Exciting: José Andrés’s Mediterranean Masterpiece is Coming to Culver City

The culinary landscape of Los Angeles is set to be enriched with the arrival of a new Mediterranean dining experience. Renowned chef José Andrés, through his parent company José Andrés Group (JAG), is preparing to open a new outpost of his celebrated restaurant, Zaytinya, at the Shay hotel in Culver City by the end of 2024. This move is part of a broader takeover of the hotel’s food and beverage program, which will also include a rooftop restaurant set to debut in 2025.

The Shay hotel, a 148-room establishment, is part of the Ivy Station mixed-use development completed in 2021. This development includes offices, rental apartments, and retail shops, making it a bustling hub in Culver City. The new Zaytinya will occupy a 10,000-square-foot space, seating 152 guests indoors and another 83 on the patio. The restaurant will feature a design that captures the spirit of the Eastern Mediterranean, with warm bronze metals, white oak, and blue accents.

A Culinary Journey Across Los Angeles

Los Angeles is no stranger to new restaurant openings, and the city’s dynamic food scene continues to thrive with a variety of new establishments. In July 2024, Top Chef: Middle East winner Charbel Hayek opened his second LA restaurant, Laya, in West Hollywood. The restaurant features a relaxed atmosphere with California farmers market ingredients and Middle Eastern flavors.

Another notable opening is Piknik in Echo Park, which offers Scandinavian-inflected dishes and customizable picnic baskets. The French Japanese bistro Camélia, opened by Tsubaki and Ototo owners Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan, integrates Japanese ingredients into traditional French dishes, creating a unique fusion cuisine.

In Highland Park, Ggiata Delicatessen has made a splash with its breakfast sandwiches, heroes, and new desserts. Meanwhile, Bridgetown Roti in East Hollywood has become a hotspot for the local community, offering dishes like red pepper goat rotis and oxtail patties.

José Andrés’s Impact on Los Angeles

José Andrés first entered the Los Angeles dining scene in 2008 with the opening of the Bazaar inside the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. The chef also operated the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Somni, before closing both establishments in 2020. Currently, JAG operates San Laurel and Agua Viva inside the Conrad hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Bazaar Meat is set to open at the Grand LA in 2025.

Agua Viva, located on the 10th floor rooftop of Conrad Los Angeles, offers a menu that seamlessly weaves diverse global flavors. Dishes like the Young Coconut Ceviche and the Txule Burger reflect Andrés’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. The restaurant’s cocktail menu, curated by Miguel Lancha, features drinks perfect for outdoor sipping, such as the Shiso Spicy Margarita and the Tornup Tiki Punch.

Our Advice on the City

For those visiting Los Angeles, exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene is a must. From the Mediterranean flavors at Zaytinya to the fusion dishes at Camélia, there is something for every palate. For occasional travelers, we recommend starting your culinary journey in Culver City, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ivy Station and enjoy a meal at the new Zaytinya.

For expert travelers, consider venturing into the lesser-known neighborhoods of Los Angeles, such as Echo Park and Highland Park, where you can discover hidden gems like Piknik and Ggiata Delicatessen. These areas offer a more intimate dining experience and showcase the city’s rich cultural diversity.

In conclusion, Los Angeles continues to be a culinary hotspot, attracting renowned chefs like José Andrés and offering a plethora of dining options for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a good meal, the city’s ever-evolving restaurant scene promises to deliver unforgettable culinary experiences.