MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
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About Us
Located within The Life Hotel, a landmark of elegance and history, ZOI offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience where tradition meets innovation. Our carefully curated menu brings together fresh, high-quality ingredients, masterfully crafted to create dishes that tell a story. Each plate reflects a passion for gastronomy, blending Mediterranean influences with modern culinary artistry.
About
Onur SAFAK
The Story of Bringing Mediterranean Flavors to New York City Born in 1983, Onur Safak managed to establish a restaurant chain in New York by combining his passion for gastronomy, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his deep love for Mediterranean cuisine. Green Blend Eatery: The Address of Healthy Life Onur Şafak did not limit his perspective on gastronomy. It all started with Green Blend Eatery, which opened in 2019. Green Blend became the number one destination for those who care about a healthy lifestyle in New York City. Green Blend Eatery has become one of the city's most popular wellness destinations for healthy food, offering cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy snacks prepared from fresh fruits and vegetables. Birth of Blue Mezze: With its stylish and friendly atmosphere, fresh and delicious Mediterranean appetizers, wines, and main dishes, Blue Mezze quickly became Upper East Siders' favorite go-to. Onur Safak's masterful touches and hospitality have transformed Blue Mezze into a place that provides unforgettable experiences, rather than just being a restaurant. The Following Path to Nomad: Continuing to pursue success, Onur Safak opened the second branch of Blue Mezze in NoMad in 2024. With this location, Blue Mezze managed to make a name for itself in the New York gastronomy scene by bringing Mediterranean flavors to a wider audience, especially in Midtown, the heart of New York City. Blue Mezze's NoMad branch, like the first branch, stood out with its luxurious and premium service and became one of the most popular places in the city. The Flavors of Entertainment, Ten11: Onur Safak's entrepreneurial spirit was not limited to just Blue Mezze and Mediterranean gastronomy. In 2024, he opened a lounge bar called Ten11, bringing a fresh take to New York nights. Ten11 has become one of the most popular and exclusive night venues in New York with its stylish atmosphere and delicious cocktails accompanied by famous DJs. Mission: To provide unforgettable experiences by presenting various cultural flavors around America with high-quality standards. Vision: To be a pioneer in gastronomy and hospitality by offering a unique, luxury, and satisfaction-oriented experience in every location. Onur Safak's Story Continues: This journey full of success is just the beginning for Onur Şafak. He continues to open new horizons for the New York City gastronomy scene with new projects and initiatives, sharing his passion with the world.
About
Chef Kaan
Chef Kaan Sen – A Culinary Journey Driven by Passion Born in 1987 in Tekirdağ, Chef Kaan Sen discovered his passion for cooking at an early age. At just 14, he began his culinary education at Tekirdağ Tourism and Hospitality High School. By the age of 17, he was already working at prestigious hotels such as Rixos Premium and Mardan Palace in Antalya, gaining invaluable experience alongside Michelin-starred chef Franckelie Laloum. His extensive career includes roles at Ela Quality Resort, THY Fly Chef, Empire Steak House, and Chazz Palminteri Restaurant, where he refined his skills and deepened his expertise in high-end gastronomy. Anthony Bourdain, a legendary figure in the culinary world, has been one of his greatest inspirations throughout his journey. Throughout his career, Chef Kaan Sen has represented Turkey in various prestigious international competitions: 2007 – WACS (World Association of Chefs Societies) International Young Chef of the Year – Gold Award 2008 – WACS "Chef of the Year" – Bronze Medal 2009 – European Catering Association International Competition, London – 4th Place with the Turkish Team Chef Kaan Sen draws inspiration from traveling, exploring diverse cultures, and experiencing street food from around the world. His passion for discovering new flavors and incorporating global influences into his culinary creations continues to define his unique approach to gastronomy.
About
Chef Çetin Güneri
Master of Mediterranean and Luxury Dining, Head Chef of ZOI Bringing a blend of Mediterranean cuisine, Ottoman-Turkish flavors, and refined culinary expertise to New York’s vibrant dining scene, Chef Çetin Güneri is the visionary leading the kitchen at ZOI. With a philosophy of “embracing only the best,” he seamlessly merges tradition with innovation to create a truly elevated gastronomic experience. A Culinary Journey from Tradition to Mastery Born in 1975 in Ağrı, Turkey, Çetin Güneri grew up surrounded by the culinary arts, as his family and uncles were all chefs. His journey began in 1988 in Kadıköy, Istanbul, where he started working as a dishwasher. With relentless dedication, he worked his way up through the kitchen ranks, eventually becoming a highly skilled chef. His professional culinary career began in 1994 at the renowned Hamdi Restaurant in Göztepe, where he developed expertise in Ottoman, Turkish, and Mediterranean cuisine. Alongside traditional cooking techniques, he also mastered butchery and high-end dining, honing the skills that would define his career. Prestigious Culinary Experience & Global Influence Throughout his career, Chef Güneri has worked in some of Turkey’s most prestigious restaurants: • Hamdi Restaurant (Turkish & Ottoman Cuisine) • Günaydın Restaurant (Steak & Butchery) • Rixos Hotels (Luxury Hotel Dining) • Mitgo Moric (Bosnian Cuisine) • Mitgo Steak House (Steak & Fine Dining) • Mitburger (Gourmet Burger Kitchen) • Nusret Steakhouse (World-Famous Steak Culture) Notably, he worked alongside the globally recognized chef Nusret (Salt Bae), refining his skills in fine dining, premium ingredients, and Mediterranean gastronomy. His deep understanding of elevated flavors, presentation, and luxury culinary techniques makes him a true master in the art of sophisticated dining. In 2012-2013, he served as a gastronomy jury member, further cementing his authority in the culinary world. Now in New York – Leading the Kitchen at ZOI Now bringing his expertise in Mediterranean flavors, fine dining, and luxury culinary craftsmanship to New York, Chef Çetin Güneri is the head chef of ZOI, where he redefines high-end dining with an elegant and contemporary touch. With a commitment to culinary excellence, premium ingredients, and artistic presentation, he creates an unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience, blending authenticity with modern luxury. His dishes are a testament to his mastery—where refined flavors, meticulous technique, and sophisticated elegance come together. Step into ZOI and experience a world where Mediterranean tradition meets the art of luxury dining—crafted by a true master.
