By: Marissa Ross
This Thanksgiving, New York’s culinary scene is getting a Mediterranean flair courtesy of ZOI, the beloved restaurant nestled inside the historic Life Hotel in NoMad. Named after the Greek word “Ζωή” (Zoi), meaning life, the restaurant’s ethos centers on togetherness, authenticity, and the art of savoring the moment, all of which come to life in its special Thanksgiving dinner experience this season.
Walking into ZOI feels like stepping into a coastal Mediterranean haven, where soft candlelight flickers on glowing marble walls, terracotta tones warm the space, and the scent of fresh herbs mingles with the aroma of wine. Founder Onur Safak envisioned ZOI as a sanctuary where guests can experience the joy and generosity of Mediterranean living, right in the heart of New York.
“This Thanksgiving, we want our guests to feel that same sense of warmth and togetherness,” says Safak. “It’s about slowing down, connecting, and celebrating life over beautiful food.”
For its first-ever Thanksgiving celebration, ZOI offers a prix-fixe, three-course menu that reimagines the holiday’s beloved flavors through a Mediterranean lens. Crafted by Chefs Kaan Sen and Cetin Giineri, the menu reflects a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, a feast of gratitude infused with coastal flair.
The evening begins with a Greek Salad, a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a red wine vinaigrette, a crisp and refreshing nod to the Mediterranean’s simplicity and purity.
The centerpiece, a Roasted Turkey Breast, is elevated with chestnut and pomegranate rice and a luxurious pesto sauce, a dish that captures the festive richness of the season while maintaining ZOI’s signature elegance.
Dessert arrives as Autumn Bliss, a poetic finale featuring oven-roasted quince and silky vanilla pumpkin mousse, embodying the sweetness and warmth of the holidays.
Guests are welcomed into a candlelit atmosphere that encourages lingering conversation, laughter, and shared memories, the essence of ZOI’s hospitality. The warm ambiance is complemented by attentive service, creating an inviting space where every meal feels like a special occasion. With each dish, ZOI offers more than just food—it’s a place to connect, unwind, and savor moments together.
ZOI’s interiors are the ideal picture of understated beauty: leather seats, stone walls, and warm lighting create the ambiance of a seaside villa at sunset. The design intentionally reflects the Mediterranean spirit of comfort and calm, making it a wonderful setting for intimate holiday dinners or group celebrations. Every detail has been thoughtfully chosen to create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal or celebrating with friends, the space invites you to unwind and savor the moment.
Every detail, from the flicker of candlelight to the glint of wine glasses, contributes to a sense of timeless elegance. Thanksgiving at ZOI is less about ceremony and more about the feeling of being present, together, and grateful.
Just beneath ZOI lies Ten11, a hidden cocktail lounge transformed for the holidays into an atmospheric retreat for festive gatherings. Here, guests can sip bespoke cocktails infused with Mediterranean botanicals, saffron, and aged spirits — an ideal post-dinner escape or late-night toast.
With its cozy lighting and velvet textures, Ten11 invites patrons to unwind and connect, capturing the intimate, off-the-map magic that defines New York’s secrets.
ZOI’s Thanksgiving offering marks more than just a special menu; it’s an embodiment of the restaurant’s philosophy: that life is meant to be shared, savored, and celebrated. As New Yorkers seek meaningful ways to gather this season, ZOI stands out as a destination where culture, cuisine, and connection beautifully converge.
Whether dining upstairs or toasting downstairs at Ten11, guests will find a celebration that feels both worldly and familiar, a Mediterranean Thanksgiving made for Manhattan. Reservations are now open, with limited seating to ensure the intimate experience that has quickly made ZOI one of NoMad’s sought-after dining destinations.
