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About Us
Zara Terrace is where Mediterranean flavor meets modern New York energy — calm, elevated, and designed for quality time. In a city that moves fast, we created a space that feels intentional: warm lighting, thoughtful hospitality, and food that delivers the same standard every single service.
Our menu is built around the Mediterranean table: vibrant mezze, carefully grilled specialties, seafood, and signature plates that balance tradition with a refined finish. Everything is ingredient-driven, crafted with discipline, and served with the kind of attention that turns dinner into a memory.
At Zara Terrace, we believe luxury isn’t about being complicated — it’s about doing the fundamentals exceptionally well: fresh ingredients, precise execution, and consistency you can trust.
Whether you’re joining us for a date night, a celebration, cocktails with friends, or a relaxed dinner that still feels special, Zara Terrace is built for the moments you want to slow down and enjoy.
Welcome to Zara Terrace — an elevated dining experience in Midtown East Manhattan.
About
Chef John Umut Maya
Culinary Director | Zara Terrace
At Zara Terrace, the culinary vision is led by Chef John Umut Maya, whose philosophy centers on refinement, balance, and consistency.
Rooted in Mediterranean cuisine and shaped by modern technique, Chef Umut believes true luxury comes from simplicity done exceptionally well. His focus is not on trends, but on fundamentals: premium ingredients, disciplined execution, and flavors that feel intentional and clean.
Every dish at Zara Terrace is designed to complement the atmosphere — open air, relaxed elegance, and thoughtful hospitality. The menu reflects restraint and confidence, allowing ingredients to speak while maintaining precision in presentation and taste.
Beyond the plate, Chef Umut is known for building a strong kitchen culture. He leads with structure, clarity, and respect, creating teams that understand that consistency is not optional — it is the foundation of trust with every guest.
Zara Terrace offers a dining experience that feels elevated yet comfortable, where food, setting, and service move in harmony.
Chef Quote
“Luxury is not about complexity. It’s about doing the simple things right — every single time.”
What Defines the Zara Terrace Kitchen
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Carefully sourced, quality-driven ingredients
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Clean, balanced Mediterranean flavors
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Disciplined kitchen leadership & training
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Consistency across every service
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A calm, welcoming dining experience