Zaytinya - Culver City

Review summary

1. K

   Katelyn

   St. Louis

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   This was my second time at Zaytinya. The first time we waited, despite having a reservation, for 30 minutes for a table. But the food and drinks were excellent, so I booked another reservation for my mom’s birthday. This time we waited an hour for a table, on a Monday, even though we again had a reservation. I noted it was my mom’s birthday to both the front desk and server, and received a well-meant apology, but no offer to comp a portion of the meal or even offer a dessert despite the extraordinarily long wait. Great food, but won’t be coming back.
   

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2. LM

   LucilaM

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Excellent food and outstanding service. The never ending delicious pita bread was different and sooo good. We will be back.
   

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3. F

   Felicia

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   10/10 experience! Everything Was amazing; the food, the service, and the vibe/atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back.
   

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4. D

   David

   Los Angeles

   8 reviews

   4.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food. Great room. Service was spotty. At the bar, I wanted Arak and the bartender didn’t know what I was talking about until I showed him on the website. Table service friendly, but disjointed. Our server was late taking our order because of a “miscommunication” between him and another server. We got tzatziki when we ordered flatbread and our table was cleared by mistake before we could box up the left over dip. I will definitely come back because I support Chef Jose and WCK and I want to try other dishes. I’m sure service will be ironed out.
   

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5. S

   Sunil

   San Diego

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on February 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful cuisine, ambience & equally remarkable service
   

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6. L

   Laura

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   10 reviews

   3.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on February 23, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was excellent but the service was Poor. We had to get our own water a few times. The dishes that were used were not routinely cleared. No serving spoons were brought with shared plates. Also the food was not paced well nor brought out hot. The restaurant had a lot of promise but it needs to get a better staff to live up to the hype!
   

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7. e

   eric

   Los Angeles

   29 reviews

   2.0

   29 reviews

   Dined on February 23, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Average food at high prices. Lamb shoulder was very dry
   

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8. S

   Shannon

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on February 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Awesome food fantastic service. I will definitely be booking another reservation.
   

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9. S

   Stephanie

   Los Angeles

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on February 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Food was amazing. It’s Tapas style so you would need to order a few different dishes.
   

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10. I

    Ilene

    Los Angeles

    24 reviews

    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3

    We went for lunch. Overall I’m sad to say that I felt disappointed on a few fronts. One starts at arrival as they explain there is no self parking and it is $18 to valet (plus tip) with no available street parking. Secondly, I am sensitive to items that are heavy on garlic and onions. We couldn’t order any of their spreads that make tasty appetizers. Upon further inquiry, we learned that all the items on the menu had garlic and/or onions. I asked if I could order any of their entrees without them and was told no because they all have a pre-made marinade. I took my chances on an entrée - the meatballs - and developed major stomach distress. They were served lukewarm and without the taste of seasoning that has been cooked long enough to deflect stomach sensitivities. Just a word of warning that garlic and onions are embedded heavily in the menu. Service was quite good and attentive. The dining room was comfortable enough but not warm and inviting given a minimalist decor with an overall beige look and style. I love and admire Jose Andres and wanted to love it. Maybe in time they will revisit some choices and have greater quality control.
    

    Zaytinya - Culver CityResponded on February 19, 2025

    Thank you for your feedback, Ilene. We’re sorry to hear the experience didn’t meet expectations. Garlic and onions are key ingredients in many of our dishes, offering depth and authenticity in the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine created by Chef José Andrés and his team. We understand that food sensitivities vary and always aim to accommodate dietary needs where possible. In the regards to parking: the valet service is managed by a third-party company, so we don’t control the pricing or parking structure pricing. We apologize for any inconvenience this caused! However, we're glad you enjoyed the service and appreciate your input as we continue to improve the guest experience. Best Regards, The Management Team @ Zaytinya Culver City
    

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