Plays an important role in deacetylating mercapturic acids in kidney proximal tubules. an N-acyl-aromatic L-alpha-amino acid + H2O = a carboxylate + an aromatic L-alpha-amino acid an N-acetyl-L-cysteine-S-conjugate + H2O = acetate + an S-substituted L-cysteine Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Homotetramer. Belongs to the AspA/AstE family. Aspartoacylase subfamily.