In early 2018, Chef José Andrés opened the second location for his Mediterranean Restaurant, Zaytinya, which first began in Washington DC. His new location is located in North Frisco just across the street from the Dallas Cowboy’s Ford Center at The Star.
A Spanish cook by heart, Chef Andrés’ intrigued me with his new restaurant that incorporated daring and bold ingredients not traditional to his homeland. The entire restaurant is elegantly and tastefully designed with blue and white mosaics, yet there are subtle hints of ambient lighting that also ignite a feeling of excitement and anticipation for what else is to come.
Once you have been seated, you are immediately served the lightest and most airy pita bread that gives off slight puffs of hot air as you bite into its thin crust. You know a restaurant is good if their starting bread is able to blow you away.
As for the food and drinks, I can guarantee that anything on their menu will be a pleasurable experience.
I recommend starting off with their Salt Air margarita and Skuna Bay Salmon Crudo. The margarita is an incredibly intriguing drink and its subtle and delightful brininess pairs perfectly with the salty capers and potato skordalia the salmon is served on.
There are many directions you can go with the main courses. Their lamb chops are hands down the best I’ve ever had to date. The Kebab tasting platter offers a unique variety of Lebanese and Greek flavors. For larger parties, the spit-roasted lamb shoulder that is shared family-style is definitely the way to go.Whether you decide to have dessert or not, definitely try their Turkish tea served in the most ornate china.
By the end of your meal, you will not be surprised by an outrageously large bill as the restaurant has great value for such high-quality food.
The bottom line, Zaytinya is an amazing experience and is a definite recommendation for a night out with your closest friend or someone you love.
