Address: 701 Ninth St. NW
Phone: 202 638 0800

http://zaytinya.com/

Traveler Reviews

3.75-4, LOUD, go once to eat a emeal and back for drinks/apps if you like it
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Sep 10, 2008


Visited this place last nite. Even for a Tuesday, the place was packed. Every table around us was occupied at 8:30 and there were folks eating at the bar as well. Thankfully, I made us a reservation as I was starving and didn't want to risk not getting a quick table. $11 was the going rate for valet, and that isn't bad considering the area is tough to park in if there is any event at the Verizon Center or in China Town. We walked in at 8:30 sharp and were seated immediately. One thing about this place is that it is good for people watching as it is very open, has an open kitchen, and there are many street-side windows, but the down side to that is the NOISE. It was very loud. I wouldn't pick the place as an intimate spot, but more of a place to get dressed up for a good meal and to see and be seen. We had a corner booth and I liked that as we had lots of space to be comfortable, were away from other tables, and could see people. We each ordered 3 tapas and split a bottle of wine. We went with a syrah from Lebanon which was nice and light with good flavor, but I was surprised that it sold for $11 a glass and $44 a bottle. There really isn't a break for getting a bottle. Never the less, we enjoyed it with our choices of tapas. My date had midyes ($7, fried mussels with a walnut tarator sauce), mahanek ($7.50, housemade lamb and beef sausages served with garlic, pine nuts and topped with micro cilantro), and the classic spanokopita ($7.50, house made phyllo with spinach and feta cheese). I chose a marinated olive sampler ($6), shrimp orrozito ($13, grilled shrimp with saffron foam served on a sundried tomato orzo), and kibbeh mayeh ($7, ground to order: Lebanese style beef tartar, bulgar wheat, radish and mint). We shared everything, so that was nice. The mussels were not as chewy as one may think and cooked well. The skewer was tough to navigate. The walnut sauce was a different and interesting compliment, but overall it wasn't memorable. The mahanek was the star of her three choices, flavorful and what you'd expect from excellent lamb sausage. The spanokopita had a thicker outside than you'd usually think, but it was very good. The marinated olives were tasty and the marinade was good with the warm bread. The kibbeh was my favorite of all the dishes. The tartar was cool but not cold so you could taste the nice herb combination. Olive oil, mint and other spices complimented the lamb perfectly. The shrimp orzo was last, and it came out at the end because either the waitress or the kitchen forgot about it. That is my gripe with tapa places, you never know if the food is on time, slow, forgotten or coming in a second. She apologized when she brought it, and I asked her to tell me why it was late. She said the kitchen forgot it. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, but the seasoning and saffron foam could have been there or not as I couldn't taste it. The tomatoes had great flavor, but the orzo was oily. "Was it worth the wait?" she asked me. I said it was pretty good, but my date (who tried it and, hey, she was paying, so I bit my tongue) and the waitress knew I was being polite as the wait was unacceptable and it wasn't 'special' as listed. $13 for 3 shrimp and a scoop of bad orzo was not worth it. The waitress apologized again when she brought the check (she really only spoke to me on matters like the check and wine, I guess she was assuming I was paying) and told me her manager offered a dessert or coffee if I wanted it, but I wanted to leave and have a drink elsewhere out of the noise and the scene. Overall, the place is nice on the inside, the food is very good but not great, but I am not a fan of trendy, loud places for a nice meal nor the American haute cuisine high price tapas, so I'd only hit there for a drink or appetizers again. For dinner, I would not recommend it or choose it. For ambience and taste, I would. However, many places that are MUCH better for the price that was paid. Service was good and bad, runners were polite and bread was kept fresh and warm, but the servers don't run your food (or 'serve' per se) and don't check in as often as they could/should because of this.

Great Place
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Sep 4, 2008


On a Saturday night we were not expecting to be seated right away but at 9:00 p.m. there was a one hour wait. But we were very lucky as we got seats at the bar. The food is absolutely divine and the whole ambiance of the place adds to your experience. My martini was very good. Between my hubby & I we tasted about 5 dishes and they were all very good. Our waiter was very busy but was attentive and took the time to make suggestions for us. The place is very chic and with the lights and candles, is perfect for a date !

Very Impressed!
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Aug 16, 2008


We went to Zaytinya for our third anniversary on 8/13/08. This was during restaraunt week, so it was pretty crowded. We each ordered off the restaurant week menu, which offered choices for 4 "courses" plus dessert. So between the 2 of us, we were able to sample 8 different dishes and 2 desserts. We really liked them all! The hummous was probably the best we'd ever tasted. As some others have said, it was a bit noisy in there, but not terribly so. Service was pretty good. They seemed to work in teams, at least during this busy time. One lady was a great waitress, explaining dishes to us and making reccomendations. The other gentleman seemed a little lacking and confused. Maybe he was new... I would reccomend Zaytinya to family and friends, and I would definitely go back.

Probably the best restaurant in DC I've ever eaten at
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Aug 11, 2008


From the second i walked in I was with my date I was impressed, I recommend coming right before sunset as we did, the place looks amazing with sunlight streaming in then gets very romantic as the curtains come down and the candles light up the stairs and walls. The food from start to finish was beyond superb, and the wine was excellent. It was all beautifully presented, and the service impeccable. I was pleased to see my wine glass was utterly spotless despite having the unforgiving light of direct sunlight against it, i could see no streaks or spots on the glass. The bathrooms are also beautiful, even if you don't need to use them go ahead in just to see. Highly recommended, I don't see how anyone could possibly be disappointed by this amazing restaurant.

Delicious tapas!
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Aug 6, 2008


What I love about tapas restaurants in general is that the service is usually great, and that was true here. They're always quick to refill your drinks, bring bread, and your food usually comes out quickly. I love Jaleo, so I figured I should try Zaytinya since it's owned by the same person and I've heard so many good things about it from friends. My friend and I ordered the dolmades, the fatoush (forgive my spelling!), the grilled asparagus, the fried potatoes with yogart sauce, and the mini crab cakes. Everything was delicious, except the crab cakes. I was not a fan of those. And they were so teeny tiney- like the size of a silver dollar, and there were only 3 of them and they cost like $12! Not worth it, believe me! I definitely recommend this restaurant. The neighborhood is great and buzzing and it's just a nice atmosphere. It's beautiful inside too.