In Culver City, dinner at Zaytinya has always moved at a different pace—plates arriving in waves, the table filling gradually, conversation stretching alongside the meal. Now, the restaurant is formalizing that rhythm with a new mezze tasting experience, designed to bring structure to a style of dining that has always been about sharing.
Located on the ground floor of The Shay, Zaytinya—part of the José Andrés Group—builds its identity around the culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon, filtered through a California lens. The new tasting menu leans into that foundation, offering a $70 per person experience that unfolds across multiple courses, each built around small plates meant to be passed, layered, and experienced collectively.
The format is intentional. Guests move through five courses, selecting dishes that balance familiarity with depth. Early rounds include staples like hommus with harissa chili crisp, labneh finished with za’atar, and baba ghanouge with fire-roasted eggplant. From there, the menu builds into brighter and more textured dishes—crispy brussels afelia with garlic yogurt, smoked beet salata with pomegranate and pistachio, and fattoush layered with fresh herbs and acidity.
As the progression continues, the table shifts toward heartier plates. Soutzoukakia—cumin-spiced meatballs in tomato sauce—arrive alongside chicken shish taouk with sumac and garlic toum, while options like seared salmon and grilled lamb chops expand the range without losing the throughline of Mediterranean technique. Each course is structured to stand alone, but the experience works best when everything overlaps—flavors crossing, plates shared, and the table staying full.
To match the food, the beverage program brings its own point of view. Cocktails like the Za’atar Margarita layer citrus with herbal depth, while the Ancient Olive reworks the dirty martini using olives three ways. There’s also a lighter approach with drinks like 3PM in Istanbul, built around berry and lavender-infused vodka, designed to sit comfortably alongside the meal rather than overpower it.
The experience reflects a broader philosophy that José Andrés has carried across his restaurants: longer tables, shared plates, and meals that prioritize connection as much as composition. At Zaytinya, that idea translates into a tasting menu that doesn’t feel rigid or overly formal. Instead, it creates a framework—one that invites guests to slow down, pass plates, and stay present at the table a little longer.
For reservations and more information, visit zaytinya.com
Location: Zaytinya Culver City at The Shay
8801 Washington Blvd.,
Culver City
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Zatinya business/venue
