Who is Tim Zagat and how does he appear in the Epstein files?

Tim Zagat is the co-founder of the Zagat Survey restaurant guide, which he and his wife Nina launched in 1979 before selling it to Google for over $150 million in 2011. He appears more than 1,100 times across Epstein's documents, including on a 2002 flight manifest for Epstein's private jet, in direct personal emails, and in years of scheduling records coordinated by Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff. The records show a sustained social friendship spanning from at least 2002 to 2018.

Did Tim Zagat fly on Epstein's private jet?

Yes. Tim Zagat appears on a February 2002 flight manifest for Epstein's plane. Reporting indicates the flight was to a TED conference in Monterey, California, and that Zagat and his wife Nina were among several prominent passengers including cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker. The group was also photographed at an Edge Foundation 'billionaires' dinner' during the trip.

What was the nature of Tim Zagat's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?

The documents portray a close, long-running social friendship. Zagat repeatedly sought out Epstein's company for dinners at elite New York restaurants, and used his restaurant industry connections to secure hard-to-get reservations at places like Per Se and Del Posto. In March 2013, Zagat gave Epstein and financier Leon Black a personal tour of Google's offices. He also attended a January 2014 dinner Epstein organized with guests including Woody Allen and JPMorgan executive Jes Staley. Notably, the relationship continued well after Epstein's 2008 sex trafficking conviction — emails show Zagat actively pursuing contact with Epstein through at least August 2018, less than a year before Epstein's final arrest.

Did Tim Zagat continue associating with Epstein after his 2008 conviction?

Yes. The documents show their relationship continued uninterrupted. Scheduling records from 2013 and 2015 show in-person meetings and dinners, and emails from 2016 through August 2018 show Zagat regularly asking Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff to arrange dinners and visits. In one of the last documented exchanges, from August 2018, Zagat sent Epstein a copy of the book 'House of Trump, House of Putin' and they coordinated plans to meet in New York in September 2018.

Has Tim Zagat commented on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?

When approached by journalists, Zagat declined to answer any questions, saying only: 'He's radioactive. So, good luck to you and your story.' He also confirmed that Epstein was never an investor in the Zagat Survey. There is no public evidence that Zagat was involved in any of Epstein's criminal conduct, and he has not faced any Epstein-related charges.

Who is Tim Zagat and how does he appear in the Epstein files?

Tim Zagat is the co-founder of the Zagat Survey restaurant guide, which he and his wife Nina launched in 1979 before selling it to Google for over $150 million in 2011. He appears more than 1,100 times across Epstein's documents, including on a 2002 flight manifest for Epstein's private jet, in direct personal emails, and in years of scheduling records coordinated by Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff. The records show a sustained social friendship spanning from at least 2002 to 2018.

Did Tim Zagat fly on Epstein's private jet?

Yes. Tim Zagat appears on a February 2002 flight manifest for Epstein's plane. Reporting indicates the flight was to a TED conference in Monterey, California, and that Zagat and his wife Nina were among several prominent passengers including cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker. The group was also photographed at an Edge Foundation 'billionaires' dinner' during the trip.

What was the nature of Tim Zagat's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?

The documents portray a close, long-running social friendship. Zagat repeatedly sought out Epstein's company for dinners at elite New York restaurants, and used his restaurant industry connections to secure hard-to-get reservations at places like Per Se and Del Posto. In March 2013, Zagat gave Epstein and financier Leon Black a personal tour of Google's offices. He also attended a January 2014 dinner Epstein organized with guests including Woody Allen and JPMorgan executive Jes Staley. Notably, the relationship continued well after Epstein's 2008 sex trafficking conviction — emails show Zagat actively pursuing contact with Epstein through at least August 2018, less than a year before Epstein's final arrest.

Did Tim Zagat continue associating with Epstein after his 2008 conviction?

Yes. The documents show their relationship continued uninterrupted. Scheduling records from 2013 and 2015 show in-person meetings and dinners, and emails from 2016 through August 2018 show Zagat regularly asking Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff to arrange dinners and visits. In one of the last documented exchanges, from August 2018, Zagat sent Epstein a copy of the book 'House of Trump, House of Putin' and they coordinated plans to meet in New York in September 2018.

Has Tim Zagat commented on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?

When approached by journalists, Zagat declined to answer any questions, saying only: 'He's radioactive. So, good luck to you and your story.' He also confirmed that Epstein was never an investor in the Zagat Survey. There is no public evidence that Zagat was involved in any of Epstein's criminal conduct, and he has not faced any Epstein-related charges.

Back to People & Entities

Tim Zagat

Person

1,170

Total Mentions

1,137

Documents

794

Connected Entities

American lawyer and entrepreneur, co-founder of Zagat restaurant survey guides

Tim Zagat, co-founder of the Zagat restaurant guide empire, maintained a sustained social relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanning at least 2002 to 2018, appearing on Epstein's flight manifest, regularly dining together at elite New York restaurants, and facilitating hard-to-get reservations for Epstein at venues like Per Se and Del Posto.

