Zaytinya – NYC

At a time when most Americans thought Mediterranean cuisine meant “Greek diner food,” chef José Andrés raised the bar by focusing his groundbreaking Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant Zaytinya on ingredient quality, gorgeous plating, and authentic recipes, then worked with long-time head chef Michael Costa to improve upon the formula. Along the way, Zaytinya evolved from a merely elevated Mediterranean restaurant to a transcendent experience, cementing a collection of savory small plates that spawned an excellent cookbook and multple locations.

Located inside the Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad, the third location of Zaytinya currently offers a nearly identical menu to the original in Washington, D.C. – during dinner hours – with a pared-down collection of hits available for lunch. Unsurprising given Andrés’ track record, the smaller space is furnished with modern art-quality fittings and decor that hint at Mediterranean blue and white tones, while cozy tables and booths emphasize comfort over the NoMad’s luxe glamour.

In addition to perfectly cooked meat dishes, guests can expect to find an impressive range of highly compelling vegetarian options, including kefalograviera cheese with cherries and pistachios, dolmades grape leaves, baba ghanoush, hummus, and Turkish cooked eggplant.

Though the NY location could benefit from DC’s charming service, the food is nearly impeccable: perfectly juicy kebabs of all sorts, lamb-topped hummus, and overflowing pitas are accompanied by excellent vegetarian options ranging from crispy brussels sprouts to Turkish cooked eggplant – plus unique desserts such as Turkish chocolate-tahini Islak Kek, delicate kataifi-pudding Ekmek Kadayif, and Amygdalopita almond cake not found in DC.