Service at the Grill: The Art of Cooking Tableside at Zaya 1943

August 18, 2025

Why tableside service matters

Great steak is more than a cut. It is heat, timing, and care. At Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse in Chattanooga, your server manages the grill so every bite lands at peak flavor. You relax. We handle the fire.


What to expect

  • A warmed grill and a welcome. Your server sets the temperature and confirms doneness preferences.
  • Banchan and salad to start. Crisp, tangy sides keep your palate fresh between rounds.
  • Cook, rest, slice, serve. Each cut is seared, rested, and sliced at your table for the ideal texture and temperature.
  • Pacing to match your night. Slow and conversational or lively and celebratory. Tell us your style.


How we cook with precision

  • Heat zones: We build hotter and cooler areas on the grill. Rich cuts like A5 and Denver Wagyu get a fast sear. Dry-aged ribeye and NY strip get a balanced crust and a patient rest.
  • The rest: A brief pause after searing keeps juices in the steak and lets the aroma bloom.
  • The slice: We cut across the grain for tenderness and portion for easy sharing.
  • The finish: Only a light sprinkle of salt. Sauces are accents, not cover-ups.


Reading the room

Our team watches the details. Are you deep in conversation. We slow the cadence. Celebrating. We speed up the show. Water topped, plates cleared, grill refreshed. Quiet adjustments keep the focus on your table, not the logistics.


Tips for first-timers

  • Try your first bite with only salt. Add sauce on the second bite if you want contrast.
  • Alternate bites with banchan to keep flavors bright.
  • Tell us your doneness preference and any must-try cuts when you order.
  • If you are curious about A5, start with a small tasting to share.


Why this service style tastes better

  • Temperature control means consistent doneness across the table.
  • On-the-spot resting keeps steaks juicy with a clean finish.
  • Right-sized portions prevent palate fatigue, especially with rich cuts.
  • Attention to timing turns a grill into a guided tasting.


Private events with the same care

Host a celebration with us in Chattanooga. Our tableside service scales beautifully for groups of 15 to 72 in our private upstairs space or full second-floor buyout. We plan pacing, menus, and AV so you can host corporate events, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation parties, retirement celebrations, client dinners, networking receptions, team dinners, engagement parties, and bridal or baby showers without stress.


Quick FAQ

Can I request specific doneness?
Yes. We cook each cut to your preference.


Do I have to grill anything?
No. Our team handles the grill from start to finish.


Is the Feast mix and match per person?
The table chooses one set of four cuts, and each Feast guest receives that set for smooth pacing.


Can I add a cut mid-meal?
Absolutely. If you discover a favorite, ask for another round. Additional orders are priced à la carte.


steak restaurant
October 13, 2025
Bring Zaya to your venue. Live grilling, chef-driven stations, bartenders, and full-service staffing for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across Chattanooga.
local steakhouse
January 23, 2025
Zaya’s Butcher’s Feast. Choose any four items per person, with salad and banchan included. See step-by-step ordering tips, suggested combos, and FAQs.
dry-aged steak
November 11, 2022
Discover how Zaya’s two-story dry-age locker transforms ribeye and NY strip into butter-tender, deeply flavored steaks. Learn the process, tasting notes, and how to order.
best steakhouse restaurant
By Hibu Websites April 29, 2022
New to Korean steakhouse dining in Chattanooga? Learn what banchan is, how grilling which cuts first timers love at Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse.
A5 Wagyu Steak
October 26, 2021
What makes A5 Miyazaki Wagyu so special? Is it just the cut or is it something truly more? Learn more here.