First Look: Zaytinya By José Andrés Brings Bold Mediterranean Flair To Las Vegas

Photo Credit: Katrina Frederick

José Andrés doesn’t do quiet openings. When he lands in a new city, he does so with the force of flavor, design, and storytelling—and Zaytinya, his beloved mezze-forward concept rooted in the cuisines of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon, has finally made its Vegas debut.

Photo Credit: Katrina Frederick

Tucked inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Las Vegas outpost  — the latest addition to join Andrés’ growing Vegas empire, which already includes Bazaar Meat, é by José Andrés, China Poblano, Jaleo, and more — is a different kind of destination—less theatrical, more transportive. It’s where you come to linger, to graze, to taste a bit of everything and sip something new.marks a new chapter for Zaytinya (which originally opened in Washington, D.C. in 2002), and brings a style of Mediterranean cooking that feels at once elevated and deeply soulful—colorful, convivial, and unapologetically bold. For those keeping track: this is one of the Strip’s only high-end restaurants dedicated entirely to Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, and it’s a welcome shift from the usual steakhouse shuffle.

Photo Credit: Katrina Frederick

Led by head chef Stephanie Martinez, the menu is bright, balanced, and built to share. Signature mezze like smoky baba ghannouge and silky labneh are musts, as are the Octopus Santorini (tender, charred, and paired with capers and yellow split pea purée) and the show-stopping Soujouk Pide—a flatbread layered with spicy sausage, gooey kasar cheese, and a soft egg that feels like the Mediterranean’s answer to pizza.

Photo Credit: Katrina Frederick

Unlike its D.C. counterpart, the Vegas location debuts a new category: main courses. And trust me, you’ll want to make room. The Grilled Lamb Chops, kissed with Tangier spice and served with a vibrant spring pea tzatziki, are standout-worthy—equally photogenic and packed with flavor.

Photo Credit: Katrina Frederick

The cocktail program, helmed by Adrian Rene, is as inventive as you’d expect from José Andrés’ team. The Ancient Olive Martini, made with olive oil fat-washed gin, might be the most memorable martini on the Strip. There’s also a spirit-free Mediterranean Milk Punch for those abstaining (Andrés’ current favorite), and the Pomona—a pomegranate and Ouzo refresher that tastes like a Grecian summer in a glass.

Photo Credit: Katrina Frederick

And then there’s the space itself. Designed in partnership with the Rockwell Group, Zaytinya’s 8,600-square-foot interior is a masterclass in texture and tone: think warm oak doors, mosaic-tiled bars, hand-painted pendant lights, and a fireplace that feels more Mykonos villa than casino dining room. The backlit bar—crowned with a symbolic Greek “evil eye” glass structure—serves as the room’s luminous centerpiece. Whether you’re tucked into a semi-private draped nook or lounging in the bustling front bar, the vibe strikes that perfect balance between celebratory and serene.

Photo Credit: Katrina Frederick

In a city built on excess, Zaytinya is a reminder that luxury can also be light. And that sometimes, a table full of mezze, a martini laced with olive oil, and good company is all you really need.

Zaytinya Las Vegas is located at 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S suite 40a, Las Vegas, NV 89109