Zagat appears extensively throughout Epstein's records in high-signal contexts: a 2002 flight manifest, direct personal emails between Zagat and Epstein (2015-2018), and numerous scheduling documents coordinated by assistant Lesley Groff arranging dinners, appointments, and social outings. The documents show Zagat actively sought Epstein's company — repeatedly asking through Groff when Epstein would be in New York, inviting him to dinners, and sending him books. A January 2014 dinner at Ristorante Morini included Zagat alongside Woody Allen, David Blaine, and JPMorgan executive Jes Staley. In March 2013, Zagat personally gave Epstein and Leon Black a tour of Google's offices, where Zagat had his post-acquisition office. The bulk of the 1,170 mentions stem from Zagat's frequent appearances in Epstein's daily scheduling records maintained by Lesley Groff.

Key Highlights

•Flew on Epstein's private jet to the 2002 TED conference alongside Steven Pinker and other prominent figures
•Personally arranged a tour of Google's offices for Epstein and Leon Black in March 2013, meeting at the Zagat reception area on the 9th floor
•Attended a January 2014 group dinner organized by Epstein at Ristorante Morini with Woody Allen, David Blaine, and Jes Staley
•Relationship persisted well after Epstein's 2008 conviction — emails from 2015-2018 show Zagat repeatedly requesting dinners and meetings through Lesley Groff
•In August 2018, Zagat sent Epstein a copy of 'House of Trump, House of Putin,' showing their correspondence included sharing political reading material
•When approached by journalists, Zagat declined all comment, saying only: 'He's radioactive. So, good luck to you and your story.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Books for Further Reading

9 11 Stories of Courage Heroism

Zagat 1994 Americas Top Restaurants (Zagat Survey: America's Top Restaurants)

Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story

Julie K. Brown

Investigative journalism that broke the Epstein case open

Document Mentions (20 of 1,137)

EFTA02244314.pdf

EFTA02244314

2 mentions

To: [email protected]] From: Sent Wed 4/25/2018 8:15:47 PM Subject Tim Zagat Tim Zagat would like to take you to dinner some time soon! he says he is always in NY from Sunday night to wEd...and of course you are always invited to go se

EFTA02701701.pdf

EFTA02701701

2 mentions

12 at 12:50 PM, Jeffrey <[email protected]> wrote: > Sun lunch ? > Sorry for all the typos .Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 4, 2012, at 12:34 PM, Tim Zagat wrote: » I'm here and would love to see you. » On Tue, Oct 2, 2012 at 5:32 PM, Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> wrote: >» where are you?

From: on behalf of Tim Zagat < > Sent: Thursday, October 4, 2012 7:43 PM To: Jeffrey Subject: Re: Would love to do dinner on Sunday will be in country during the day. On

EFTA01972848.pdf

EFTA01972848

2 mentions

To: E stein Jeffreyijeevacation@gmaircom] From: Sent: Wed 5/8/2013 6:15:16 PM Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat will be out of the country May 16-June 10...therefor a get together May 23-25 is not possible. EFTA_R1_00456681 EFTA01972848

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EFTA02240299.pdf

EFTA02240299

2 mentions

To: n[jeevacation@gmailcom] From: Sent: Wed 3/28/2018 7:44:12 PM Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat will be in Paris April 3-17 staying the Bristol...He says if you happen to be in Paris during this time he would love to take you to a nice French

EFTA02393906.pdf

EFTA02393906

2 mentions

From: Sent: Wednesday, March 6, 2013 7:09 PM To: Epstein Jeffrey Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has something on his calendar from 1-1:30 on the 21st that he =an not move....Angela, in Tim's office, is asking if you and Leon =ould get to Google

EFTA02551910.pdf

EFTA02551910

2 mentions

nt: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:02 PM To: Jeffre E stein CC Cc: ; Rich Barnettrtyri and Jojo fontanilla; Jojo fontanilla Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has confirmed he will come to the 1pm lunch tomorrow!! <?xml version="1.0" encoding=' UTF-8"?> <IDOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN"

IMINIEL Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:02 PM To: Jeffre E stein CC Cc: ; Rich Barnettrtyri and Jojo fontanilla; Jojo fontanilla Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has confirmed he will come to the 1pm lunch tomorrow!! <?xml version="1.0" encoding=' UTF-8"?> <IDOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIS

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EFTA00413138.pdf

EFTA00413138

2 mentions

t reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30? — This to do is stored on an IMAP server. — It is managed by Mail; do not modify or delete it. 'Tim Zagat get reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30?' (93BF5C88-1CA7-45EA-AD9D- 68EDBF303DF2] Has no due date. Is incomplete. Has no priority. Is

Subject: Tim Zagat get reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30? — This to do is stored on an IMAP server. — It is managed by Mail; do not modify or delete it.

