Za-Ya – Japanese
An intimate Japanese sanctuary where the air is perfumed by the rich, umami-laden steam of velvety broths simmering to perfection. The minimalist space provides a serene backdrop for the artistry of each bowl, bringing together chewy, hand-crafted noodles and tender proteins in a harmonious balance of texture and soul-warming flavor. It is a refined destination that transforms traditional comfort into a sensory experience of warmth and culinary precision.
321 Starr Street, NY 11237 +1-929-460-5929 https://www.za-ya.comRating: 4.7/5 (236 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, keto, low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, mediterranean, pescatarian, diabetic, heart-healthy, sugar-free, plant-based, whole30, paleo, low-fat, atkins, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, clean-eating, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, zone, tlc, detox, low-fodmap, aip, volumetrics, alkaline, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, lectin-free
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Saturday
- 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners have mixed but passionate reactions to the food, with many raving about the homemade tofu, flavorful Shoya Ramen, and fresh poké bowls featuring high-quality salmon and tuna. While some guests celebrate the cozy, clean atmosphere and excellent service, others note inconsistencies with broth flavors and portion sizes, particularly regarding the beef and niboshi ramen. Standout appetizers like the large, spicy karaage and plump edamame are frequently praised, though experiences with service attentiveness and lighting vary across visits.
Menu
- Edamame - $6
- Cucumber - $8
- Avocado Arugula Salad - $12
- Cabbage - $6
- Cold Tofu - $12
- Wood ear mushrooms - $9
- Shishito - $8
- Korokke - $11
- Side of rice - $3
- Poke - $18
- Saba - $12
- Salmon - $14
- Unagi pie - $13
- Karaage - $12
- Gyoza - $12
- Okonomiyaki - $15
- Saikoro Steak - $12
- Gyukotsu - $19
- Gyukotsu Miso (Spicy) - $19
- Shoyu - $17
- Niboshi - $17
- Miso - $16
- Mayu - $16
- Tan tan noodles - $14
- Salmon (A La Carte) - $14
- Salmon (Set) - $21
- Saba (A La Carte) - $12
- Saba (Set) - $19
- Chicken breast (A La Carte) - $14
- Chicken breast (Set) - $21
- Karaage (A La Carte) - $12
- Karaage (Set) - $19
- Tonkatsu (A La Carte) - $12
- Tonkatsu (Set) - $19
- Saikoro Steak (A La Carte) - $14
- Saikoro Steak (Set) - $21
- Shio Ramen - $12
- Soboro - $12
- Bloody Mary - $12
- Mimosa - $10
- Margarita - $12
- Coffee - $3
- Teas - $3
- Juice - $3
Frequently Asked Questions about Za-Ya
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer concerns center on inconsistent broth flavors and portion sizes, particularly regarding the beef and niboshi ramen options.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include homemade tofu, Shoya Ramen, fresh poké bowls with salmon and tuna, spicy karaage, and plump edamame.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Chicken breast (A La Carte) fits keto and gluten-free diets, while Mayu works for vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based diets.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Diners describe the atmosphere as cozy and clean with excellent service and a 4.7/5 rating, though the space is an intimate sanctuary.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Za-Ya is a refined, intimate Japanese destination with a minimalist atmosphere and moderate ($$) pricing, providing an upscale dining experience.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Za-Ya accommodates mixed needs with vegan Mayu, keto Saikoro Steak, gluten-free Chicken breast, and dairy-free Tan tan noodles across 37 dietary categories.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- Information regarding the hours of operation for Za-Ya is not available in the provided restaurant data.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers praise the homemade tofu, Shoya Ramen, fresh poké bowls, spicy karaage, edamame, cozy atmosphere, and excellent service.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking an intimate Japanese experience with Shoya Ramen, fresh poké, and extensive dietary options like keto and vegan.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The Japanese restaurant Za-Ya has a total of 236 reviews according to the rating count provided in the data.