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    Za-Ya

    4.5 (56 reviews)
    Closed 5:30 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    ZA-YA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Za-Ya

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    Tan Tan noodles
    Will N.

    Cute, modern interior with a decent menu selection. As someone who actually prefers dry noodles, I was pleased to find the brothless Tan Tan Noodles. It has a nice al dente finish and surprisingly spicy taste. I usually request additional spices/seasoning but didn't need to hear. I tried my guest's ramen soup, but that lacks in flavor and depth. Knowing a couple of other spots in the area, this may not be my number 1 recommendations.

    Saba
    Macarena O.

    A good Japanese restaurant with a varieties of fishes (heaven for pescatarian people!), ramen and some appetizers. I got the saba fish and the poke bowl to share. The saba fish was delicious - so tender and flavorful. The poke bowl wasn't worth it. It came with too much rice and few pieces of fish. The prices are very reasonable and the staff were nice and attentive.

    Dexter D.

    We were passing by Brooklyn when we discovered this place - Za-Ya Ramen. Small spot but it's packed with regulars. Great food, outstanding service, and cool cozy interior. The chef was friendly and accommodating. We definitely would come back again.

    Chicken  Karaage
    Jia-Lian L.

    I got the chicken karaage and I was pleasantly surprised. The chicken was juicy and succulent. The sauce was tasty too. The crispy was good and it was affordable. It just wasn't as much as I'd prefer but it's fine. My only complaint was the mochi icce cream I got. It was $5 with strawberry but it only had one mochi and 1 strawberry. Definitely not worth it but that wasn't a main dish so it doesn't matter too much.

    Karaage
    Erin Y.

    the best vegetarian ramen i've ever had the mushroom highly recommend. and juicy soft karaage. such nice staff too

    Gyukotsu
    Yin Y.

    It's about 3.3. Never have I seen a beef ramen in nyc. The beefy flavor really came through on the broth. The downside was that only one slice of beef or 2 small slices of pork belly and no egg came on both ramen. It didn't really worth the $19 +$3 (egg) price tag. I wasn't full after the ramen. The okonomiyaki was too dense compared to the ones I had before. Everything was a bit on the strong flavor side for me.

    spicy Gyukotsu Miso
    Chantel T.

    This place has taken its spot as my favorite ramen in NYC. I walk past Za-Ya often and always noticed the lovely interior and ambiance inside -- so one day I decided to check it out and was not disappointed. I enjoy dining alone, and this place is so good for that and also for dates or intimate group hangs. The bar is a great place to enjoy your meal and watch the kitchen prep. Love the interior design -- sleek, modern, dim lighting and black matte accents. The service is prompt and friendly as well. The menu itself is the highlight. Great selection of ramen options and there's even oat milk and miso broths for vegan/vegetarian friends. I got the signature Short Rib ramen and was not disappointed -- gorgeous rich broth full of flavor, well cooked noodles. There's also an extensive drink list, and I opted for a delicious strawberry sake. Can't wait to come back and try more! Would 100% make the trek out to Bushwick for Za-Ya.

    Paige B.

    Hands down best ramen I've ever had in my life.. and I've had a lot of ramen. I got the mushroom one- it's sad how many chefs don't know how to work with mushrooms but here they reallyyy know what they're doing with the broth and those Shiitakes. My mouth is watering thinking about it. Can't wait to go back

    Okonomiyaki
    Julia H.

    Sunday evening dinner at Za-Ya was an unexpectedly great experience! Hadn't heard of this spot before but it has an impressive Yelp rating so had to check it out. It's a small but mighty space-- they've done a great job curating a vibe which I feel like could be great in the winter months when you're craving a bowl of hot ramen. We split an order od karaage which comes with spicy mayo. Pleased to report that it seemed to be kewpie (iykyk) and the breading of the karaage was authentic. Though they seem to be known for ramen, I opted for the bacon okonomiyaki as my entree. To be completely honest I had low expectations as I have yet to have a quality okonomiyaki in the States (that wasn't made by someone in my family) but they did a great job. The cabbage wasn't overly hard or bitter and it had a good amount of bacon which added a great salty punch. Plenty of high quality bonito flakes and aonori was the cherry on top. Sake was solid and I have a feeling this will be a go-to spot for me in the area.

    Ramem with chicken broth
    Anggie B.

    The place is superb, it gives a comfy ambience once you enter. Very good service, and food is really good. Gotta try the tofu appetizer, it is homemade and chili is addictive.

    #delicious
    Sam D.

    Easily one of my girlfriend Julie and I's favorite spots. The atmosphere, the staff, and of course the food! If you love Ramen you have to come here. It's unlike any other. The oatmilk broth is out of this world. I usually start off with the Karaage or the mushrooms or the rash fish... but almost always go for the Gyokutsu Ramen. Don't pass up the Egg! Julie goes for the vegetarian ramen which is very very different but still amazing. If you're not a fan of ramen, then give this place a try - it will make you love it! :)

    Outside
    Joy C.

