The ice rink is down at Bryant Park — a sure sign that spring is almost here.
And the perfect spot to watch the space transform from a winter wonderland to a warm weather oasis?
Cafe Zaiya, located on the second floor of Sixth Avenue’s Kinokuniya bookstore.
Just steps away from the 7 line’s Fifth Ave.-Bryant Park stop, the Japanese bakery has long been an affordable lunch spot for midtown office workers.
Most go for the traditional bento boxes — or donburi, Japanese rice bowls.
There’s also a large selection of wrapped sandwiches, including the customer favorite, chicken cutlet with the house mayo.
Lighter fare include sushi and onigri, Japanese rice balls.
Shaped into triangles, the rice “balls” come stuffed with salmon, shrimp tempura or spicy tuna.
Be sure to follow directions on how to unwrap it or the seaweed covering will quickly separate from the rice, turning the portable snack into a messy meal.
While most diners grab and go, the aerial view of Bryant Park from Cafe Zaiya’s window bar is truly worth a stay.
Stop by during the post-lunch rush and enjoy the cafe’s real gems: the pastries.
Sit down for a coffee — they brew Seattle’s Best — or better yet, a green tea latte. On hot days, Cafe Zaiya regulars recommend the black sesame frappe, a frothy milkshake made with ground sesame paste.
Pair the drinks with a savory bun like the C.O.B. (corn, onion and bacon) or satisfy your sweet tooth with yakimochi, a grilled rice cake stuffed with mashed azuki beans.
The desserts are a mix of East and West — the berry berry mousse, made of strawberries, raspberries and white chocolate, sits next to a green tea cake in the display case near the cash register.
Meanwhile, pudding cups come in flavors like mango mousse and tiramisu.
Between the food and the nearby shelves teeming with Japanese fashion magazines and mangas, it’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Tokyo.
Just ignore the yellow cabs rushing by underneath the window.
Cafe Zaiya 1073 Sixth Ave. at W. 41st St., 2nd Fl. (212) 764-6785.
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