Jose Andres has once again turned the culinary world on its head by launching Zaytinya, his latest dining venture nestled in the iconic Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This seventh restaurant in his Las Vegas collection is not merely a place to eat; it’s a vibrant homage to the multifaceted culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon.
Zaytinya’s menu is a thoughtful exploration of the Mediterranean palette that expertly weaves together tradition and contemporary gastronomy. From classic spreads like velvety labneh to the smoky depths of baba ghanouj, the offerings pay tribute to age-old recipes while ensuring that each dish is accessible to the modern diner. Signature dishes stand out vividly—Soujouk Pide tantalizes eaters with spicy sausage and a soft-cooked egg, while the Octopus Santorini offers an exquisite melding of grilled octopus and zesty marinated onions.
Chef Andres’s focus on fresh, local ingredients means that even the vegetable-forward options, like the flaky spanakopita and seasonal salads, are bursting with flavor and creativity. This commitment to quality is evident in items such as the marinated lamb chops with Tangier spices alongside spring pea tzatziki, which invites diners to savor each bite while evoking the essence of its origins.
A Feast for the Senses
The experience at Zaytinya transcends beyond just the culinary creations. Designed by the Rockwell Group, the restaurant spans a generous 8,604 square feet, offering a layout that feels both expansive and intimate. Guests are welcomed through grand oak doors crowned with lush trellises, leading them into a lively bar and lounge decorated in vibrant mosaics. The ambiance strikes a balance between lively dinners and cozy gatherings, a duality enhanced by carefully curated lighting and design elements like a fireplace with a dramatic hood.
One of the most striking features of Zaytinya is its bar area, which is built to resemble the protective Greek evil eye—a significant cultural symbol. Such elements reflect a deeper purpose in the restaurant’s design, one that emphasizes the importance of connection and community through dining.
As Sam Bakhshandehpour, the global CEO of Jose Andres Group, aptly stated, “At Zaytinya, we’ve focused on curating a vibrant cultural experience.” This philosophy underpins not just the food but the whole dining experience, where every moment spent at Zaytinya is meant to foster connections.
Innovative Touches and Community Spirit
Unique offerings like the Mezze Ora, which features specially priced drinks and bites, demonstrate an understanding of modern dining culture that values convenience and affordability without sacrificing quality—perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a light bite after a long day of shopping at the Forum Shops.
Zaytinya is more than just another restaurant in a city teeming with culinary choices; it represents a bold new chapter in Andres’s vision, one that not only feeds the hungry but also nourishes the spirit. While Las Vegas is no stranger to luxurious dining, Zaytinya stands out as an experience that prioritizes shared moments, rich flavors, and cultural appreciation—all of which make it a destination worth visiting.
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