If you have been looking for West Asian cuisine in Ventura, Zaytouna Bites is the way to go. Located on 152 N. Ashwood Ave., in walking distance of Ventura College and open everyday from 8am until 8pm, this highly rated restaurant specializes in Syrian-Lebanese cuisine.
According to the restaurant itself, the name Zaytouna, or olive tree in Arabic, “symbolizes the roots of Mediterranean tradition we carry in every recipe.”
After opening less than a year ago on August 19, 2025, Zaytouna Bites has already made a name for itself in Ventura. Owner of Zaytouna Bites, Albert Asaad, has 20 years of experience cooking in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. All food is made fresh daily, and while the most famous dish on the menu as well as the owner’s favorite is the falafel, they serve so many more delicious dishes too such as shawarma, kafta, manakish, baklava and more. First time customer, Ann Marie, who ordered a chicken shawarma shared her praise.
“[The service] was excellent [and] very friendly. [The owner was] very enthusiastic about the food he was preparing. He really knew his food. You could tell this was food he was excited to share, and it was something being fixed from scratch. I would definitely go back again,” Marie said.
Not only is Zaytouna Bites highly rated because of their food, but their customer service is great as well, something Asaad voiced the importance of.
“Good service for customers comes first, and our system should be [that we always] serve the customer [well]” Asaad said.
When one walks in, the restaurant gives a peaceful feeling with its colors, friendly service and upbeat music. It has indoor and outdoor seating, providing a versatile and welcoming space for customers.
“It was a pleasant surprise going for the first time because when you walk in, it’s refreshing in a sense. It seemed very authentic from the decor, the presence of olive tree branches is very [prominent], to the teal, seafoam green color on the walls, there’s a feeling of it being a little street cafe. It was very refreshing seeing a restaurant like that in Ventura,” Marie said.
While Ventura has many restaurants with different cuisines, finding a West Asian restaurant can be a bit challenging. That is why Asaad and his cousin decided to open Zaytouna Bites here in Ventura nine months ago.
Asaad shared one last message: “[If I could add anything else,] I would want to tell everyone to come to Zaytouna Bites!”
