Madison was amazing suggested the best drinks and gave the best suggestions. Would definitely come back.
Nichole “Nicky” B
It was a great atmosphere, food was good service was great. I'll be back
denise stansell
The short rib pasta was uneditable to the point of me having to take it home to revamp it!!! Tv love island was too too loud Crowd a little young for me but I survived
Guido Karp
First things first: the pizzas we had were awesome. The ambiance is great, and the service was excellent. Why three stars? I called and was told the show starts at 8 pm. So I made a reservation for 7:30, so we could chill in and enjoy.
The first musician arrived at 8:15 to start assembling his instruments. The show began at 8:45 - fair enough. We were told, though, when we were seated, that we were booked in for 90 minutes. The whole upper floor was empty - we were the only people there. I found it outright rude that we were put under time pressure for absolutely no reason. A 20% tip was added without advance notice. The service was great, but I'm not a fan of being taken advantage of, so I'm giving it three stars only. It would have been easy to make this a five-star experience. A shame, really.
Guido Karp
First things first: the pizzas we had were awesome. The ambiance is great, and the service was excellent. Why three stars? I called and was told the show starts at 8 pm. So I made a reservation for 7:30, so we could chill in and enjoy.
The first musician arrived at 8:15 to start assembling his instruments. The show began at 8:45 - fair enough. We were told, though, when we were seated, that we were booked in for 90 minutes. The whole upper floor was empty - we were the only people there. I found it outright rude that we were put under time pressure for absolutely no reason. A 20% tip was added without advance notice. The service was great, but I'm not a fan of being taken advantage of, so I'm giving it three stars only. It would have been easy to make this a five-star experience. A shame, really.
Unique Dandridge
Zaya DTLA has a really nice vibe. It is the kind of place you go to enjoy the atmosphere and the setting. I went with a group of friends, and while the food and drinks were decent, the experience was more about the environment. I recommend going when there is live music and making a reservation ahead of time. If you are looking for a spot with a great vibe, this is a good choice.
Brittney Harris
This is def my go to spot downtown. I’ve been here 3 times now. The live music is always great, as is the DJ. I’ve had the shrimp pasta and short rib pastas. So good!!…but the shrimp is my favorite. The vibes are nice. Service at the bar can be slow if it’s busy but everyone has been friendly. My favorite drinks are the Brown Sugar Baby and the Cinnamon Spice drink. I thought the house Margarita could’ve been stronger. My only real critique is that the downstairs dinner tables are SMALL/SHORT. I don’t enjoy sitting at tables that I can’t fit my legs under. The upstairs lounge/couch seating is very comfortable. Just go!!!
Lortir Pierre-Louis
A Disappointing Decline in Service
I’ve been supporting this establishment since it opened because I genuinely believe in the concept. The ambiance, when done right, is unmatched—this place can be a real vibe. But sadly, what keeps bringing it down is the inconsistent, frustrating, and at times outright rude customer service.
My recent experience was the tipping point.
After an event, my friends and I decided to stop by for pizza and drinks. The venue was visibly half-empty, so we expected a quick seating. Instead, we were told there would be a 45-minute wait. Naturally, we asked why—and were met with unnecessary attitude from the front-of-house staff. It felt like asking a basic question was a personal offense.
It’s unfortunate because the hostesses are clearly chosen for their looks—but professionalism and hospitality matter far more in this industry. Several of the rotating hosts seem to lack even the most basic training in customer interaction.
Still, I tried to give the benefit of the doubt, until I spoke with the manager. That interaction made it abundantly clear the issue isn’t just the staff—it’s the leadership. When I asked about the wait, the manager flatly stated that all walk-ins would be delayed 45 minutes, regardless of how empty the restaurant is. No effort to understand, no attempt to accommodate—just a pompous attitude backed by bad policy.
This isn’t just bad service. It’s a recipe for failure.
I want this business to succeed. I really do. But if management continues to treat customers as inconveniences rather than guests, they’re going to push loyal patrons like myself—and many others—away for good.
Let’s be real: This isn’t a reservation-only, high-end destination (yet). It’s a promising local spot with good food and a great vibe—when run right. But the current approach to service simply doesn’t align with that potential.
Final Thought
If the owners see this: please, take this seriously. You have something special here, but it’s slipping. Train your staff. Hold your managers accountable. Start valuing the customers who want to see you win.
Because right now, you’re making it really hard to keep rooting for you.
Matt H
Shady place. Just hyped up.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Vudu Dahl
This is my first time at Zaya, and I happened to walk in on a live music night. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment I stepped in, I was struck by how beautiful the place is. The vibe is incredible! I’m usually a bit hesitant about trying new spots, but Raef was fantastic—he knew the menu inside and out and made some amazing drinks.
Phenomenal! The drinks (and the mocktails) are top notch, the food is incredible (try the Bollywood pizza) and the vibe is perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kugawa Healing
I recently visited Zaya with a top model and internationally renowned actress, both visiting America and seeking a sophisticated, international atmosphere. Zaya was the perfect choice. The elegant ambiance and attention to detail in the decor transported us, capturing that cosmopolitan vibe they were after. The staff went above and beyond, offering warm and attentive service that made the experience unforgettable. A truly exceptional venue for anyone looking to impress and immerse themselves in elegance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
KRYSTAL QUINTO
i went on a Thursday to the jazz show. I got thrown a metal chair by a man and pushed as I was approaching my friends and they forcefully escorted me out. And this man punched my sister in the mouth. They said they were going to investigate when I emailed them and they never replied to me again.don't go here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Dawit Wilson
The vibes, the weekly smooth live music, the food, the DJ’d events— this is an oasis in the downtown LA scene. 10/10 recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Venus
Took my friends for a B.day celebration at Zaya. Raef was so sweet and accommodating! 10/10 service and food!
