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    Cafe Zaiya

    3.6 (200 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Cafe Zaiya Photos

    CAFE ZAIYA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Green Tea Latte
    Hayward L.

    Neat little bookstore cafe, nice place to hang out and catch up with a friend over a matcha or green tea latte. The actual coffee isn't as good though. Seating can be limited during peak times and some people hang out at the tables for a fairly long time.

    Chicken katsu bento box - came out to less than $12 (including tax)
    Michelle F.

    I stopped by during my lunch break to pick up a meal to eat. My aunt had told me about this place and mentioned how affordable and filling the meals here were. She also mentioned the desserts and quick snacks you can order here. She was not wrong. Cafe Zaiya is located upstairs on the 2nd floor of Kinokuniya book store so it's hard to find if you were simply walking around midtown. I would've never known about it if my aunt did not suggest it. The seating is decent, but not a ton of seating. The staff was friendly. There is an assortment of snacks (onigiri (rice ball), pastries, mixed fruit/strawberry sandwiches, pudding), bento boxes, coffee, latte, and many other drinks. The prices are very reasonable. It was such a bargain. I ended up choosing the chicken katsu bento box. It came out to less than $12 (including tax). The bento box had well-seasoned, fresh, and filling food. The chicken katsu was crispy, well-seasoned, and very well battered. Some katsu spots have chicken katsu that fall apart easily or are not seasoned/fried well. That was not the case here. The potato salad was perfect in texture and temperature. The pickled radish -- very well pickled. The rice was fluffy and the vegetables were well portioned and fresh. I will be back!!

    Beef Bowl
    Martha K.

    I always stop by here for lunch because it's a quick grab-and-go style small Japanese bakery in a store. I love how quick it is to choose my food and pay when I'm on the run. I got the beef bowl today and heated it up afterwards. Considering the price, I thought it was pretty good. They have a wide selection of onigiris and baked goods that are extremely cheap. I love stopping by here, especially when I'm craving Asian food. Not really any service going on besides the fact that the cashier is really nice. Will be back to try their other items. Food: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5

    $5.50 Japanese egg salad, ham & tuna sandwich combo. Ito En unsweetened matcha tea
    Joyce C.

    Cafe Zaiya is my peaceful, homey go-to spot when I'm near Bryant Park, Grand Central, after my Eye Doctor appointment, meeting a friend centrally who lives on the UWS. I guess it can feel like a little cafeteria, but I think that it's a simple casual cafe, with dependable, healthy lunch options, snacks, pastries, and drinks. Bonus points that it's a Japanese Cafe tucked away on the 2nd floor of a gorgeous Japanese Bookstore. There's a steady stream of students, small families, Midtown workers, and shoppers that stop in (maybe more than half non-Japanese). I've seen some individual study sessions there, with Japanese tutors. You can't go wrong with the food! There's vegetarian options, sweet, savory, and some gluten free. The SECRET and I might have to say - one of the tastiest cookies in NYC - are up near the counter... when you're waiting in line... there's plastic containers of fresh cookies... keep looking...for the super thin, black sesame crispy cookies. They are not-too-sweet, with a lovely sesame flavor, great crumpled on top of ice cream, and TOTALLY addicting. They are worth the price, maybe around $4-6. My other go-to, are the Rice Balls ($2-3 each). Go early for the best selection of hot foods by the company TOMIZ. I like the Salmon Rice Balls, two are a good meal. SO much good stuff there. Sometimes it's a little overwhelming: -3-Pack Japanese Sandwiches (egg salad, ham, Turkey) about $10-12. It's deceivingly simple looking! And actually I don't care for sandwiches that remind me of High School lunch, but these are lovely fresh light tea sandwiches. -May have picked up a fried chicken or beef rice bowl for dinner once, under $15. NOTE: The only way to heat up food and dine-in there is at their self-serve microwave. -Croquettes look great, but I wasn't too impressed. It's something that probably should be eaten fresh. Wouldn't mind heating one up in my air fryer, -The pastries are fresh and tasty. I usually go for a custard-filled one. Things that are matcha bread & red bean flavor fall a little flat, like the Matcha & Red Bean Swiss Roll. Not a lot of matcha flavor, Red bean usually overpowers everything. -The other SECRET is the Strawberry Bread. WHAT is this? Why did was I seeing this recipe by so many people, like little CrunchBro Jordan on Instagram, making this bread. It's a sandwich...with Japanese milk bread...mascarpone...giant HALVES of strawberries. Literally cake in sandwich format. It was better than cake! I mulled over it because it was pricey for a 1/2 sandwich, maybe $9? But it was WORTH it, and I had to remind myself to not eat the whole thing, after 2 rice balls, probably equaling 1.5 cups of rice. - I don't know if they still have matcha soft serve, but have always wanted to try it. Sometimes the machine is broken when I've gone. - Probably had a Matcha Latte from there, which I probably enjoyed, but somehow can't remember it. - Love Ito En plain green tea drinks. Refreshing, without sugar, and simple. There's about 6-8 small tables (not sure if there's less because of pandemic spacing). And a larger communal table, that probably has 6 chairs. There's a small counter that over looks Bryant Park, but I think it's out of use these days/ used for storage. Turnover isn't too bad for a seat, but I'd probably avoid busy hours. The foods sell out quickly by mid-afternoon. The cash wrap area is so futuristic. The workers are hidden behind this giant wall of menus and display of case of sweets and pastries. I imagine them back there rolling Swiss rolls. Stop by this hidden gem!

