Review of Zaytinya

Zaytinya is a tapas restaurant downtown. The decor is minimalist modern. There are a few touches to remind you that the restaurant focuses on Greek and Mediterranean flavors. The defining feature of the restaurant are the huge floor to ceiling windows. Too bad there isn't much to look at outside.

There was a wait for tables when we got there, so we skipped the maitre 'd and headed to the bar. No way I was going to skip the Pom-Fili - white wine, vodka, triple sec, and pomegranate juice. It was sweet and tart and really exploded all over my mouth.

They bread arrived puffed up like little pillows. It was thicker and longer than your standard pita and it was fantastic. The oil provided for dipping was deliciously citrus-infused. Our fattoush salad followed shortly, the perfect combination of tomato, cucumber, red onion, green pepper, radishes, and pita chips topped with a pomegranate vinaigrette. It was refreshing and peppery and made me wonder why I don't make more cucumber salad.

The spanakopita came churro shaped, instead of the usual triangle. The spinach inside was incredibly flavorful. The pastry was very thin and I have to say that, although it was good, I missed crunching into all those layers of philo. We finished things off with a peynirli pide, Zaytinya's version of a pizza. It was made on that fantastic pillow bread and covered with a Turkish tomato sauce, oregano, and haloumi cheese. What gave it an interesting flavor was the cinnamon. Perfect bar food for someone who doesn't really like bar food.

The cost for two was about $50. We could have spent much more, had we ordered the more expensive entrees. If your careful you can manage to get out with your wallet in tact. If not, it will probably be worth it.

Zaytinya, 701 9th Street NW, Washington, DC