Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant — Restaurant in Tucson

So, I went here with a friend - she heard about the place from friends at the comedy club (just on the other side of Speedway where you turn off to go to the restaurant)

When we turned off Speedway onto Belvedere, I mentioned that I thought it was interesting that the location was as far off Speedway as it is, and that I would think that would affect business traffic - and THEN we pulled into the parking lot - which was FULL - on a Sunday evening no less!

We had about a 10 minute wait, and hung out outside - they actually have a nice cozy little patio that wraps around the West side of the building - I commented how it might make a romantic outdoor eating space if they chose to make it one - anyway, not to worry that they'll forget about you waiting outside - they came and got us once our table was ready

Decor is simple - I believe the owners are from Syria? Lots of architectural photos of city streets, churches and mosques, some archeological photos - walls in the restaurant have lovely painted tiles which, if you have traveled to the Middle East, are common in buildings and homes there

The menu wasn't too big by any means - they have the usual beef, chicken, and lamb dishes you would expect from a Middle Eastern eatery - we ordered the Chicken Schawarma Salad, Lamb Kifta Plate, and an order of green beans (I think my friend had been told those were great) - we also each had a glass of Greek white wine

The wine was brought out quickly with water glasses - food came in about 15 minutes - very speedy for the amount of customers in the place at the time in my opinion

Everything was very fresh and delicious - the salad had lots of chicken, along with sliced onion, cucumber, tomato, feta, and dressing (the dressing was very light - just to season imo, not overdone which was nice) - the lamb dish was so flavorful - I've noticed with this dish (which I seem to order every time I go to a Middle Eastern Restaurant) its always super dense and flavorful - what I mean is, even tho in the presentation of the dish the meat comes out of the kitchen on long spears, in my opinion it is best eaten broken up into smaller pieces and put on that yummy pita bread, all wrapped up with some of that salad and possibly the yogurt sauce it was served with (I choose to eat it this way because the meat is so packed with the flavor of the spices and garlic, that a little bit goes a long way) - it was the BEST Lamb Kifta I've had so far in Tucson - the green beans were simple and delicious

The atmosphere here is familial - there are separate rooms off to the side of one another - you had couples, large 10 person family groups, etc - warm, inviting, great for exploring food and drink in - I would...

Just 6 days ago I finally decided this was my up and coming new favorite go to stop while in Tucson. I left a review with all five stars. I've had alot of doc app's lately in town and used to live here too. This time after coming into Tucson from 2 hours away (as always) we decided to get our favorite bite to go since I had to fast for this surgery. Called in an order. It was a really bad day for us. My bf asked if we could dine in instead on a last minute decision when we got our food. They said it was against their policy. The person asked the other waitress. She said no. We explained we're coming from 2 hours away and driving with no AC and that we'd tip up front, didn't need plates at all, just the smallest, even dirty table just to sit down somewhere with ac and that we wouldn't be long at all, she still said no. She asked if we needed silverware and after I retold them we're eating it immediately because we have a 2 hour drive with no ac so the salad wouldn't make it back so we're eating it right there mostly likely outside.. None given. I was hoping on one of the worst days in a very long time, my favorite spot would lend us grace with an exception just once due to the 103 degree weather and my surgery which i didn't mention. Also a family member being diagnosed with cancer has torn us apart this week. None of that was mentioned of course and isn't your problem of course. Sadly that courtesy was not found here. We ate on the side of the building. The servers who usually have us know we always tip atleast 30%. Always stack our plates because i used to work service industry. Always non fussy. I never even complained when the lamb came out overcooked while witnessing 2 people send lamb back for the same issue. I could understand this being against policy due to people trying to 1. Get out of tipping, 2. Being a hassle and asking for this and that while servers are busy. 3. Camping out. But none of this was going to be the case and made clear up front. I get that your employees must follow rules but I also hope that this world can find more place for compassion and empathy for unique circumstance. I've taken friends and family here. My bf and I have tried to frequent here even on a tight budget, tip well and tell friends.. I guess on to one of the other 4+ Mediterranean...

One of the best ever Mediterranean restaurants we've tried. It's authentic and the service is top notch. We're from Phoenix, in Tucson for an event. I did a Google search for Mediterranean restaurants and got LUCKY in choosing Zayna! (You can't see them from the road, they're kind of tucked behind a few buildings off the main drag.) We arrived weekday for a late lunch, around 2pm. I was surprised to see a lot of cars in the parking lot, but the restaurant has plenty of room. We were seated immediately.

Definitely order the cauliflower appetizer. Large, fresh florets seasoned with straight cumin and flash fried. No breading. Not greasy at all. Just tasty bites of tender cauliflower with a crunchy snap. Lentil soup taste and texture were outstanding. I loved their falafel with the garlic yogurt and tzaziki. Pita was a little dry. Chicken schawarma was tender and really delicious, but wasn't very saucy. Seasoned rice and homemade hummus were very tasty! The tender green beans had such a nice flavor and were cooked just right! The Greek Chardonnay was so good I ordered a 2nd glass!

Overall... Fresh ingredients. Authentic dishes. Elevated spice. Impressive variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

The building is like a house, broken up into several different large rooms. Kind of funky layout but it totally works with the beautiful touch of traditional Arabic music in the background.

Right from the welcome to the check, our service was warm and friendly. Our server helped us learn about new dishes. Attentive staff refilled drinks and checked on us just the right amount.

(It was so good, we took a friend back for lunch there the next day! He's Vegan so he loved the Vegetarian Plate minus the dairy)

Highly recommend!

Insider Tip! Ask for the hot chile sauce (in a red squeezy bottle). It's a Greek hot sauce that adds a nice heat to the delicious garlic yogurt sauce. I put that sh*t...