    Fantastic hidden ramen gem in Brooklyn. They opened up this second store spring of 2021. When we first arrived for dinner, there was no one doing inside- I almost had second thoughts for this restaurant but I'm glad I stuck it out. It was amazing and people started pouring in after we were seated and finished ordering. Upon sitting down, the owner explained that the menu, order, and payment will be processed through a website called Toast Tab which is available through QR code on the table. Caveat is that you need to enter your credit card information prior to placing the order. We ordered unagi pie, karaage, gyukotsu miso ramen, and shoyu ramen. To our pleasant surprise we loved everything! Unagi pie was definitely the most unique out of them all- sautéed unagi filling wrapped with puff pastry pie. Karaage was very well done as well. Very hot when it was served- crunchy on the outside but extremely tender on the inside. Both ramens we ordered were impeccable but I highly recommend the gyukotsu miso ramen. Gyukotsu was a delight, it was easy to chew and melted in my mouth. I only wished there were more! Overall this is a ramen shop I would definitely come back. The only caveat is this ramen shop is slightly pricier than other stores I've been to.

    Our burnt Okonomiyaki. We had to scrape the top to eat what was edible

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    2 years ago

    Simply fantastic from service to the rich flavorful ramen broths and great noodle texture, to the interesting other menu options. Loved it

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    1 year ago

    Ramen was fantastic. Homemade tofu is THE BEST. Great place to eat before show at Knockdown.

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    2 years ago

    Best ramen I've had! The staff was also kind and fast. I recommend this restaurant to anyone and I'm so happy it's in the neighborhood.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Za-Ya

    Is it japanese or chinese (fake jap.)?

    I believe it's Real Japanese

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    My family and I had the most amazing lunch here recently. We came on a weekday shortly after…read moreopening and were seated right away. My husband had the kaishin don, I had the Ozakaya donburi set and our girls shared the shoyu tonkatsu ramen. The fish was so incredibly fresh here and the rice was seasoned perfectly. My donburi set also came with dashi broth that the waitress later brought over to pour on top of the leftover rice in my bowl to be enjoyed at the end of the meal. The broth and rice combination was really comforting and satisfying. This dish was something I wanted to try in Japan but did not get a chance to experience when there, so I was excited to try it at Ozakaya. I was really pleasantly surprised by the ramen here as well. Although the pork could have been better/more tender, the broth was rich and seasoned so well and not too salty like other places. Last but not least, the service here was excellent and efficient. I would definitely come back here the next time I visit Brooklyn as there were many dishes on the menu I wanted to try!

    The sun was out, cherry blossoms were in full bloom, so we stopped by here after walking around the…read moreBrooklyn Botanic Garden, honestly perfect timing and vibes. This place is super popular and I get why. It was packed but the service was insanely quick and efficient, which I appreciated. We shared the chirashi (9/10) and a spicy tuna roll (7/10) and it was honestly more than enough food for both of us. The sashimi is chef's choice so you're getting whatever's freshest that day. Overall, the quality was excellent. A couple of pieces were a little on the flavorless side, but nothing that ruined the experience. I'd still give it a solid 9/10 and would definitely come back if I'm in the area again.

    Izakaya Nana

    Izakaya Nana

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    We met up with another couple to try this Japanese Izakaya style restaurant and honestly didn't go…read morein with high expectations--especially since we've all traveled to Japan and experienced the real thing. But this place completely knocked it out of the park. It far exceeded everything we anticipated. We were seated in a private booth, which made the experience feel even more authentic and intimate. Every dish that came out was absolutely delicious, thoughtfully prepared, and beautifully presented. They even provided a bell to press for service, and each time, the server appeared almost instantly with a warm smile. It's clear the owner and management truly know how to create and run a successful business--from the attention to detail to the seamless service and overall experience. For a moment, it truly felt like we had been transported back to Japan. An unforgettable dining experience.

    Met up with friends over the weekend to catch up. Glad we chose this place. Such a neat place with…read moregood ambiance and decor is fun. Tough to choose since wanted to try lots on the menu. Started off with the raw oysters topped with uni which tasted very fresh. The crazy nana roll was a unique take of shrimp tempura , spicy tuna, mango, eel, avocado and crab. Lots going on but explosion of flavor. The unadon was eel over rice which was a big portion of eel. Sweet and tasty. Overall great night of food and company.

