At Gurus, we believe in authenticity, passion, and experiences that tell a story. So when it came time to kick off New York City’s most anticipated culinary celebration, NYC restaurant week, our tastebuds led us straight to the Mediterranean. In a city overflowing with dining options, much like the many cultures bordering the Mediterranean Sea, our choice was clear: ZOÍ Mediterranean Nomad.
ZOÍ MEDITERRANEAN APPETIZER MENU
A Mediterranean Destination In The Heart of NoMad
Located inside the historic Life Magazine Building, ZOÍ Mediterranean has quickly become one of New York City’s most-talked about dining destinations. With its chic onyx marble counters, tufted leather seating, sultry low lighting, other worldly architectural details, ZOÍ delivers a dining experience that feels both timeless and modern.
Adding to its allure, is their sub-level lounge, Ten 11 Lounge & Bar – making a seamless transition from dinner to nightlife. No wonder reservations are often booked to capacity.
INTERIOR ZOÍ MEDITERRANEAN NOMAD
The Vision Behind ZOI Mediterranean
At the heart of ZOÍ is Turkish entrepreneur, Onur Safak, whose journey from humble beginnings to hospitality success is as compelling as the restaurant itself. “There were many sixteen-to- twenty-hour days with no breaks in between,” Safak shares. “I wanted to be involved in every detail – from the design to the kitchen. This is my baby.”
Safak’s passion is evident in every corner of ZOI, where culture, craftsmanship, and care come together.
ZOÍ MEDITERRANEAN FOUNDER ONUR SAFAK
From Culinary Roots to Culinary Excellence
Safak’s American hospitality story began in 2019 with Green Blend Eatery, a health-forward concept in Midtown Manhattan focused on gluten-free and vegetarian options. Even as the pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry, Safak leaned into service; delivering meals to frontline workers and those in need.
“New Yorkers embraced me,” he reflects. “They took care of me and I in turn, took care of them when I had the opportunity.”
His success continued with Blue Mezze Bar on the Upper East Side, ultimately leading to the opportunity to open ZOI in one of New York’s most iconic buildings.
Originally built in 1883. The Life building offered Safak a rare chance to merge American history with Mediterranean soul. “I chose the name ZOI because it means life,” Safak says. “That’s what I want people to feel when they’re here.”
SHORT RIB TANDIR MAIN COURSE
A Made-To-Order Mediterranean Menu
Life comes alive through ZOI’s carefully curated menu. Guests can explore hot and cold mezzes, traditional land and sea entrees, and oven-baked flatbreads designed for sharing.
We began our flavorful journey with Wagyu Beef Tataki ($38) a thinly sliced wagyu beef tenderloin with sliced fresh truffle, chives, and truffle citrus dressing; Beet & Burrata Carpaccio ($27) fresh slices of beetroot, grilled tomato, and grilled pineapple underneath a creamy burrata sprinkled with pistachio flakes; and a Herb Roasted Cauliflower with Hibes mezze ($25).
Guided by our attentive waiter, Sean, we moved on to the Short Rib Tandir ($39) a tender, rich marbleized, bone-in short-rib, garnished with truffle mashed potato, glazed carrot, and beef jus with dried cherry; and a Branzino A La Grill ($42) a delicate branzino fillet paired with celery puree’, accompanied by a bright strawberry avocado salad and bok choy.
Cocktails kept the Mediterranean theme flowing, including Meet Me In Istanbul ($22) chamomile infused tanqueray gin, italicus, agave and lemon; Between Two Seas ($23) strawberry infused Otto’s vermouth, aperol, prosecco, tonic – both refreshing, transportative and expertly balanced.
ZOÍ MEDITERRANEAN FLATBREADS
