José Andrés Group Brings Zaytinya to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas
José Andrés Group Brings Zaytinya to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas
José Andrés Group is thrilled to announce the May 13 opening of Zaytinya, a fresh new addition to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This restaurant brings a vibrant Mediterranean dining experience to The Las Vegas Strip, rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon. Marking the latest addition to The Forum Shops' diverse and dynamic dining category.
This marks one of the few Mediterranean concepts on the Las Vegas Strip, inviting both locals and visitors into an elevated mezze dining experience that blends authentic and original dishes, dramatic design, and warm hospitality.
“At Zaytinya, we’ve focused on curating a vibrant cultural experience,” shared Sam Bakhshandehpour, José Andrés Group Global CEO. “The vision was to craft a space where the soul of the Eastern Mediterranean comes alive through bold flavors, stunning design, and connection. Ultimately, we believe that food is at its best when shared - it’s all about bringing people together.”
Since launching in Washington, DC in 2002, Zaytinya has consistently ranked as a top dining destination - the restaurant’s flagship has been recognized by awards like Bib Gourmand and 2021 Michelin Guide. Building on José Andrés’ 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 Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in each city it arrives in.
“Zaytinya has always been an expression of my love for the amazing foods and flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean.” said chef José Andrés. “I’m proud to be sharing those dishes and flavors with the people of Las Vegas, which I think is one of the greatest food cities in the world!”
Culinary: A Taste of The Mediterranean
Led by Head Chef Stephanie Martinez, Zaytinya blends authenticity with a modern flair— creating a versatile menu that’s bright, dynamic, and designed to share.
Guests can explore a wide range of mezze from classic spreads like labneh and baba ghannouge to signature dishes such as Soujouk Pide - spicy soujouk sausage, kasar cheese, and a soft-cooked egg on flatbread - and Octopus Santorini - octopus grilled to perfection and served with marinated onions, capers, and yellow split pea purée. Vegetable-forward options like house-made spanakopita and seasonal salads round out the experience.
Unique to the Las Vegas location is the main course category—making this the sole Zaytiyna with this versatile addition. These composed plates will allow guests to choose their dining style whether they share mezze with the table, pick their own main courses, or a combination of both. A standout in this new section is the Grilled Lamb Chops - this dish, prepared with warm, floral Tangier spice, will be paired with spring pea tzatziki, a dish built for bold flavor and visual appeal.
The beverage program—led by Adrian Rene—brings Mediterranean flavors to life through innovation and elegance. The Minoan Sour, created by Concept Chef Michael Costa, uses Spanish olive oil emulsified with egg white for an ultra-creamy texture and a rich, savory twist.
Guests will also love the Pomona, a refreshing Greek pomegranate cocktail with Ouzo, inspired by the flavors of a Mediterranean mojito. Other highlights include spirit-free Mediterranean Milk Punch (a current José Andrés favorite!) and the signature Ancient Olive Martini. This martini features a unique olive oil fat-washed gin, vermouth, bitters and olive oil garnish - fat-washing isn’t just a technique, but a transformation that results in gin that tastes like olive oil, and olive oil that tastes like gin. Every sip at Zaytinya is a celebration of heritage and creativity.
The restaurant will also launch with Mezze Óra which features specially-priced drinks and bites that pair together perfectly. This program will be offered Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 6pm.
Design: A Space That Tells A Story
Step into Zaytinya Las Vegas and experience a dynamic design of Mediterranean warmth and modern elegance. The expansive 8,604-square-foot space transports guests into a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere, designed in partnership with Rockwell Group. Guests will enter through large oak doors adorned with trellises and plants, leading into a lively bar and lounge where mosaic tile and soft lighting create a welcoming vibe.
The dining area is defined by sleek beams and handpainted pendant lamps that blend modern sophistication with Mediterranean charm. A striking fireplace, complete with a large hood, adds an element of warmth and style. Semi-private dining areas, surrounded by elegant drapery, provide an intimate space for gatherings and celebrations. As the centerpiece of the entire design, the back bar boasts a glass structure that is symbolic of the Greek evil eye.
Whether you're enjoying mezze with loved ones or sipping cocktails at the bar, the space invites guests to linger and savor the warm, inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for a memorable experience.
José Andrés Group in Las Vegas
Zaytinya joins the José Andrés Group portfolio of restaurants in Las Vegas, including Bazaar Mar, Bar Centro, Bazaar Meat, Jaleo, China Poblano and é by José Andrés. This opening adds a new dimension to the culinary scene of Las Vegas, offering guests a fresh, exciting option for Mediterranean dining and reinforcing the city’s status as a premier global food destination. With its blend of innovation, design, and hospitality, Zaytinya will undoubtedly become a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike.
To make reservations, please SEE HERE.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Easily accessible through The Forum Shops valet, located just off Las Vegas Boulevard.
Sunday-Thursday: 5pm-9pm
Friday & Saturday: 5pm-10pm
*Mezze Óra is offered Monday-Thursday from 5pm-6pm
Stay tuned for updated hours on additional programming.
For more information or press inquiries, please contact hello@aura.inc.
José Andrés Group
José Andrés Group (JAG) is the creative team behind renowned dining concepts and the dynamic media company named for Chef and Founder José Andrés. Originally conceived as ThinkFoodGroup with co-founder Rob Wilder, and now led by Global CEO Sam Bakhshandehpour, the newly named company reflects the breadth of its mission to change the world through the power of food, through its innovative restaurants and thoughtful storytelling across multi-media platforms. With over 30 restaurants located across Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Orlando, and Washington D.C, and The Bahamas, José Andrés Restaurants offer culinary experiences that span from food trucks to world-class tasting menus, including the two Michelin starred minibar by José Andrés in Washington, D.C. Formed in 2021, José Andrés Media was created to share how food connects people around the world. The production company specializes in unscripted and scripted television series, books, podcasts, and digital short- and mid-form content with a focus on food-related stories and characters, and the culture of food. José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator, television personality, and humanitarian, twice named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People,” and awarded “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation as well as the inaugural “American Express Icon Award” by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. For more information, visit www.joseandres.com.
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is the original themed shopping destination on the Las Vegas Strip. Known for its iconic sky ceilings, lush fountains, and unique Roman architecture, the center is home to more than 160 stores, including 50 luxury boutiques—the most under one roof in Las Vegas. The Forum Shops welcomes visitors from around the world daily and offers unparalleled shopping and dining experiences. For more information, visit TheForumShops.com. For media inquires related to the center please contact simonpr@kirvindoak.com.
About Rockwell Group
Based in New York with offices in Los Angeles and Madrid, Rockwell Group is an interdisciplinary architecture and design firm that emphasizes innovation and thought leadership in every project.
Founded in 1984 by David Rockwell, FAIA, and led by David and partners Shawn Sullivan and Greg Keffer, the 330-person firm merges performance and architecture to create extraordinary experiences and built environments across the globe. Inspired by theater, technology, and high-end craft, the firm creates a unique narrative for each project, ranging from hospitality to cultural and educational institutions to transportation hubs and Broadway sets. Honors include the AIANY President’s Award; a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award; a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design for She Loves Me; two Emmy Awards; the Pratt Legends Award; the Presidential Design Award; the James Beard Foundation Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America; Interior Design’s Icon Award; Architectural Digest’s AD100 Hall of Fame.