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    So this place is small and charming, dark and well I hate to say it (cus it sounds cliche now) but…read moreit's a vibe. For real. From the decor to the music to its surroundings. She's a gem. The service was attentive yet not pushy. Knowledgeable and hospitable without being extra. Just chill and on point overall. They definitely read the room and that's my favorite kind of service. The food: Chicken curry katsu! Perfection! Carbonara udon! Delightful! Black garlic ramen! Delicious! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will not be disappointed! Honestly. And tbh, literally because of that, we're headed back today! lol. Like for real no joke haha

    Izakaya Fuku in New York offers the kind of dining experience that feels memorable from the very…read morestart. Even before the food arrives, the restaurant leaves a strong impression with its stunning Japanese-inspired interior. The space is beautifully designed, blending warmth and elegance in a way that feels both inviting and refined. From the soft lighting to the natural wood accents and thoughtfully arranged decor, everything about the atmosphere feels intentional. It captures the intimate charm of a traditional izakaya while still feeling modern and stylish, making it a wonderful setting for anything from a casual dinner to a more special night out. The food more than lived up to the beauty of the space. One of the first highlights was the salmon onigiri, a dish that proved how satisfying simplicity can be when it is done well. The rice was soft, fresh, and perfectly formed, holding together without feeling too compact, while the salmon added a savory richness that made each bite feel comforting and flavorful. It was balanced, delicate, and deeply satisfying in a way that made it memorable despite its simplicity. The seared salmon salad was another standout. The salmon itself was beautifully prepared, with a lightly seared exterior that gave it a subtle crispness, while the inside remained tender, buttery, and smooth. That contrast in texture made the dish especially enjoyable. Paired with the freshness of the salad, it felt light and refreshing, yet still substantial enough to feel like more than just a side dish. It was a dish that managed to feel both clean and indulgent at the same time. The grilled squid was particularly impressive and easily one of the most memorable items of the meal. Squid can often be difficult to get right, as it can become rubbery or overly chewy if even slightly overcooked, but that was absolutely not the case here. The texture was spectacular--tender, delicate, and pleasantly springy without any toughness. Each bite had a light smokiness from the grill that added depth, while the squid itself retained its natural sweetness. It was expertly prepared and showcased a level of precision that really stood out. For the main courses, both the Tonkatsu Ramen and the Black Pepper Ramen delivered distinct experiences, each with its own appeal. The Tonkatsu Ramen was deeply comforting and satisfying, with a broth that had a rich, velvety texture and a full-bodied depth that coated the palate beautifully. It felt smooth, hearty, and luxurious without being too heavy. The noodles had an ideal texture as well--firm enough to provide a satisfying bite, yet soft enough to soak up the broth and integrate perfectly into the dish. Altogether, it was a bowl that felt warming, balanced, and incredibly comforting. The Black Pepper Ramen, on the other hand, brought a bolder and more assertive flavor profile. The broth had a smooth, glossy texture, and the noodles again had a pleasing chew that gave the dish structure and substance. The black pepper added an unmistakable warmth and aromatic intensity that made the ramen stand out immediately. It was flavorful and memorable, though the pepper was slightly overwhelming at times. A bit less black pepper would have allowed the other flavors in the broth to come through more clearly and created a more balanced bowl. Even so, the ramen was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate strong, pepper-forward flavors. Overall, Izakaya Fuku is a restaurant that succeeds on every level. The stunning Japanese interior creates an atmosphere that feels both immersive and elegant, while the food reflects a real attention to detail in both flavor and texture. From the comforting salmon onigiri, to the fresh and beautifully prepared seared salmon salad, to the expertly grilled squid with its exceptional texture, and finally the rich and satisfying ramen dishes, every part of the meal felt carefully executed. It is a place that offers not just excellent food, but a complete dining experience, and it is well worth visiting for anyone looking for standout Japanese cuisine in New York.

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    SERVICE - located in Williamsburg a few streets away from…read morethe waterfront - amazing service. from the moment we stepped in i felt like all the workers were very attuned to taking care of the customer. we were immediately asked if we had dietary preferences and handed separate vegan menus. when we sat down, the lady taking our orders thoughtfully walked us through the menu options and gave us her recommendations. we later got to speak with one of the co owners and he was very receptive to feedback. - two floors of seating gives it ample space to accommodate diners - outdoor patio available though not on the chilly day we went - ambiance good for a semi casual meal - food served relatively quickly MENU - Japanese fusion brunch and dinner menus - vegan/vegetarian options available - average price FOOD - the hangry panda (9/10): roasted potatoes, tofu scramble, mushroom sausage balls, with a side of housemade fennel raisin sourdough. This sounded like a perfect savory brunch for someone who likes to try multiple things. Every item had been carefully thought through and very well executed. The potatoes were crispy on the edges and fluffy in the middle. The tofu scramble was soft and almost silky. The mushroom balls were delicious. They had a crispy exterior and a slightly chewy but not tough interior. I would order those on their own as an appetizer. The star of the plate for me was the bread. The owner who spoke to us told us he makes it himself and it shows how much care he put into baking it. The structure of the crumb was airy with a crunchy crust. I loved the addition of fennel and raisins for sweetness and a touch of warmth. The only small tweak that I would make to this is to add something fresh like a side salad or sautéed greens, as i think the bitterness would round out the flavors. WOULD I GO BACK? Yes! I am hoping to see their plant based selection expand

    Za-Ya - ramen - Updated May 2026

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