Sip Happens
When life gives you lemons, you make this refreshing N/A Mediterranean classic — and sip your way through it.
What is Limonada?
"Presto Pita!"
This creamy classic dip is practically summoned onto every table as if by magic — made with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon, it's a Levantine spell in a bowl.
What is Hummus?
"Sharply Dressed"
You slice through first impressions by greeting guests warmly and bringing this flavorful due to their table.
What is olive oil and pomegranate molasses?
Before José Andrés brought Mediterranean flavors to the U.S., he was cooking up history in this country—where the tapas are small but the culinary legacy is mighty.
What is Spain?
Wine not sip like a VIP? This house bubbly, made just for Zaytinya, bears the name of its celeb chef and sparkles with Mediterranean flair.
What is Raventós Blanc, Cuvée José Andrés?
When your guest looks like they just rage-parallel parked for 10 minutes on Washington Blvd, this savory martini with olives three ways is the perfect way to calm the storm.
What is Ancient Olive?
"The Grape Escape"
They may look like ordinary leaves, but stuffed with rice, herbs, and grape expectations, these enchanted rolls are a staple of the mezze spellbook.
What are Dolmades?
"Timing the Cut"
Just like a precision cut, you need to check back with guests within this many minutes after their food arrives to make sure everything is on point.
2 minutes
Before making its way to Culver City, Zaytinya first made a capital impression in this city—where politics and mezze both run the table.
What is Washington D.C.?
Wine not take your taste buds to the Greek isles? This crisp, mineral-driven white from Crete shares its name with a tongue-twister grape that thrives in volcanic soil.
What is Assyrtiko?
When your guest’s body is in Culver City but their brain is still in a Zoom meeting, this lemon-lavender, berry-kissed vodka cocktail is their one-way ticket to vacation mode.
What is 3 PM in Istanbul?
"Abra-Zaytinya!"
Zaytinya casts a savory spell with this beet dish, where earthy roots are transformed into vibrant bites with yogurt and pistachio — it’s root magic at its finest.
Just like a sharp knife is essential for every dish, this utensil must cut through the confusion by being dropped with every shared plate—making sharing smooth and effortless.
What is a share spoon?
This nonprofit, founded by José Andrés, serves up more than just meals—it delivers hope and a-peel to disaster zones worldwide.
What is World Central Kitchen?
Wine not try this rare collaboration between a Napa Valley winery and a Greek estate, blending Cabernet Sauvignon with a noble Northern Greek grape—and named for a deeply rooted cultural virtue.
What is Philotimo?
"Herb Your Enthusiasm"
This savory cocktail uses a Mediterranean herbed foam for its garnish. What is this drink called, and what the inspiration for this cocktail?
What is the Za'Atar Margarita?
What is ocean waves crashing against the rocks?
"The Garlic Charm"
Roasted to golden perfection, this allium-heavy mezze casts a deliciously pungent spell with Greek yogurt and cucumber — just don’t expect any vampires at the table.
What is Tzatziki?
Before cutting to the chase and slicing into our menu spiel, what crucial question do we ask guests?
Are there any allergies or dietary preferences?
Zaytinya’s director of operations, Meg Muller, knows how to run things efficiently—but when asked about her favorite creature to ever roam the earth, she’s definitely pre-hysterical.
What is a dinosaur?
Wine not go cosmic? This out-of-this-world Sangiovese from Mendocino’s historic Gibson Ranch shares its name with a star cluster—and, yes, it’s stellar by the glass.
What is Pleiades rose?
When you really need a wish from a genie for an escape, this citrusy, gin cocktail whisks you away faster than you can run.
What is the Magic Carpet?
“Mezze of the Mind”
This cold eggplant mezze is silky, smoky, and mysterious — it’s the kind of dish a sorcerer would serve right before revealing your true destiny. Served with pomegranate seeds, mint, and secrets.
What is Baba Ghannouge?
Keep your senses razor-sharp!
This rule tells us to spot guests from about the 4 sword lengths away and then cut in close for service when you're 2 sword lengths away.
What is the 5 ft, 10 ft rule?
Zaytinya means “olive oil” in this language spoken in the Mediterranean.
What is Turkish?
Wine not try this uniquely Turkish red at Zaytinya Culver City? Its name means "black chewing gum," but it’s all flavor and no stick.
What is Karasakız?