Zaytinya Washington D.C. Review: A Mediterranean Tapas Odyssey Near Chinatown

Nestled in the bustling heart of downtown Washington D.C., a stone’s throw from the vibrant energy of Chinatown and the excitement of the Verizon Center (for easy access, the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station is your best bet), Zaytinya stands as a culinary beacon. It offers a captivating journey through Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese flavors, reimagined as innovative tapas. Since its grand opening in 2003, under the visionary guidance of the globally acclaimed Chef José Andrés—a culinary maestro recently lauded in Bon Appétit magazine—Zaytinya has consistently captivated diners. Its reputation is impeccable, frequently earning a spot among the “100 Best Restaurants in the DC area” by Washingtonian magazine. This enduring popularity is evident in the continuous stream of patrons, with crowds and lively queues a common sight throughout the week, a testament to its irresistible allure. Having personally dined at Zaytinya on numerous occasions, I’m thrilled to share my comprehensive insights, from culinary highlights to practical dining tips, to help you plan an unforgettable experience at this Mediterranean gem.

Before delving into the specifics, a helpful note: This review, like all content on this blog, is entirely unsolicited and uncompensated. My opinions are solely a reflection of genuine dining experiences and a passion for exceptional food. While I delight in sharing positive experiences, I am equally committed to honesty, whether the feedback is glowing or critical. Transparency, after all, is the cornerstone of trustworthy recommendations.

The Zaytinya Experience: Ambiance, Cuisine, and Practical Tips

What We Love About Zaytinya

Zaytinya offers a multi-sensory dining experience, from its striking decor to its inventive menu. Here’s a closer look at what makes it a standout:

• An Impressive Ambiance and Design: The moment you step into Zaytinya, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of modern elegance fused with Mediterranean warmth. The restaurant’s design is truly striking, characterized by high ceilings and expansive, airy spaces that invite natural light. The main dining floor is generously proportioned, but a charming staircase leads to a more intimate loft area, offering a different perspective on the bustling scene below. While visually stunning, with its minimalist yet inviting aesthetic, the open design and wood floors can contribute to a lively, somewhat noisy environment. However, this vibrant hum often enhances the overall experience, creating an energetic backdrop perfect for social dining and conversation, rather than detracting from it. It’s a place where design meets function, crafting an experience that feels both grand and approachable.

• Consistently Stellar Dishes and Unforgettable Flavors: Zaytinya’s menu is a carefully curated selection of Mediterranean small plates, each a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage. While the main menu may not undergo frequent changes, the consistent quality and exceptional flavor profiles of its signature dishes are a major draw. Personal favorites that have consistently delivered culinary delight include:

  • Hommus: Far beyond any store-bought variety, Zaytinya’s hommus is a revelation. Creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned, it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can achieve extraordinary depths of flavor. It serves as the ideal canvas for their fresh, warm pita.
  • Bantijan Bil Laban: This crispy eggplant dish, served with a refreshing yogurt-dill sauce, is an absolute sensation. The contrast between the perfectly fried eggplant and the cool, tangy sauce creates an irresistible harmony of textures and tastes. A definite must-try!
  • Spanakopita: Handcrafted with delicate phyllo dough, this traditional spinach and feta pie is a masterclass in savory pastries. Keep an eye out for their special variations, which often introduce exciting new twists on this classic.
  • Seared Sea Scallops: Perfectly seared, these scallops are tender, sweet, and exquisitely prepared, showcasing the kitchen’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and expert execution.
  • Piyaz: A comforting and hearty dish, the Piyaz features warm giant beans sautéed with kale, roasted tomato, and garlic. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option that beautifully highlights rustic Mediterranean ingredients.

  Beyond these beloved staples, Zaytinya also offers 5-6 daily specials that provide a wonderful opportunity to explore new and seasonal creations, adding an element of surprise to repeat visits.

