Zeitouna is preparing to open its doors in Mesa this July at 3515 S. Ellsworth Road, at the northeast corner of Ellsworth and Elliot Roads.
The family-owned restaurant, rooted in Middle Eastern traditions, will offer a full-service dining experience centered on Lebanese cuisine while incorporating dishes from neighboring countries, including Iraq, Syria, southern Turkey, and Greece.
Owner Ninos Lazar told What Now Phoenix that the concept grew from both his family’s background and a desire to introduce something different to the East Valley dining scene.
Born in Iraq and ethnically Assyrian, Ninos Lazar said food has always been central to his family’s life. Having worked in the food industry for years, he explained that traveling often revolves around exploring local cuisines and culinary traditions.
The idea for Zeitouna took shape after a family trip abroad.
“A couple of years ago, we took the whole family. We spent a lot of time in Lebanon, and we all fell in love with Lebanon, with the cuisine, with the people, and everything.”
After selling their previous businesses, Lazar and his family decided it was time to build something together. Today, Zeitouna brings together multiple generations of the family, including Lazar’s daughter, Sabrina; his son, Robin; and Robin’s wife.
According to the owner, in addition to serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Zeitouna will also be a place where guests can gather to celebrate special occasions.
“We’re missing a nice sit-down restaurant that you haven’t experienced. Most of the other restaurants, you go pick up your food, and you just want to eat, and that’s it. It’s about eating. It’s not about experience.”
That is exactly why he and his family designed Zeitouna.
“With this concept, it’s an experience. It’s beautifully decorated as if you’re in Lebanon. We’ll have wine, liquor, nice sit-downs for people to go out as a family, celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and things like that.”
The menu will reflect the broader region surrounding Lebanon. “We’ll cover Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Southern Turkey, and a little bit of Greece.”
He noted that authenticity remains a top priority. Signature offerings will include Iraqi grilled fish prepared over an open flame, Adana kebab from southern Turkey, and a variety of traditional Lebanese dishes.
The restaurant’s name, Zeitouna, translates to “olive” in Arabic, a nod to an ingredient that holds deep cultural significance throughout the Middle East.
“The olive branch has a peaceful meaning to it. Olive oil is at the center of every Middle Eastern dish. It’s a word that really combines the Middle East.”
As opening day approaches, Lazar hopes guests understand that Zeitouna is meant to offer more than just a meal.
“This is a truly authentic restaurant where you can sit down and enjoy wines from Lebanon and Greece. You can have a nice experience with your family, your date, and your friends. It is for people to come and enjoy a beautiful night together.”
Guests can follow the restaurant’s Instagram account for opening updates and additional announcements as the debut approaches.