    Almond cookies
    Katherine D.

    I stopped here to het some onigiri's and saw on their online menu that they served them in midtown. I went after work around 4:45pm. I was a little upset to come by and see that they had nothing of their warm menu items. I saw that they had some almond crisp cookies so i went ahead and bought it. Upon biting into one of the cookies it wasn't as crispy. It was a bit stale not so much that i didnt est the whole box but enough not to purchase their from here again. Hoping to return when they have onigiris again.

    Sandwhich box
    Laura H.

    Sandwhich box ($10) was a meal and a half--egg and tuna salad sandos were fire, but the chicken katsu was kind of bland and had a strong poultry flavor (not in a good way). We had fun browsing through the Japanese bookshop afterwards--highly recommend for manga lovers!

    Chicken Kaarage Bento Box
    Thomas M.

    Bento master of midtown, thy name is Cafe Zaiya. Located on the second floor of Kinokuniya book store, this is a little refuge with drinks, pastries, onigiri and of course bento boxes. The chicken karaage bento box cannot be beaten in terms of quality/value. Huge chunks of well fried chicken. Rice is perfectly cooked. You get the usual bento box sides which has been mac and cheese and potato salad from what I can tell. It is an absolute full portion of a meal for $12 (before tax) and I think it would be hard for you to find better food with better portions at that price in this area of Manhattan.

    Crystale Y.

    Didn't expect to find sesame and matcha soft serve in this area but here we are! When you walk in, it may not look like much but you can get the most affordable meals here. They have rice balls, bento boxes and much more. Although everything looked really good, we ended up just getting ice cream because we were having a sweet tooth. The sesame flavor is strong and definitely overpowered the matcha but it was still delicious. I would definitely come back here as the portion size is huge and it is essy on the wallet!

    a person holding a container of ice cream
    Raya K.

    This review is just for their ice cream, which they're serving in frozen cups right now. The black sesame is rich and full of black sesame flavor! The purchase experience was easy and fast, picking your flavor in the freezer, bring over to the cash register, and done. I was glad to find Tomis ice cream here because the standalone Tomis down the corner didn't have it.

    Cold brew matcha, matcha melon pan, hot chawanmushi
    Lisa R.

