In the heart of Las Vegas, where culinary innovation meets vibrant spectacle, Zaytinya has emerged as a beacon of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Opened in late May 2025 at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, this 8,600-square-foot restaurant is the latest venture from celebrated chef José Andrés, marking his seventh establishment on the Las Vegas Strip. With its roots in Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese culinary traditions, Zaytinya promises a dining experience that is both soulful and sophisticated, blending heritage with modern flair.
A Storied History
Zaytinya, which translates to “olive oil” in Turkish, first debuted in Washington, D.C., in 2002, quickly becoming a beloved destination for its innovative mezze—small plates designed for sharing. The concept, driven by Andrés’ passion for Mediterranean flavors, expanded to cities like New York, Miami, and Culver City before landing in Las Vegas. The name itself reflects the restaurant’s ethos, celebrating the foundational role of olive oil in Mediterranean cooking, a theme that will also be explored in Andrés’ forthcoming cookbook of the same name.
The Las Vegas outpost, announced over two years ago, represents a bold evolution of the Zaytinya brand. Unlike its predecessors, this location introduces main courses to the menu, a nod to the city’s appetite for hearty dining experiences. Led by head chef Stephanie Martinez, the kitchen delivers a vibrant array of dishes that honor tradition while embracing innovation. From grilled lamb chops with Tangier spice and spring pea tzatziki to Celebration Rice with spiced, braised chicken and crispy tadig, the menu is designed to spark conversation and connection.
A Design That Captivates
Zaytinya’s interior, crafted by the renowned Rockwell Group, is a feast for the senses. The space is accented with large oak doors adorned with flora, mosaic tiles, and sleek wooden beams. A backlit bar, crowned by a symbolic Greek “evil eye” glass structure, serves as the luminous centerpiece, inviting guests to linger over cocktails like the Minoan Sour, which blends Spanish olive oil and egg white for a creamy texture, or the Ancient Olive Martini, crafted with a fat-washing technique. Semi-private dining areas draped in elegant curtains offer intimate settings for gatherings, while the main dining room, with its hand-painted pendant lamps and fireplace, exudes warmth and elegance.
The design strikes a balance between Mediterranean warmth and Vegas sophistication, creating an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and serene. As Andrés himself noted, “Zaytinya is a place to share stories, to taste the soul of the Mediterranean, and to feel the joy of coming together.” This quote, perfect for retweeting, encapsulates the restaurant’s mission to foster connection through food and ambiance.
Aspirations for a Culinary Legacy
Zaytinya Las Vegas aspires to redefine Mediterranean dining on the Strip, a culinary landscape often dominated by steakhouses and Italian fare. By focusing exclusively on Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant fills a unique niche, offering a lighter, more communal dining experience in a city known for excess. The Chef’s Experience, a $90-per-person tasting menu, allows diners to sample a wide array of mezze and main courses, encouraging exploration and discovery. The Mezze Óra happy hour, offered Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m., pairs specially priced drinks and bites, making the restaurant accessible to a broader audience.
Andrés, an internationally recognized culinary innovator and humanitarian, sees Zaytinya as more than a restaurant—it’s a platform for storytelling. Through dishes like prime beef Mishwi (grilled Creekstone Farms strip loin) and family-style options like whole sea bass or lamb shoulder, the menu weaves narratives of tradition, travel, and creativity. The beverage program, with its Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, further elevates the experience, celebrating the region’s heritage in every sip.
The restaurant also aligns with Andrés’ broader mission of giving back. Zaytinya participates in Las Vegas Restaurant Week, donating $4 to Three Square Food Bank for each meal sold, reflecting the chef’s commitment to community impact through his World Central Kitchen charity.
Recent Buzz and Reception
Since its opening, Zaytinya has garnered significant attention. Posts on X praise the restaurant’s stunning design and reasonable prices, with users like @VitalVegas highlighting the bar’s beauty and the menu’s accessibility. Local media outlets, including Las Vegas Magazine and Haute Living, have lauded the restaurant’s vibrant flavors and dynamic atmosphere, noting its ability to stand out in a competitive culinary scene. The Las Vegas Review-Journal emphasized the menu’s introduction of main courses as a significant milestone for the Zaytinya brand.
Zaytinya’s debut comes at a time of flux for the Las Vegas dining scene, with several celebrity chef restaurants, like International Smoke by Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry, closing in early 2025. Yet, Andrés’ track record—six other successful Strip restaurants, including Bazaar Mar and Jaleo—positions Zaytinya for longevity. The restaurant’s prime location, easily accessible via the Forum Shops valet, and its participation in local events like Restaurant Week further cement its role as a Strip staple.
A Taste of the Future
As Zaytinya settles into its Las Vegas home, its aspirations extend beyond the plate. The restaurant aims to be a gathering place where locals and tourists alike can experience the Mediterranean’s convivial spirit. With its innovative menu, striking design, and Andrés’ infectious passion, Zaytinya is poised to become a defining destination on the Strip.
For those seeking a break from the usual Vegas excess, Zaytinya offers a refreshing alternative—a place to graze, sip, and savor. As Andrés puts it, “Zaytinya is a place to share stories, to taste the soul of the Mediterranean, and to feel the joy of coming together.” Whether indulging in the Chef’s Experience or enjoying a Mezze Óra cocktail, diners are invited to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates connection and creativity.
Zaytinya is a place to share stories, to taste the soul of the Mediterranean, and to feel the joy of coming together.
José Andrés – Celebrity Chef
In a city built on reinvention, Zaytinya Las Vegas is a testament to the enduring power of food to bring people together. With its rich history, bold aspirations, and unforgettable flavors, it’s a restaurant that’s here to stay.