EFTA00386202.pdf

EFTA00386202

2 mentions

From: To: , Rich Barnett Subject: Tim Zagat Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 17:39:48 +0000 Joio fontanilla Tim Zagat will come over from 2:30-3:00 today EFTA00386202

EFTA02225878.pdf

EFTA02225878

2 mentions

To: Jefffrey E [email protected]] From: Sent Mon 10/9/2017 2:50:09 PM Subject Tim Zagat Tim Zagat would love to catch up if you have a minute-he leaves for Sicily next week and will be in Paris on Oct. 22nd for a few days-then back to

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EFTA02232613.pdf

EFTA02232613

2 mentions

To: Jefffrey Epstein[[email protected]] From: Sent Wed 12/20/2017 4:49:11 PM Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat wants to confirm you received his email regarding Guatemala. He also wants to let you know that he is not going to Palm Beach as he had t

EFTA02381859.pdf

EFTA02381859

2 mentions

From: Lesley Groff < Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:02 PM To: Jeffre Epstein CC Cc: fontanilla Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has confirmed he will come to the 1pm lunch tomorrow!! Rich Barnett; Lyn and Jojo fontanilla; Jojo <?xml version="1.0" encoding=' UTF-8"?

EFTA02681443.pdf

EFTA02681443

2 mentions

sley Groff Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:02 PM To: Jeffrey Epstein CC Cc: ich Barnett; Lyn and Jojo fontanilla; Jojo fontanilla Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has confirmed he will come to the 1pm lunch tomorrow!! <?xml version="1.0" encoding=' UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIS

Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:02 PM To: Jeffrey Epstein CC Cc: ich Barnett; Lyn and Jojo fontanilla; Jojo fontanilla Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has confirmed he will come to the 1pm lunch tomorrow!! <?xml version="1.0" encoding=' UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN"

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EFTA02404150.pdf

EFTA02404150

2 mentions

From: Lesley Groff Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2013 5:00 PM To: Epstein Jeffrey Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat is in Russia...his assistant will try to get word to him to =lease give you a call. Tim's cell Tim's office <?xml version=.0" encoding=TF-8"?> <!

EFTA02405274.pdf

EFTA02405274

2 mentions

From: on behalf of Tim Zagat =In> Sent: Thursday, October 4, 2012 7:43 PM To: Jeffrey Subject: Re: Would love to do dinner on Sunday will be in country during the day. On

EFTA00394728.pdf

EFTA00394728

2 mentions

om: Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 10:55 AM To: Subject: Fwd: Please forward to Ghislaine Maxwell - Thank you Begin forwarded message: From: Tim Zagat < EFTA00394729 Subject: Please forward to Ghislaine Maxwell - Thank you Date: February 27, 2013 10:36:02 AM EST To: Ghislaine, Can you join us

mantic" setting is "perfect for a special occasion' and "viewing the sunset from the rooftop bar is a treat. We hope to see you. Nina & Tim Zagat Tim Zagat ZAGAT Telephone: WWW zagatcom EFTA00394730 76 Ninth Avenue New Yotic, NY 10011 EFTA00394731

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EFTA00412847.pdf

EFTA00412847

2 mentions

t reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30? — This to do is stored on an IMAP server. — It is managed by Mail; do not modify or delete it. 'Tim Zagat get reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30?' (93BF5O36-1CA7-45EA-AD9D- 68EDBF303DF2] Has no due date. Is incomplete. Has no priority. Is

Subject: Tim Zagat get reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30? — This to do is stored on an IMAP server. — It is managed by Mail; do not modify or delete it.

EFTA00413139.pdf

EFTA00413139

2 mentions

Subject: Tim Zagat get reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30? — This to do is stored on an IMAP server. — It is managed by Mail; do not modify or delete it.

t reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30? — This to do is stored on an IMAP server. — It is managed by Mail; do not modify or delete it. 'Tim Zagat get reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30?' (93BF5O36-1CA7-45EA-AD9D- 68EDBF303DF2] Has no due date. Is incomplete. Has no priority. Is

EFTA00413159.pdf

EFTA00413159

2 mentions

t reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30? — This to do is stored on an IMAP server. — It is managed by Mail; do not modify or delete it. 'Tim Zagat get reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30?' (93BF5O36-1CA7-45EA-AD9D- 68EDBF303DF2] Has no due date. Is incomplete. Has no priority. Is

Subject: Tim Zagat get reservations for Del Posto May 31 for 6 at 7:30? — This to do is stored on an IMAP server. — It is managed by Mail; do not modify or delete it.

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EFTA01990832.pdf

EFTA01990832

2 mentions

ail.com Cc: Rich Barnett; Lyn and Jojo fontanilla[ ; Jojo fontanillaS From: Lesley Groff Sent: Wed 3/14/2012 9:02:04 PM Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has confirmed he will come to the 1pm lunch tomorrow!!! EFTA_R1_00483571 EFTA01990832

vacation mail.com Cc: Rich Barnett; Lyn and Jojo fontanilla[ ; Jojo fontanillaS From: Lesley Groff Sent: Wed 3/14/2012 9:02:04 PM Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has confirmed he will come to the 1pm lunch tomorrow!!! EFTA_R1_00483571 EFTA01990832

EFTA02707542.pdf

EFTA02707542

2 mentions

From: Lesley Gro Sent: Wednesday, arc To: Epstein Jeffrey Subject: Tim Zagat Tim Zagat has something on his calendar from 1-1:30 on the 21st that he =an not move....Angela, in Tim's office, is asking if you and Leon =ould ge

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Connected Entities(20 of 794)

Jeffrey Epstein