Celebrated chef José Andrés’ Mediterranean restaurant, Zaytinya, opens its first Southern location in Nashville, bringing Eastern Mediterranean small plates to Music City.
One of the country’s most celebrated Mediterranean restaurants has officially arrived in Nashville.
Zaytinya, the mezze-driven concept from chef José Andrés, opens Feb. 12 inside W Nashville, marking the brand’s first Southern location and the chef’s formal entry into Music City’s restaurant scene.
While this is Andrés’ first restaurant here, his presence is not entirely new: his humanitarian organization, World Central Kitchen, mobilized in Nashville in January and early February to feed residents during widespread power outages following severe ice storms.
The opening brings Zaytinya’s Eastern Mediterranean small plates, inventive cocktails and design-forward dining room to Nashville. For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will host a $95-per-person frix fixe menu alongside its regular à la carte menu.
Led locally by José Andrés Group chef partner Michael Costa, head chef Cory Seykoski and W Nashville executive chef Michael Lishchynsky, the menu draws from the culinary traditions of Greece, Turkey and Lebanon.
The beverage program leans Mediterranean, featuring olive oil-washed martinis, spirit-free cocktails and a curated wine list.
Zaytinya Nashville spans 4,800 square feet, with seating for 202 guests across an open dining room, outdoor patio and a private dining space for up to 18.
Designed by Rockwell Group with architect Baker Barrios, the restaurant pairs modern lines with Mediterranean warmth. Natural materials, soft lighting and blue accents that nod to the coastal eastern Mediterranean.
The opening fulfills plans first reported last year by The Tennessean, when José Andrés Group announced it would debut multiple concepts at W Nashville.
Those plans include seafood restaurant Bar Mar, rooftop bar Butterfly, a reimagined Wet Deck lounge, and expanded banquet and catering operations, marking Andrés’ first expansion into the Southeast outside Florida.
Zaytinya is the first of those concepts to open.
Menu highlightsHummusBaba gannoushCrispy Brussels afeliaShish taouk, or grilled chicken skewer with sumac onions, garlic toum and roasted tomatoGarides me anitho, or sauteed shrimp with dill, shallots, mustard and lemonKebab platterSmoked lamb shoulderWhole fishNashville exclusivesBlack-eyed peasIberico pork souvlaki, or roasted Roma tomatoes and sumac onionsBanana pudding muhallebi, or banana tahini pudding, date, sesame and caramelized phylloTirokafteri, or harissa-spiced goat cheese puree finished with toasted pine nuts, Greek honey and mintNuts and boltsLocation: 300 12th Ave S., Gulch.Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.Reservations: OpenTable
Dining and Cooking