By: Marissa Ross
When Brooklyn-based entrepreneur Lule Demmissie envisioned her next creative chapter, she didn’t start with a spreadsheet or a business plan; she started with a table. A place where people could slow down, share stories, and rediscover connection. That vision became ZaGaya Wine Bar, Windsor Terrace’s newest cultural hub and soulful speakeasy.
“ZaGaya was born to be more than a wine bar; it’s a gathering place where neighbors, friends, and families can slow down, share a table, and feel at home in a space that celebrates both beauty and belonging,” says Demmissie.
Located at 471 16th Street, between Prospect Park West and 10th Avenue, ZaGaya (pronounced zuh-GUY-uh) draws on North African, Ethiopian, and Mediterranean influences to create a globally inspired retreat in the heart of Brooklyn.
Demmissie calls it a reflection of her life’s journey, “Our beautiful space, menu, and vibe are deeply personal, a reflection of my Brooklyn and Ethiopian roots, African warmth, and Mediterranean traditions, brought together to create flavors that shaped me and invite others to discover this alchemy.”
Born in Ethiopia, Demmissie has spent her career building bridges between culture, business, and community. A former CEO of eToro US, with senior roles at TD Ameritrade and Morgan Stanley, she now serves as Global Chief Marketing Officer at ABC Fitness and Chair of the Board at Safeplace International, an NGO supporting displaced LGBTQ+ refugees. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, and CNBC.
Inside, ZaGaya feels like a story unfolding through taste and sound. The wine list balances elegance and adventure: Nebbiolo offers rose and spice, Chablis delivers mineral clarity, and Krasno Orange brings a bold, textured edge. At its heart is Saba Tej, a golden honey wine, Ethiopia’s ancient elixir, that anchors the bar’s cocktail program.
ZaGaya reimagines Tej with a modern twist. The Autumn Lavender Tej layers floral and seasonal spice; Apple Cider Tej blends crisp apple with warmth; and the Spicy Lioness Tej captures East African fire in a single sip.
Non-drinkers aren’t left behind: house-made mocktails and non-alcoholic wines, like the Rose Water & Cardamom Elixir, Mint Fizz, and Zero-Proof Negroni, offer inclusive, full-flavor experiences. Artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and Ethiopian-influenced small plates round out a menu meant for sharing.
The bar’s diverse offering of food and drink reflects Demmissie’s commitment to honoring the rich cultural tapestry of her roots. The menu features a harmonious blend of ingredients sourced from across North Africa, Ethiopia, and the Mediterranean. Signature dishes such as spiced lamb skewers, za’atar flatbreads, and homemade hummus allow guests to indulge in flavors that connect history and tradition with a modern twist. The food menu is designed to complement the carefully curated wine list, where each dish is paired with a wine that enhances the overall dining experience. This unique fusion of flavors creates a truly immersive experience for ZaGaya’s patrons, making it not just a place to eat and drink, but a place to experience a fusion of cultures in every bite.
What makes ZaGaya feel different isn’t just what’s poured into the glass, but what fills the room. On select Friday and Saturday nights, the bar comes alive with live music; Wednesdays bring spoken word and poetry. Even on quiet evenings, the playlists hum with global soul, transforming the space into what Demmissie calls the neighborhood’s “living room.”
“At ZaGaya, music, poetry, and art aren’t extras, they are the rhythm of our everyday lives, weaving joy and reflection into each moment we share,” she says. “I’m grateful to offer a beautiful space where people can slow down, savor, and connect.”
ZaGaya is now open and accepting reservations on Resy, offering Windsor Terrace more than a new place to dine; it’s a place to belong. With its global-soul aesthetic, intimate design, and community heartbeat, ZaGaya embodies Brooklyn’s ability to turn culture into connection.
Disclaimer: Alcoholic beverages should be consumed responsibly. Individuals must be of legal drinking age in their respective location to consume alcohol. Always drink in moderation and never drive under the influence.
