Zaytinya is a Turkish/Greek/Lebanese restaurant with a good bar scene located at 701 9th St. NW in Penn Quarter.

Cost – $$

Service – B
The wait staff are usually very good at making recommendations and educating first-timers on mezze etiquette. A good waiter will bring your order out in waves to ensure food is served at the right temperature.

Food – B
The food has always been consistent and is a good value for the price. The menu is well-rounded with over 70 choices of small plates, however, the traditional desserts seem to be a little light for me. Vegetarian friendly and some very good wine by the glass (try the Malagousia).

Decor – B+
The white and blue scheme achieves its goal of a modern look with mediterranean overtones. High ceilings give the main dining area an open feel and the lighting is just right for lively parties or first dates.

Feel – A-
As one of the busiest restaurants in the city, Zaytinya attracts a diverse crowd and is a safe bet if you are looking for a happening place for dinner. Maybe not the best place for serious business but a very good starting point for a night out.

What’s the Buzz:

July 31, 2007 – Zaytinya (Bacon and Bakin’) – Friday night, I found myself walking to the Metro at about 8:15. I was on my way downtown, where I was meeting a friend, Jeremy, for dinner at Zaytinya. I’d been to Zaytinya before, but Jeremy hadn’t and had wanted to go for some time. We decided to meet at Zaytinya at 9, figuring the dinner rush would have subsided. Wroooong…Full Article…

October 15, 2006 – Zaytinya (Washington Post) – Excellence comes in many flavors. One of them is Zaytinya, the mezze specialist that manages to be beautiful, luscious and easy on the wallet (well, so long as you don’t get carried away ordering retsina cocktails).The blue-and-white palette evokes a Greek coastline; the service flows warm and efficient. Full Article…

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