Los Angeles restaurant stabbing at Zaya leaves five hospitalized after brunch altercation

A brunch at Zaya in downtown Los Angeles devolved into violence in what authorities describe as a Los Angeles restaurant stabbing, leaving five women hospitalized, one critically, according to officials on March 25, 2026.

Police say the group of women was dining in the 500 block of West 7th Street when an argument over the bill escalated. Los Angeles Police Capt. Kelly Muniz said one woman grabbed a knife and stabbed at least two people, and another diner struck the initial assailant with a bottle, smashing it on the woman's head. Officers arrived at the scene around 5 p.m. and took two suspects into custody.

The injured range in age from 26 to 37; five were transported to area hospitals, and the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed this week that one patient was in serious condition. Police reported on Tuesday there was no immediate update on the victims' recoveries, and they have not released details about relationships among the women or what sparked the dispute.

Authorities identified the arrested women as Dara Newsome, 29, and Kumiko Howard, 26. Both were booked on felony charges; Howard remains in custody while Newsome posted $30,000 bail on Monday and is due back in court on April 13.

The restaurant posted on Instagram that it was aware of the incident and described the events as beyond its control. Zaya, led by chef Ty Bri, is known for a Southern-influenced menu and a "dinner and a show" format, pairing food with music and private events, according to the restaurant.