Shannon Kirkland

The best ramen I’ve ever had! My friend ordered the “Shoyu” then add a dash of smoky fish oil and their spice mix. I ordered the “Miso” then asked for thin noodles and braised short rib, plus the smoky fish oil and a few dashes of spice mix; DELICIOUS! (One critique: I personally would have like more noodles, but to each their own.) The servers were very attentive, welcoming and accommodating. The ambience of the restaurant at night is romantic with appealing background music. (give the playlist curated a raise) Also, they have their own soy candles and fresh flowers, which added a nice touch.

Vera Quill

First time here. So glad there is a a really good Japanese place nearby. The family enjoyed all of the food, it was very clean and authentic. The karage and avocado sushi for the kids was delicious, the server recommended her favorite, chicken broth ramen and now it is my new favorite. The kids split a miso ramen, super clean taste. The sashimi was amazing. Can’t wait to Come back and try their Japanese breakfast and brunch menu!!!

Zaya didn't disappoint! Came here for a Valentine's Day Dinner with my daughter and everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The cucumber appetizer was super fresh and perfectly seasoned, with just a tad of spice that gave it a nice little kick without overpowering it — such a great way to start the meal. The saikoro steak was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. We also tried the shoyu ramen and the gyukotsu ramen, and both were incredible. The broths were rich and flavorful, and the noodles had the perfect texture. You can really tell they put care into every bowl. And to top it all off, the chocolate tart dessert was divine — rich, decadent, and the perfect not too sweet ending to the meal. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service was friendly and efficient. Definitely a nice ramen spot— I’ll definitely be back! 🍜✨

Beatrice D.

Homemade tofu was delicious, very delicate! The ramen was also good. The atmosphere, however, could be improved; the lighting was way too bright, so lowering it a bit would help guests relax. Unfortunately, the utensils were dirty, and there was something inside both my cup of water and my partner’s as well. We also needed new chopsticks but couldn’t get the server’s attention, she was probably busy, and it looked like she was working alone

+2

Miss Cheung

I give this place a 3.9 not a 4.7. The menu is a bit confusing if you’re looking for an entree other than just ramen. The ramen is a bit salty and mediocre. However, the boiled egg was perfect. I didn’t take a pic because it just wasn’t too impressive overall. There were very little people in the restaurant at prime time Saturday nite. Oh they had a great playlist! But you go there for tasty food not the music! I skipped dessert, it sounded so meh. I would not go back there.

Maddy Land

The ramen was good, nothing crazy though. The karagge was tasty. However, the tuna tartare is one of the grossest things I’ve ever eaten. It tasted rancid and was literally served on something that appeared to be a ritz cracker. Really disgusting flavor, definitely do not order that. However, if you’re just coming for ramen, I think this is a pretty solid spot.

+1

Overall it was okay. The price is great, the food was fine, and I appreciated the quiet atmosphere. But the service was pretty bad—certainly not attentive or friendly enough. Also, no mitigation of the cold coming into the space when people open the door. It feels like they don't really think through or plan ahead. That was a bit disappointing.

R

A casual dining place. There are a lot of mosquitoes outside the door. No wifi or any internet connection inside the restaurant. Menu is limited. I ordered lamb chops. They came very well done and very salty. Beef noodle is ok.

Dwight Kenneth

We came here on a Sunday afternoon. We were seated right away. The appetizers came on time. The host / server was nice and polite. The ambiance was decent . Nothing mind blowing. The good was pretty good, pretty salty in my personal opinion. We got the edamame, okonomiyaki, Shishito pepper to start. Then we all got a ramen bowl as well. The starters were pretty good, but I regret not getting the fried chicken instead (seems like what’s what the rave here is really about). The ramen was decent. The price didn’t justify the flavor. With the appetizers , entrees, tax, and tip, It was roughly $38 per person. Not the most expensive in the neighborhood or New York, but I guess our expectations weren’t met seeing that this place has a 4.9 average star rating at the time of this review. The beef and chicken broth had flavor, but the saltiness was overpowering, not allowing any other flavors to be highlighted. Overall pretty good, just not mind blowing. Glad I got to try them.

+6

Jess

Amazing service & atmosphere. I tried the beef ramen (non-spicy). The portion size is small, especially for the price point. I left still a bit hungry. The flavor profile is kinda all over the place & did not satisfy my ramen craving. The broth was not balanced - very oily. The menu reads that it’s short rib but it’s just two flanks of pepper like steak. Idk if I would come back again for the ramen, but the other food looked very delicious!

Victoria B

Beautiful space but would never eat here again. I did like that the karaage portion was large and the sauce was very delicious + spicy! Was looking forward to the niboshi ramen most and was completely disappointed with it. Broth was very bland, wasn’t spicy at all (like it states) and the noodles felt cheap, similar to cup ramen. The pork in the ramen was also burnt so it tasted charred and bitter. I was very disappointed. I’ve had ramen all over the city and in Tokyo and this was not satisfactory at all to me. I just didn’t feel comfortable because the male server there when I went was not exactly friendly. Blank faced, monotone, and didn’t crack a smile once. Even when I said thank you when leaving he turned around halfway to look at me and then turned back around… the woman server seemed kind, though I didn’t interact with her much.

Anjelica Kempis

I should note that this is for their delivery. And that I actually am a huge fan of Za-Ya (when executed correctly). I used to live in Bushwick, and have been to both locations. Was such a fan that when we moved to Fort Greene, we still ordered delivery multiple times a month despite the cost ($60+ for two ramens and karaage w the delivery fees) and the quality not being fresh (whatever, we'll gladly reheat at home). However, the last few delivery orders have been ABYSMAL. We have tried 3x now to give it a chance and hope that it was just a fluke, but the quality just really isn't the same. For one, the ramen broth doesn't taste as flavorful anymore; it's more creamy than bone broth rich like it used to be. We also only get one tiny piece of meat compared to the comparable three pieces we used to get on delivery and in person. Seriously - only ONE single piece?! Our last order, the okonomiyaki was so burnt and inedible (sad cause this was supposed to be a special treat dinner for my bf's birthday cause it really is our fave!). And today the karaage also didn't come with the orange ginger sauce which we love and were expecting. I don't know if ownership has changed or if it's just a sign of the times/economy, but really hoping we see Za-ya make a comeback cause we love yall but have been extremely disappointed in our last few orders and will likely play it safe/not get our hearts broken again til we know the quality issue has been addressed.

Данияр Досбаев

The serving lady was very rude from the beginning. I wanted to sit at the table and with NO explanation provided she asked if I can sit at the bar counter. I asked her why, and she was very rushed and agitated (I tried to be polite though). Like at least if she would’ve explained the reason I’d definitely understand. But who would want to spend their time and money here after being unwelcome here literally from the first second you entered? I left the place without spending a penny here. Very terrible service which definitely made me wanna get out of there asap. Please work on your service. I felt intensely unwelcome there.