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, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, low-sodium, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, paleo, heart-healthy, low-fat, glp1, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, low-cholesterol, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, renal, alkaline, aip, zone, volumetrics, tlc, macrobiotic, slow-carb, 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
Vegetables
- Edamame - $6: Roasted sea salt Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Cucumber - $8: Gochujang marinade, sesame seeds Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal
- Avocado Arugula Salad - $12: Sesame dressing, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and lotus root chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Cabbage - $6: Shredded cabbage, scallions, sweet vinegar dressing Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic
- Cold Tofu - $12: House made tofu, scallions and sweet onions, crunchy garlic chili oil Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline
- Wood ear mushrooms - $9: Soy chili marinade, garlic and black vinegar Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, GLP-1, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics
- Shishito - $8: Vegetarian soy dashi, fried onions
- Korokke - $11: Potato, corn and chilies in panko, deep fried. Ketchup mayo. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Side of rice - $3 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic
Fish and Meats
- Poke - $18: Tuna, salmon, cucumbers, avocado over sushi rice Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Macrobiotic
- Saba - $12: Miso braised mackerel filet, ginger pickles
- Salmon - $14: Spicy yuzu kosho oil
- Unagi pie - $13: Eel, scallions baked in puff pastry. Bed of arugula, cherry tomatoes.
- Karaage - $12: Boneless chicken bites, dredged in garlic-ginger soy batter, spicy mayo
- Gyoza - $12: Beef potstickers, soy vinegar dipping sauce
- Okonomiyaki - $15: Savory pancake with bacon, cabbage, seaweed, mayo and okonomi sauce, fish flakes
- Saikoro Steak - $12: Beef tenderloin bites, soy vinegar sauce, garlic and onions
Ramen
- Gyukotsu - $19: Beef bone marrow broth, roasted beef, sweet onions, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, garlic chips. Thin noodles.
- Gyukotsu Miso (Spicy) - $19: Beef bone marrow broth, roasted beef, corn, bean sprouts, scallions. Wavy noodles.
- Shoyu - $17: Chicken broth, pork belly, spinach, bamboo shoots and scallions. Wavy noodles.
- Niboshi - $17: Chicken broth, spicy smoky fish oil, pork belly, bean sprouts, scallions. Wavy noodles.
- Miso - $16: Oat milk and mushroom broth, sweet corn, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, bean sprouts, lotus root chips. Wavy noodles.
- Mayu - $16: Oat milk and mushroom broth, black garlic oil, house made tofu, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, garlic chips. Thin noodles. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Tan tan noodles - $14: Brothless. Ground beef, chilies, thick noodles, sesame paste. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
Lunch Menu
All set menu choices come with rice, miso soup, Japanese omelet, vegetables and pickles.
- Salmon (A La Carte) - $14: Pan seared filet Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Salmon (Set) - $21: Pan seared filet. Includes rice, miso soup, Japanese omelet, vegetables and pickles. Dietary tags: Pescatarian
- Saba (A La Carte) - $12: Miso marinated mackarel, ginger pickles Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Low-Cholesterol, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Saba (Set) - $19: Miso marinated mackarel, ginger pickles. Includes rice, miso soup, Japanese omelet, vegetables and pickles. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
- Chicken breast (A La Carte) - $14: Seared, basil spinach oil Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Chicken breast (Set) - $21: Seared, basil spinach oil. Includes rice, miso soup, Japanese omelet, vegetables and pickles.
- Karaage (A La Carte) - $12: Crispy fried chicken thigh bites (4pcs), spicy mayo
- Karaage (Set) - $19: Crispy fried chicken thigh bites (4pcs), spicy mayo. Includes rice, miso soup, Japanese omelet, vegetables and pickles.
- Tonkatsu (A La Carte) - $12: Pork cutlet, panko crust, tonkatsu sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal
- Tonkatsu (Set) - $19: Pork cutlet, panko crust, tonkatsu sauce. Includes rice, miso soup, Japanese omelet, vegetables and pickles. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal
- Saikoro Steak (A La Carte) - $14: Beef tenderloin bites in soy vinegar sauce
- Saikoro Steak (Set) - $21: Beef tenderloin bites in soy vinegar sauce. Includes rice, miso soup, Japanese omelet, vegetables and pickles.
- Shio Ramen - $12: Chicken broth, chicken breast, scallions and naruto. Thick noodles
- Soboro - $12: Beef bone marrow broth, ground beef, bean sprouts. Thin noodles Dietary tags: Low-Sodium
Drinks
- Bloody Mary - $12: Iichiko Barley shochu, olives
- Mimosa - $10: Prosecco, orange juice
- Margarita - $12: Iichiko barley shochu, shiso salt rim
- Coffee - $3: Hot drip or Iced UCC black label
- Teas - $3: Sencha, Genmaicha, Hojicha or Black Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Juice - $3: Orange
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.
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