    This is the only place I have ever seen a grab-and-go hot chawanmushi so that in itself is thrilling. This Cafe Zaiya outpost is on the top floor of the Kinokuniya bookstore. When I first went upstairs to check it out, it seemed like a Taiwanese bakery as there were shelves of unique pastries and breads and trays to pile on what one wanted. However, upon closer inspection, I saw bentos, bowls, side dishes, chawanmushi cold and hot, onigiri, and Japanese pastries. The drink menu included bubble tea and other teas and coffees. I first grabbed the cold chawanmushi but then saw a hot shelf. This reminded me so much of Japan. I had cold chawanmushi in a grocery store in Kutchan over winter break, and the heated shelves reminded me of Japanese convenience stores (like 7-11) which have hot and cold beverages depending on the case. I immediately switched to the hot chawanmushi, though both would be delicious. I also grabbed the one remaining bag of green tea melon pan. I had not seen melon pan like that before. I also went to the ito en case and found yet another type of ito en tea bottle I had ever seen, a cold brew matcha! I paid and sat at a table, enjoying first the chawanmushi and then one of the melon pan. Right when I was leaving, carts full of new breads and pastries showed up. I was a bit bummed, since I could have purchased a single green tea melon pan rather than a bag of them. However, as I carried them in my hand/backpack on flights to Chicago and then back home, it smelled comforting like sugar cookies, and I am now able to enjoy them at home. Itadakimasu!

    Pork Cutlet Sandwich and Milk Tea with boba
    Mito I.

    Quick Summary: - Don't eat here if you're in the process of purchasing books, or carrying books around (It's located within a bookstore) - Once you enter and eat here, you can't leave the cafe until you finish eating everything (It's located within a bookstore) - Lots of different breads and sandwiches to choose from - Tables are full during lunchtime hour, but dissipated after 1:30pm - Recommended to wait near the cashier area to receive drinks (tea, coffee, etc.) - Past experience with ordering milk tea, this cafe took the longest to prepare I entered solely because I wanted to visit the bookstore, but when I climbed to the second floor, I discovered there was a cafe. Just in time because I didn't have anything in my stomach this morning other than coffee. There were open display cases where it was lined up with different kinds of bread, sandwiches, and desserts. I ordered my tea and a sandwich at the cashier and managed to find a seat in the corner of the cafe. I entered at lunchtime, so majority of the seats were occupied. I did needed to leave my stuff at my desk because I wasn't sure how my drink was going to be delivered (I didn't leave them my name). However, the cafe is small enough that I can glance over my stuff as I waited near the checkout area. The milk tea took a really long time to arrive. I can say I have ordered over a dozen milk teas, but this cafe took the longest to prepare and receive. Other than that, the sandwich and the tea were very good and helped calm the hunger.

    Garima G.

    My search for the perfect matcha ice cream continues. I tried the black sesame flavor for the first time and absolutely loved it with matcha . Both were creamy and rich in flavor. If you're hanging out by Bryant park, then definitely stop by this bakery!!

    Black sesame frappe and the view of Bryant Park from Cafe Zaiya
    Brendalynne F.

    Café Zaiya is conveniently located across the street from Bryant Park on the second floor of Kinokuniya Bookstore, a Japanese book and novelty store. Prices are fair, but there's a $10 credit card minimum. I ordered the black sesame frappe, and my boyfriend ordered the green tea frappe and a green tea crème puff. I wanted to add tapioca ("bubbles", they call them), but they ran out even though I visited earlier in the day around 12:30 pm. My black sesame frappe tasted extremely overwhelming and strong - almost as if the black sesame was burnt. The taste gradually improved, but I've tried many delicious black sesame products (ice cream, shakes, hot tea, and bubble teas) and none of them have tasted burnt like this frappe initially did. However, my boyfriend's green tea frappe was much better with a potent matcha taste but without the bitterness. The green tea crème in the cream puff tasted very good, but the pastry dough tasted a bit stale - like it's been sitting in the display for a day or two. If I come back to Bryant Park, I may return to Café Zaiya and try something else on the menu, but my first experience didn't seem too promising.

    black sesame frappe

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    4 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Ate in 2022: I got their onigiri but I don't remember what filling I got. All I remember was that it was dry and barely had any filling.

