The  José Andrés Group opened  Zaytinya and  Butterfly, at The Shay Hotel today in Culver City.   The menus reflect André’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking, featuring the culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon and the Latin traditions of Mexico.

Situated around the only rooftop pool in Culver City, the Butterfly open-air space offers panoramic views of Los Angeles. The restaurant and bar pay homage to the monarch butterflies that migrate through California to breeding grounds in Mexico. 

The cocktail list leans into additive-free, pollinator-friendly agave spirits infused with California fruits, and features the West Coast return of José Andrés’ popular Salt Air Margarita. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, menu highlights include queso fundido con tequila with fresh corn tortillas, sea bass ceviche in a pineapple-habanero marinade with citrus, jicama, and Fresno chiles, crispy Brussels sprouts with a chile de arbol sauce, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and lime as well as Hongos en Molito tacos with poblano peppers, Mexican crema, onions and cilantro. 

Butterfly dining room (Katrina Frederick)

Located on the ground floor of The Shay, Zaytinya has an expansive outdoor patio, an 18-seat bar, and an indoor dining room overlooking a semi-open kitchen and the wood-fired hearth. A custom mural continues throughout the light-filled interior, with pops of blue and natural textures inspired by the deep hues and nature of the Mediterranean. 

Expect spreads like hommus ma lahm with ground lamb, pickled vegetables, and pine nuts, and H’tipiti, roasted red pepper spread with feta cream served alongside fresh pita. There’s also smoked beet salata with clementines and pistachios, slow-smoked lamb shoulder with gem lettuce cups, garlic toum, and harissa, and Turkish coffee chocolate cake with Greek vanilla ice cream and pistachio for dessert.

Whole grilled branzino at Zaytinya (Katrina Frederick)