Madison was amazing suggested the best drinks and gave the best suggestions. Would definitely come back.
It was a great atmosphere, food was good service was great. I'll be back
The short rib pasta was uneditable to the point of me having to take it home to revamp it!!!
Tv love island was too too loud
Crowd a little young for me but I survived
First things first: the pizzas we had were awesome. The ambiance is great, and the service was excellent. Why three stars? I called and was told the show starts at 8 pm. So I made a reservation for 7:30, so we could chill in and enjoy. The first musician arrived at 8:15 to start assembling his instruments. The show began at 8:45 - fair enough. We were told, though, when we were seated, that we were booked in for 90 minutes. The whole upper floor was empty - we were the only people there. I found it outright rude that we were put under time pressure for absolutely no reason. A 20% tip was added without advance notice. The service was great, but I'm not a fan of being taken advantage of, so I'm giving it three stars only. It would have been easy to make this a five-star experience. A shame, really.
First things first: the pizzas we had were awesome. The ambiance is great, and the service was excellent. Why three stars? I called and was told the show starts at 8 pm. So I made a reservation for 7:30, so we could chill in and enjoy.
The first musician arrived at 8:15 to start assembling his instruments. The show began at 8:45 - fair enough. We were told, though, when we were seated, that we were booked in for 90 minutes. The whole upper floor was empty - we were the only people there. I found it outright rude that we were put under time pressure for absolutely no reason. A 20% tip was added without advance notice. The service was great, but I'm not a fan of being taken advantage of, so I'm giving it three stars only. It would have been easy to make this a five-star experience. A shame, really.
Zaya DTLA has a really nice vibe. It is the kind of place you go to enjoy the atmosphere and the setting. I went with a group of friends, and while the food and drinks were decent, the experience was more about the environment. I recommend going when there is live music and making a reservation ahead of time. If you are looking for a spot with a great vibe, this is a good choice.
This is def my go to spot downtown. I’ve been here 3 times now. The live music is always great, as is the DJ. I’ve had the shrimp pasta and short rib pastas. So good!!…but the shrimp is my favorite. The vibes are nice. Service at the bar can be slow if it’s busy but everyone has been friendly. My favorite drinks are the Brown Sugar Baby and the Cinnamon Spice drink. I thought the house Margarita could’ve been stronger. My only real critique is that the downstairs dinner tables are SMALL/SHORT. I don’t enjoy sitting at tables that I can’t fit my legs under. The upstairs lounge/couch seating is very comfortable. Just go!!!
A Disappointing Decline in Service
I’ve been supporting this establishment since it opened because I genuinely believe in the concept. The ambiance, when done right, is unmatched—this place can be a real vibe. But sadly, what keeps bringing it down is the inconsistent, frustrating, and at times outright rude customer service.
My recent experience was the tipping point.
After an event, my friends and I decided to stop by for pizza and drinks. The venue was visibly half-empty, so we expected a quick seating. Instead, we were told there would be a 45-minute wait. Naturally, we asked why—and were met with unnecessary attitude from the front-of-house staff. It felt like asking a basic question was a personal offense.
It’s unfortunate because the hostesses are clearly chosen for their looks—but professionalism and hospitality matter far more in this industry. Several of the rotating hosts seem to lack even the most basic training in customer interaction.
Still, I tried to give the benefit of the doubt, until I spoke with the manager. That interaction made it abundantly clear the issue isn’t just the staff—it’s the leadership. When I asked about the wait, the manager flatly stated that all walk-ins would be delayed 45 minutes, regardless of how empty the restaurant is. No effort to understand, no attempt to accommodate—just a pompous attitude backed by bad policy.
This isn’t just bad service. It’s a recipe for failure.
I want this business to succeed. I really do. But if management continues to treat customers as inconveniences rather than guests, they’re going to push loyal patrons like myself—and many others—away for good.
Let’s be real: This isn’t a reservation-only, high-end destination (yet). It’s a promising local spot with good food and a great vibe—when run right. But the current approach to service simply doesn’t align with that potential.
Final Thought
If the owners see this: please, take this seriously. You have something special here, but it’s slipping. Train your staff. Hold your managers accountable. Start valuing the customers who want to see you win.
Because right now, you’re making it really hard to keep rooting for you.
Shady place. Just hyped up.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
This is my first time at Zaya, and I happened to walk in on a live music night. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment I stepped in, I was struck by how beautiful the place is. The vibe is incredible! I’m usually a bit hesitant about trying new spots, but Raef was fantastic—he knew the menu inside and out and made some amazing drinks.
Restaurantji Recommends
Phenomenal! The drinks (and the mocktails) are top notch, the food is incredible (try the Bollywood pizza) and the vibe is perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently visited Zaya with a top model and internationally renowned actress, both visiting America and seeking a sophisticated, international atmosphere. Zaya was the perfect choice. The elegant ambiance and attention to detail in the decor transported us, capturing that cosmopolitan vibe they were after. The staff went above and beyond, offering warm and attentive service that made the experience unforgettable. A truly exceptional venue for anyone looking to impress and immerse themselves in elegance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
i went on a Thursday to the jazz show. I got thrown a metal chair by a man and pushed as I was approaching my friends and they forcefully escorted me out. And this man punched my sister in the mouth. They said they were going to investigate when I emailed them and they never replied to me again.don't go here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The vibes, the weekly smooth live music, the food, the DJ’d events— this is an oasis in the downtown LA scene. 10/10 recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Took my friends for a B.day celebration at Zaya. Raef was so sweet and accommodating! 10/10 service and food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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