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    Got a regular green tea matcha latte. Tastes like grass. Really, really, ~really~ don't recommend.

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    2 years ago

    This cafe supposed open 11am but they always kept customer outside and open around 11:10 -11:15am. It's so annoying.

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    Amavi - Mid Course - included in Prix Fixe (~$140)

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    3.8(58 reviews)
    0.3 miMidtown East

    Service could've been a little quicker. This is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant that is…read moreintimate perfect for celebrations. We celebrated a birthday here and everything felt elevated. Standouts: branzino cooked to perfection, dangerously good pita (we ordered extra), and the shrimp skewer. The hanger steak and lobster arrabbiata (could've been spicier) were also hits. Chicken skewer? Just okay. We had thLychee martinis & Dreams of Amalfi Hazelnut bar, crème brûlée (we topped itwith melted chocolate from the cheesecake), and Dubai chocolate cheesecake On the pricier side, but worth it for the ambiance, service, and flavors. Perfect spot for date nights, birthdays & special moments.

    We came here to celebrate a birthday... after perusing their website and IG we decided this was a…read moregreat place to celebrate a birthday.... Well we were kinda right. Amavi is a great place to celebrate a birthday if you like a loud, DJ spinning, hookah smoking, over priced Mediterranean restaurant, this is the place for you. Now, this isn't to say this isn't a good place but be prepared. The food is decent, nothing to run and tell anyone about, except their Bronzino was absolutely delish! I wish everything else was at the level of this dish. Here is a run down of everything we ordered and ranked.... 1= fire the chef, 10 = Michelin Star Grilled Octopus :6 Caramelized onion Hummus :7 Sautéed Tiger Prawns :7 Tuna Crudo: 10 Bronzino: 10 Salmon: 8 Lamb Chops: 7 Mashed Potato: 8 Asparagus : 7 Lobster Aribbatta: 5 Hazelnut bar: 0 Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake: 0 Whatever you do, don't order desert. They are not worth it. So if you're looking for a lively and loud space with decent food.... Walk on over! Enjoy

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    Amavi - Dining

    Dining

    Amavi - Mid Course - included in Prix Fixe (~$140)

    Mid Course - included in Prix Fixe (~$140)

    Amavi - Main Course - included in Prix Fixe (~$140)

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    Keki Modern Cakes - Bouncy cheesecake

    Keki Modern Cakes

    4.4(560 reviews)
    0.5 miMidtown East
    $$

    Wow, this little shop is unassuming, it definitely catches the eye, especially for someone like me…read morewho loves Asian pastries. I've never tried a Japanese cheesecake before and was extremely excited to be able to pick up some treats for my coworkers as well as my partner's birthday cake from Keki. Ordering is fairly straightforward and done with a simple machine outfront. Once your order is ready one of the staff members hands it to you through a window; there is no inside area accessible to customers but our food came quickly and we took it back to the office. The cheesecake was fantastic. I read a bit about the background of the shop online and how the owner really cares about using high-quality ingredients, specifically dairy. It was justas described, light and bouncy. I enjoyed how it was not overly sweet and found that it was all too easy to devour the entire cake over the course of two days. Despite it not having much weight to it, it traveled surprisingly well as I took it home on my three train commute! Similar to what others have said, the real highlight of the shop, in my opinion, are their cream puffs. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the outer layer was thin yet had a nice little crunch to it. We tried the classic milk, cookies & cream pistachio and ube flavors. Our favorite was the pistachio by far, which had such a unique yet decadent flavor and our second favorite was the milk cream puff. There's not much else I can say other than you really have to go here and try the desserts yourself. If you're a fan of Japanese desserts that are rich yet not too sweet, you'll be a fan of Keki.

