I visited José Andrés’ Zaytinya the week it opened last August and thought it apropos to try again. They, of course, had ironed out their food delivery and service issues. The main difference — other than the well-trained staff — was that the portion sizes shrunk while the prices increased. But I get ahead of myself.

I had planned to try the Restaurant Week menu until our waiter mentioned that the whole table had to order it.

Instead, we each started with a glass of Assyrtiko, Santo Wines, Santorini 2021 ($21), a white wine similar to a Sancerre. Nice. We dipped the puffy warm bread pillows into their olive oil mixture and used as a scoop for our two mezze spreads. The Hommus ($14) was okay, not as creamy as I’ve had it at Zaytinya in DC and on my last visit to this location. We did love the Htipiti,  marinated roasted red peppers and feta seasoned with thyme ($15).

Our next two dishes were delicious but smaller than expected. The grilled Santorini octopus came atop a creamy yellow split pea purée with marinated onions and capers ($27). For that price, I’d expect a bit more of the cephalopod.

Also good is the spice-rubbed lamb Baharat ($19) with charred tomatoes (oddly served chilled this time) with tabbouleh and tahini. I’d recommend that but I am also sharing the larger portion size a year ago compared to now with a price increase of $3.

I always recommend supporting Josè Andres.

Zaytinya at the Ritz-Carlton
NoMad
1185 Broadway (near 28th)
New York, NY 10001
(332) 249-8160
zaytinya.com