No. 37: Zaytinya
Cuisine: José Andrés’s reimagined Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese mezze have purists admitting that these clever redos are often better than the classics.
Mood: An all-white palette and candles make the space shimmer. It might be romantic if not for the near-deafening buzz from the bar and other diners.
Best for: Groups out on the town or enjoying a pre– or post–Verizon Center meal.
Best dishes: Gigantes (lima beans on steroids) with kale; airy taramasalata; roasted cauliflower with pine-nut purée; zucchini-and-cheese fritters; adana kebab with harissa and sumac onions; lamb shank over eggplant purée; visne (cherry) soufflé with muscat-spiked yogurt and sour-cherry sorbet.
Insider tips: Limited reservations are available every night, but you usually have to call a few weeks in advance to get a prime weekend slot.
Service: ••
Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Moderate.
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February 01, 2009 |
Reviewed by
Todd Kliman
,
Ann Limpert
,
Cynthia Hacinli
,
Rina Rapuano
,
Eve Zibart