    Just got some tarts here so my review isn't reflecting what they're known for or typically have. I…read moreliked these ok because it was creamy and light, not too sweet either, but it may be the crust part that I wasn't as much of a fan of. There are lots of other tart places that do something sinilar and didn't really think these were that memorable. But read this keeping in mind I didn't try to cake items so that product may be better if all you're looking for is a light fluffy dessert that's not too sweet. Try something else here! Just did take out option here so not much to ambiance or service from my experience to speak on.

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    Keki Modern Cakes - Bouncy cheesecake

    Bouncy cheesecake

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    Prince Tea House

    Prince Tea House

    4.2(228 reviews)
    0.5 miKoreatown, Midtown West
    $$

    I am a frequent Prince Tea House goer, but I've never been to the KTown location which has always…read morebeen on my bucket list because of the nice wall decors! And I commonly see the upstairs for private events like baby showers, bridal showers, or birthday parties on social media. After dinner with my friends, I was looking for dessert and I was glad to see this location closes relatively late on a weekday night at 11 pm. Upon walking in, I was greeted by a waiter who led us to one of the purple velvet chair booths that was perfect for two people and another waiter brought us a pitcher of water almost immediately. The menu is on a QR code already on the table and we were given ample of time to decide. My friend and I both already knew what we wanted to order. I got the purple Yam Souffle which takes 25 minutes to make and my friend got the fried squid tails. We also got a signature Rose Green Milk Tea to share. The waitress who took our order has great memory and recalled all of our items without writing it down. She also reminded me that I could adjust the ice and sugar levels of my drink which I had completely forgotten and would have got annoyed if my drink came out 100% sweetness. Another thing is that my drink order frequently comes out wrong at other locations so I was glad she got it right! Green tea instead of black tea and with milk instead of without milk. The purple Yam Souffle is just like the other locations. Hot, soft cakey texture balanced with an ice cold red bean Ice-Cream. So delicious! The squid tails on the other hand was not what we expected. It came out burnt and hard. The outer batter was not crispy either. We informed one of the waiters and he brought it back to inform the kitchen staff. We received a new batch that was not as burnt and had more flavoring this time around. However, the squid was still hard and not like the ones we get from other locations with smaller crispier pieces. Overall, it was still a good experience and I love the decorations at this location! This might be my second favorite location after the Flushing one. Would love to come back for brunch or hi-tea. Or regular food options when I have not already eaten dinner. My usual go-tos are the twister fries, Santa Fe chicken rolls, fried salted crispy chicken, and the trio dessert combo. However, this location has a lot more variety! FYI - there are two unisex restrooms in the rear for customers to use with really cute wallpapers too.

    This is always my favorite spot to go for desserts and hangout. The interior decor is very modern,…read moresophisticated and stylish. We ordered potted rose milk tea to share, Dubai affogato and Brown Sugar Boba Mille Crêpes Cake. We came on a Friday around 4pm. Originally I wanted to try the strawberry matchamisu, however, was told that it sold out. What a bummer. The rose milk tea came with a themed pot and cups which is really cute. The rose fragrant smelled so good and the milk tea also tasted good and has a hint of rose taste. The cake was good, the boba was well cooked, chewy and flavorful! This time there was an unpleasant experience. At first when the Dubai affogato was served, we did not realize that the amount of the coffee was little until we saw another customer's dish that the volume of their coffee looked significantly more than ours. My friend brought it to the waitress attention but the waitress brushed it off and did not acknowledge our concern. When we finished and were about to leave, the same waitress came over and showed us that the container of the coffee was different and hence the volume of the coffee looked different. At this point, we did not care for it anymore. We would have been fine if the staff acknowledged our concern. We thought that maybe using standardized containers for the coffee would avoid this problem. Other than that, the food and drinks were good.

    Photos
    Prince Tea House - Inside

    Inside

    Prince Tea House - Mango Mille Crpes Cake

    Mango Mille Crpes Cake

    Prince Tea House - Too

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    Too

    Cafe Zaiya - desserts - Updated May 2026

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