Fun.fresh.fast.delicious. These are the only words needed to describe the meal that we ate at Zaytinya last Saturday. Luckily, the benefit of going to eat at a "small plates" or "mezze" (for mediterranean food) style restaurant with 8 girls was that we were able to sample almost the entire menu. Each dish we tried was absolutely mouthwatering and flawless with its' balance of flavors and spices.
I'll let the pictures speak for themselves - but if you're in DC for the weekend and only have one restaurant to try, this one is it. The price is right, the atmosphere is fun, and the food helps to bring the dining experience to another level.
Here's how we ate our way through Zaytinya's menu:
HOMMUS
[puree of chickpeas, garlic, tahini]
BABA GHANNOUGE
[fire-roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon, garlic]
TARAMOSALATA
[traditional spread of cured carp roe]
[traditional spread of cured carp roe]
HTIPITI
[marinated roasted red peppers, feta, thyme]
[marinated roasted red peppers, feta, thyme]
CRISPY BRUSSELS AFELIA
[brussels sprouts, coriander seed, barberries, garlic yogurt]
[brussels sprouts, coriander seed, barberries, garlic yogurt]
SPANAKOPITA
[house-made phyllo, spinach, feta cheese]
SEASONAL MUSHROOMS
[sautéed mushrooms, dates, toasted almonds]
[sautéed mushrooms, dates, toasted almonds]
BAMYA
[caramelized okra, fresh and crispy chickpeas, cardamom tomato stew]
[caramelized okra, fresh and crispy chickpeas, cardamom tomato stew]
GRAPE-LEAVES DOLMADES
[grape leaves with rice, tomato, fennel, pine nuts, golden raisins, served with labneh]
[grape leaves with rice, tomato, fennel, pine nuts, golden raisins, served with labneh]
GARIDES ME ANITHO
[sautéed shrimp, dill, shallots, mustard, lemon juice]
[sautéed shrimp, dill, shallots, mustard, lemon juice]
SEA SCALLOPS
[seared scallops, yogurt-dill sauce]
BAKALIAROU MAVRO SKORDALIA
[ouzo battered black cod, orange, potato-garlic puree]
[ouzo battered black cod, orange, potato-garlic puree]
AGLAIA KREMEZI STYLE CRAB CAKES
[mini jumbo lump crab cakes, roasted garlic yogurt]
[mini jumbo lump crab cakes, roasted garlic yogurt]
KOTOPOULO YOUVETSI
[chicken, orzo, tomato, kefalograviera cheese]
[chicken, orzo, tomato, kefalograviera cheese]
SPECIALS:
DESSERT:
Cost? Most dishes are between $8-14 and 2-3 per person is more than enough for a complete dinner.
Atmosphere? High-ceilings, bright colors and modern decor make this a chic, fun atmosphere that's appropriate for dates, fun meals with friends, and family dinners. The bigger the group you go with, the better. Trust me, you'll be wanting to sample the whole menu.
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