Zaytinya
Mediterranean restaurant · Downtown
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
![Zaytinya by Zaytinya [official photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62521411/zaytinya.13.jpg "Zaytinya by Zaytinya [official photo]")
Highlights
Eastern Mediterranean small plates, regional wines, and a lively atmosphere
Eastern Mediterranean small plates, regional wines, and a lively atmosphere
"This José Andrés restaurant sits in a prime location near several Metro stops, making it accessible for any local to get to. The patio has a view of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and serves a solid Mediterranean menu. Andrés’s nearby Jaleo and Oyamel are also standbys when it comes to outdoor patios." - Abi Newhouse
"Recognized by The MICHELIN Guide, offering an exquisite dining experience with international flavors." - Michael He
"A Mediterranean restaurant by Chef José Andrés, focusing on mezze and offering a wide-ranging menu inspired by Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish cuisine." - Kevin Chau
"Behind this restaurant is the chef who was appointed in 2022 to help lead the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition (PCSFN) and served as co-chair alongside Elena Delle Donne; the newly inaugurated president announced on Truth Social that he had dismissed the chef from that role, writing that the chef and others "are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again." The chef replied: "I submitted my resignation last week ... my 2 year term was already up," noting that his term included "a partnership between the White House and major sports leagues to promote physical activity and nutrition programming for kids." Earlier this month he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his humanitarian work. The chef's acrimonious history with the president dates to 2015, when he pulled out of a restaurant deal with the president's Washington, D.C. hotel after derogatory comments regarding Mexican immigrants and crime (a decision that led to a two-year lawsuit); in 2017 he posted: "Thank you @realDonaldTrump for showing me everyday that we did the right thing pulling out of your hotel...#smartbusinessdecision." Staying true to his mission statement of "bringing people together through the power of food," he concluded his response by urging the president: "May God give you the wisdom, Mr. President, to put politics and name calling aside ... and instead lift up the everyday people working to bring America together. Let's build longer tables..." - Bettina Makalintal
"A restaurant by Chef José Andrés offering Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for business lunches or dinners before events." - Michael He
