Overview

Located in the heart of Ventura, Zaytouna Bites - Bakery & Restaurant offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience that feels like a culinary journey through the Levantine coast. This cozy spot specializes in traditional Middle Eastern flavors, highlighted by a robust menu that balances classic dishes with fresh, vibrant ingredients.

The heart of Zaytouna Bites lies in its expertly crafted sandwiches and plates, where every bite tells a story of time-honored recipes. The Shish Tawouk, featuring perfectly grilled chicken breast paired with creamy garlic sauce and crisp pickles, is a standout for those seeking a flavorful yet balanced meal. Equally inviting are the Chicken and Beef Shawarma options, wrapped or plated with complementary sides like tahini, fresh salad, and fragrant grilled tomatoes that enhance the savory richness of the meat.

For vegetarians and those who appreciate plant-based options, the falafel dishes capture the essence of Mediterranean street food with their crispy exterior and tender, herby interior. Served with both tahini and sesame sauces, alongside fresh vegetables, these plates provide a satisfying alternative without sacrificing depth of flavor.

What sets Zaytouna Bites apart is its unique clay pot dishes—the Fukhara selections. The oven-roasted Kafta with a medley of vegetables offers a hearty, rustic dish full of comforting spices, while the Chicken Shish Tawouk clay pot combines tender chicken with melted cheeses and fragrant olive oil, delivering a rich, multi-layered taste experience. These dishes reveal the kitchen’s mastery at blending textures and aromas in ways that feel both familiar and special.

The atmosphere at Zaytouna Bites is warm and inviting, suited for casual lunches or relaxed dinners, drawing a community that appreciates Mediterranean cuisine in a no-fuss setting. Its location on North Ashwood Avenue makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors seeking genuine flavors away from the tourist trails.

In sum, Zaytouna Bites - Bakery & Restaurant is a destination for those craving well-executed Mediterranean fare that honors tradition without overlooking freshness or comfort. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick sandwich or settling in for a leisurely plate of clay pot specialties, every visit promises flavorful satisfaction and a genuine taste of the Mediterranean.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Comfort food
Halal food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Atmosphere
Casual

What Customers Say

J T
Mar 7,2026
5/5
I've been here a few times since it opened and its always delicious. Today was Valentines day and it was a friendly cozy place to spend the evening. We got the Chicken Shawarma plate, Syrian fries wrap, and a Olive and Mushroom Pizza. Everything was so good and the service is quick. Definitely going back again and I fully reccomend coming here.
JAMES
Mar 7,2026
5/5
IDK if this place is ran by the same guys that had Lebanese Oven, but I enjoyed it just as much. The food tastes fresh and meticulously well made like they actually care about the quality of their food. I always enjoy trying new things so I had the honey Minakesh with the Chicken shawarma and they both were delicious. Will definitely return to try the rest of the menu!
Rosanna Duran-Carlson
Mar 7,2026
5/5
I was craving some chicken shwarma and Zaytouna Bites sure came through! Soooo good!! So good, in fact, I came back for more the next day. The garlic sauce is the best. Next time I'm going to order extra. Prices are great as well. Definitely putting this on my regular take out schedule
Anna Krokhmal
Mar 7,2026
5/5
So delicious! We got chicken shawarma and cheese manakish and both were excellent. The owner is also very welcoming and friendly, and helped us navigate the menu. The place has several tables and a bar for dine-in orders. Our takeout order was nicely packaged. Will definitely come back to try more stuff!
Olha Yatskiv
Mar 7,2026
5/5
I'm familiar with Arabic food, and definitely I can say that it's amazing, delicious and it's taste authentic. Guys, I have been in Saudi Arabia for 2 years I know what I'm taking about. I highly recommend this restaurant! Ask there about varaga enab. You would like it. It's something like Greece dolma, but in my opinion it's better!!!
rachel lim
Mar 7,2026
5/5
The food here is so good, I got the chicken Shawarma (only 9.99!!) and the fatayer bites which are like mini pizzas. everything was outstanding in taste and very affordable for someone who has jury duty and has to go out and buy lunch every single day. Definitely coming back here, the owner is super nice.
Richard Ha
Mar 7,2026
5/5
We love this place. Despite being a fan of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine, I had never heard of some of the dishes here before. This was actually the first place I learned about Sujuk, a ground beef mixed with spices dish. It was really good and not a very heavy meal despite its large appearance. So good in fact that I came back here for my birthday dinner. The chef/owner noticed we were taking pictures so he gave us extra special treatment to make the Sujuk sandwiches look nice. I went here per the recommendation of my coworker and it was one of the best decisions ever. My wife also told me that if we’re to do Middle Eastern again, we should come back here. My dad, who is usually picky about food, was very satisfied selecting this restaurant for my birthday celebration as well.
Laura Singer
Mar 7,2026
5/5
Had lunch here for the first time and it was DELICIOUS!!! The owner is so kind and helpful, I had the chicken shawarma plate, "Syrian style," and the flavors of the meal were amazing!! Also had the baba ganoush which was great. Got to try a piece of the special pizza with the homemade cheese as well which was really yummy. My friend had the falafel plate which also looked so good. So happy I tried this place. Will definitely be back!

Leave a Review

Location

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Top Picks for You

More in Ventura, California, USA

Handpicked spots for food lovers. Your next favorite meal awaits!