month ago

Had an amazing experience at Zaytinya while hosting family visiting from out of state. The Moral pide was exceptionally delicious -- a must-try if you love mushrooms! The meatball dish was also incredibly flavorful and perfectly prepared. And my new favorite drink is officially the "3PM in Istanbul" cocktail -- absolutely delicious and the perfect complement to the meal. What really made the evening special was the outstanding service from Sydney. She was professional, friendly, attentive, and paid attention to every detail throughout our meal. The combination of amazing food, warm hospitality, and a lively atmosphere made for such a memorable dining experience. We'll definitely be back! read more

Maliha B.

22 days ago

I had a wonderful experience at Zaytinya in Stanford Shopping Center! The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and full of amazing Mediterranean flavors. The service was exceptional, and the staff made my visit feel extra special. I was celebrating my birthday, and the team surprised me with a complimentary dessert and a non-alcoholic drink, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Their kindness and attention to detail made the celebration even more memorable. The atmosphere was beautiful and welcoming, and every dish we ordered was outstanding. Thank you to the entire Zaytinya team for making my birthday so special. I highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning soon! read more

Tanya L.

16 days ago

We had a wonderful experience at Zaytinya celebrating my husband's birthday. We chose the tasting menu, and everything was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Each dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and made the evening feel special. The service was just as impressive as the food. Our waiters, Chris and Ivan, were attentive, friendly, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout the night. They helped make the birthday celebration feel warm and memorable. Overall, Zaytinya was the perfect place for a special occasion. Great food, excellent service, and a lovely atmosphere. We look forward to coming back! read more

Rahsaan C.

29 days ago

We had an excellent experience thanks to Gill. The service was outstanding from beginning to end--friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. Gill made us feel taken care of the entire time and had a great sense of timing, always checking in when needed and making sure everything was perfect. It's not often you come across service that feels both professional and personal, but Gill absolutely nailed it. The positive energy, attention to detail, and overall care really stood out and made our visit even more enjoyable. We truly appreciated it and will definitely be back. Five stars for Gill--highly recommend! read more

Sylvia L.

1 month ago

We had such an amazing experience thanks to our server, Elmas! It was my sister's birthday, and from the moment we arrived, Elmas made her feel incredibly welcomed and celebrated. The service was truly top-notch -- always attentive without ever being intrusive. The food was absolutely excellent, and every recommendation was spot on. Elmas checked in at all the right moments, kept everything running smoothly, and genuinely made the night feel special. You can tell they really care about creating a great experience for guests. Thank you for making my sister's birthday dinner so memorable. We'll definitely be back! read more

Izzy Y.

2 months ago

I want to recognize Jess for providing truly outstanding service. He was attentive, polite, respectful, and incredibly professional from beginning to end. His level of care and awareness stood out immediately -- he anticipated our needs without being intrusive and made the entire experience feel welcoming and effortless. I have rarely met someone in service with this level of warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality. Jess is the kind of person who elevates the entire dining experience and makes guests want to come back. He deserves real recognition for the exceptional way he represents the restaurant. read more

Donna M.

Elite 18

210

113

2 months ago

We came for the food and stayed for the excellent service by Andres--hospitality you often don't see anymore. The moment we sat down our experience was warm, friendly and his knowledgeable of the menu on various dishes was enthusiastically shared. We enjoyed the kale salads, Brussels sprouts, falafel, humus , and the chicken we almost didn't have-- but he highly recommended it so we also indulged. Our meal was topped off with a tasty and airy apricot yogurt and a glass of champagne. Come here to celebrate life with old friends and make new memories. We will be back! Donna and Alice. read more

Jennifer M.

5 months ago

The beautiful setting reminds me of the Greek isles. Gorgeous. Service and food were impeccable. Andrew at the bar is a good time for sure. The vibes And attitude of the staff should be copied by all the neighboring places at the Stanford Shopping Center. Great addition that you all need to try. Walk -ins are welcome in the lounge area if you can't make a reservation. Also after reading some reviews...we all would so well to remember it is a subjective question when we ask if our order is enough..or too spicy. We can't blame the staff for guessing for us read more

Joseph K.

4 months ago

Mediocre at best. Hummus - 0.5 cm thin on the plate Fattoush - cucumber and tomatoes (no taste)... that's not how fattoush is done Halloumi ... 2 pieces tossed in a random combo of fruits Beef Kebab ... a mix of soujouk and ground beef, that's not steak Chicken Kebab ... dark meat not chicken breast. Chef needs to go to the Middle East for a quick internship and learn how to make proper Mediterranean food. Overall great atmosphere and amazing interior design. Architect should be proud. I would just go there for drinks for the atmosphere. read more

Emily S.

6 months ago

Had the most amazing time at Zaytinya tonight! Obviously the food is INCREDIBLE!! Duh, Jose Andres. BUT the service is even better! We had an amazing time with MJ as our waiter. Not only was she a joy to be around she suggested a perfect meal for us. Absolutely come here! The best thing on the menu was definitely the baba ganoush but all the dips were fantastic. We also loved the celebration rice! MJ let us know that you can order it with lamb and that is definitely the right way to go! read more

Roro K.

1 month ago

Just tried Zaytinya, and we will definitely visit it routinely. Fabulous dishes, great service and beautiful ambiance. Our waiter Jess was super attentive and ensured the dishes I chose were cooked to accommodate my allergies. We had: Halloumi with lychee, pistachio, cherries. 8/10 Bread 8/10 Scallops 8/10 Chicken kabob 8/10 Baba gannouj 8/10 Tawook sandwich 8/10 Apricot yogurt dessert 8/10 Jess was 10/10 in service. Ambiance was 9/10 read more

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147 Zaytinya reviews that are not currently recommended

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147 reviews that are not currently recommended

Zaytinya - turkish - Updated June 2026

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