Under the direction of celebrated Chef José Andrés, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, Lebanese, and Italian cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on José’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique wines. Zaytinya opened in Washington, D.C. in 2002. Rockwell Group has designed Zaytinya’s first location in Manhattan’s NoMad district.

Rockwell Group’s design for Zaytinya is sophisticated, yet familiar—imbued with a light and neutral palette of warm bronze metals and white oak woods. Distinctive pops of blue are injected throughout for a playful nod to the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Islands. Soft curves and a variety of textures transport guests to a modern abstraction of the coast.

A custom mural of a Mediterranean landscape, rendered in soft brushstrokes and blue tones, greets guests. The wedge-shaped restaurant features a warm wood floor in a chevron pattern with bands of inset blue tiles. Exposed wood ceiling beams interspersed with acoustic linen-textured panels correspond to the floor bands, creating a sense of rhythm throughout the space. Architectural finishes were primarily kept as the neutral base to offset the cobalt hues of texture and pattern found in upholstered banquettes.

Clusters of woven textile pendants in varying shapes and heights cast a warm glow in the main dining room. Illustrations, designed by Rockwell Group’s Graphics studio, were hand painted on the fixtures’ linen shades by The Alpha Workshops. The line drawings celebrate Mediterranean culture, its harvests and ancient arts.

The bar has a blue Lavastone top and chiseled stone bar die. A custom backlit backbar screen is made of two-toned blue glass discs inspired by the Greek “evil eye,” a protective talisman, and curves up to the ceiling. A custom Gio Ponti-inspired tiled floor depicting an abstracted olive and leaf surrounds the bar.

Alluding to the fluting of columns, walls are treated with tambour details and a custom atmospheric plaster effect.

The street-facing windows have layers of sheer blue ombré curtains, while the adjacent wall contains a niche with distressed, arched antique bronze mirrors and booth seating. Millwork credenzas have leather details.