• Prime Location for Entertainment and Exploration: Zaytinya’s strategic location is another significant advantage. Situated within easy walking distance of the Verizon Center, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-game dinner before catching a basketball or hockey game. Moreover, its proximity to Chinatown allows for a spontaneous visit to explore the vibrant neighborhood. The restaurant’s casual yet chic atmosphere means you won’t feel out of place, whether you’re dressed for a special occasion or simply popping in after a day of sightseeing. This versatility makes it an ideal dining choice for almost any occasion.
• The Legendary Complimentary Pita Bread: One of Zaytinya’s most celebrated elements is its complimentary homemade pita-style bread. Served piping hot directly from the oven, it’s an experience in itself – literally, as I once nearly got a steam burn from its freshness! This incredible bread, with its soft, airy texture and slightly charred exterior, is sublime on its own. It also serves as the perfect accompaniment to the array of delicious dips offered on their menu, such as their renowned hommus and Baba Ghannouge. It’s a simple pleasure that elevates the entire meal.

Considerations and Potential Downsides

While Zaytinya offers an exceptional dining experience, a balanced review requires acknowledging a few aspects that might not appeal to everyone:

• Limited Main Menu Evolution: A common observation among frequent diners is the infrequent changes to Zaytinya’s core menu. While this consistency guarantees the reliable quality of beloved dishes (like the ones mentioned above), it can pose a challenge for those who crave novelty and culinary innovation with each visit. For adventurous eaters who delight in constantly discovering new flavors and creative preparations, this static aspect of the main menu might lead to a sense of predictability over time. This makes their daily specials an absolute must-try for repeat visitors, as they offer the only regular deviation from the established offerings.
• Challenging Parking Situation: Zaytinya’s prime, bustling street corner location in downtown D.C. comes with the inherent difficulty of urban parking. Finding a convenient street spot is often near impossible. The restaurant offers valet parking, but at an $11 fee, it can be a rather hefty addition to your dining bill. For budget-conscious diners or those preferring ease of access, utilizing the D.C. Metro system (with the Gallery Place/Chinatown stop being incredibly close) remains the most cost-effective and stress-free transportation option by far.
• Navigating the Crowds and Lines: Zaytinya’s immense popularity is a double-edged sword. While long lines for tables are a strong indicator of its culinary excellence, they can also be incredibly frustrating, especially if you arrive hungry and eager to be seated immediately. In the past, securing a table without a significant wait was a challenge. Thankfully, Zaytinya now offers reservations, a highly recommended strategy for anyone planning a visit, particularly during peak dining hours or on weekends. Booking ahead ensures a smoother, more enjoyable start to your meal and helps circumvent the potential for lengthy waits.
• Potential for Salty Dishes: On certain occasions, some tapas dishes have struck me as being on the saltier side. While personal salt sensitivity varies, it’s a factor worth noting. If you prefer dishes with less sodium, do not hesitate to communicate this to your waiter. A good restaurant staff is accustomed to accommodating dietary preferences, and requesting that the chef keep your dishes “on the less salty side” is a perfectly reasonable request from a paying customer. Don’t be shy; your dining satisfaction is paramount!

Overall Recommendation and Dining Strategy

Despite these minor considerations, my recommendation for Zaytinya remains unequivocally high. It’s a dynamic and delectable destination that offers a truly unique Mediterranean tapas experience. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, Zaytinya consistently delivers on flavor, ambiance, and service. I can almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

This detailed pros and cons list, coupled with practical advice, aims to equip you with all the information needed to plan your next memorable dinner date or celebratory meal in the nation’s capital. Zaytinya is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant culinary institution.

Pricing and Smart Ordering Strategies

Price: Zaytinya falls into the moderate price range, with individual tapas dishes typically costing between $4 and $12. Your total bill will, of course, depend on the number of plates your table orders. The beauty of tapas lies in sharing and sampling a wide variety of flavors. To maximize your enjoyment and ensure each dish is savored at its peak freshness, I highly recommend ordering in rounds rather than all at once. Start with 2-3 plates for your group, and then assess your cravings and hunger level before ordering subsequent dishes.

This staggered approach allows each plate to arrive fresh from the kitchen, maintaining its optimal temperature and presentation. It also gives you the flexibility to adjust your choices as the meal progresses, perhaps discovering a new favorite or deciding to try a different flavor profile. For instance, in one round, you might select a seafood option like the Seared Sea Scallops, a creamy dip such as the Hommus, and a fried delight like the Bantijan Bil Laban. In the next round, you could explore a hearty vegetable dish, a meat option, and a special. Varying the types of dishes in each order ensures a dynamic and exciting culinary journey, keeping your palate engaged with a diverse array of tastes and textures throughout your meal.

Location and Contact Information

Location:

www.zaytinya.com