Natsumi Tapas

In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of New York City, Natsumi Tapas stands out as a truly unique destination, offering a distinctive fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines. Located in the vibrant Gramercy Park neighborhood, this restaurant promises more than just a meal; it provides an intriguing culinary adventure where the delicate artistry of Japanese flavors meets the comforting richness of Italian traditions. For New Yorkers looking to explore innovative tastes in a stylish yet inviting setting, Natsumi Tapas presents a compelling option.

Natsumi Tapas has garnered attention for its ambitious concept, spearheaded by restaurateur Barbara Matsumura (known for Haru) in collaboration with Italian Chef Andrea Tiberi and Sushi Chef Hiroyuki Nagao (formerly of Nobu and Blue Ribbon Sushi). While the idea of a Japanese-Italian blend might initially raise eyebrows, the execution aims to deliver a harmonious balance. Patrons frequently highlight the exceptionally fresh sushi, often described as "absolutely amazing," especially considering its price point in the competitive New York market. Beyond the sushi, the menu extends to "tapas-style" portions that are surprisingly generous, encompassing a wide array of hot and cold dishes, from succulent grilled meats to delectable tempura and inventive pasta creations. The sleek decor, cozy ambiance with dimmed lights, and often efficient service contribute to an enjoyable dining experience, making Natsumi Tapas a notable choice for those seeking a fresh perspective on Asian-inspired cuisine.

Natsumi Tapas is conveniently located at 323 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA. This prime address places it squarely in the bustling Gramercy Park / Kips Bay area of Manhattan, a central and easily accessible neighborhood known for its mix of residential buildings, local businesses, and diverse dining options. The restaurant sits on a prominent corner of 3rd Avenue near 24th Street, making it highly visible and simple to locate.

Accessibility to Natsumi Tapas is a significant advantage for New Yorkers relying on public transportation. The restaurant is within a comfortable walking distance of several subway stations, providing excellent connectivity across Manhattan and other boroughs. Key subway lines and stations nearby include:

• 23rd Street Station: Served by the 6 (local), R, and W lines, offering easy access from various parts of Midtown, Union Square, and Lower Manhattan.
• 28th Street Station: Also served by the 6 (local) line.
• Union Square-14th Street: A major hub accessible via the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W lines, providing a slightly longer but still very manageable walk.

Numerous bus routes also operate along 3rd Avenue and cross streets, further enhancing accessibility. While street parking in this popular Manhattan neighborhood can be challenging, the abundance of public transport options makes Natsumi Tapas a practical and convenient choice for a memorable meal, whether you're dining in or opting for takeout. Its central location also makes it a great spot for an after-work dinner or a weekend outing in the city.

Natsumi Tapas offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a flexible and enjoyable dining experience for its New York clientele.

• Dine-in: The restaurant provides a stylish and comfortable dine-in experience. It features a well-designed interior with a spacious bar area and different sections in the dining room, including cozy booths and larger tables for groups. The ambiance is noted for being "not too dark" and lively enough to feel energetic, yet conducive to conversation.
• Takeout: For those preferring to enjoy their unique fusion dishes at home or on the go, convenient takeout services are available.
• Delivery: Natsumi Tapas partners with major third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Beyond Menu, making it incredibly convenient for New Yorkers to have their food delivered directly to their location.
• Reservations: While the restaurant has ample seating, reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours or for larger parties, to ensure a smooth and timely experience.
• Full Bar & Drink Program: Natsumi Tapas offers a comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages, including various sakes, cocktails, wines, and beers, designed to complement their Japanese and Italian fusion menu.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant operates for both lunch and dinner, providing options for different times of the day. They have specific lunch box specials and a la carte menus for both meal periods.
• Catering: Given its tapas style and capacity, Natsumi Tapas likely offers catering services for events and private parties, though this would require direct inquiry.
• Vegetarian Options: While not explicitly detailed, fusion menus often provide a range of vegetarian dishes across Japanese and Italian influences (e.g., vegetable tempura, edamame dumplings, spinach sesame, tofu dishes, various vegetable rolls, and vegetarian pasta/flatbread options).

Natsumi Tapas distinguishes itself within the New York City dining scene through a unique blend of culinary innovation and appealing features.

• Japanese-Italian Fusion Concept: This ambitious blend is a primary highlight, offering a rare and intriguing culinary experience. Dishes creatively combine elements from both cuisines, such as Panko Chicken Katsu Penne or Green Tea Gnocchi.
• Exceptional Sushi Quality: Despite the fusion concept, the sushi is consistently praised as "absolutely amazing" and "really good and fresh," especially considering the price range. Popular sushi and rolls include Chef Moriawase, Doppio Toro Roll, Tuna Roll, Tako, Hotate, and Rockshrimp Roll.
• Wide Range of "Tapas" Dishes: The menu features an extensive selection of hot and cold tapas.
  • Cold Tapas: Include fresh raw bar items like Kumamoto oysters (highly recommended by some), various carpaccios (salmon, tuna, hamachi), sashimi taco duets, and different tartares (tuna, salmon).
  • Hot Tapas (Seafood & Meats): Standouts include Rock Shrimp Tempura (frequently praised), Miso Black Cod, Grilled Filet Mignon, Japanese Crispy Chicken (Karaage), and King Crab Tom Yum dumplings.
  • Vegetable Tapas: Options like Edamame Dumplings and Vegetable Tempura are available.
• Unique and Creative Dishes: Beyond traditional items, Natsumi Tapas offers inventive creations like flatbread pizzas (Spicy Tuna Caviar, Seared Salmon), and unique desserts such as Tempura Ice Cream and Cannoli With Green Tea Ice Cream.
• Stylish and Cozy Ambiance: The restaurant boasts a "very nice looking" interior with a "cozy" yet spacious feel. Dimmed lights contribute to an intimate atmosphere that is still lively enough for conversation.
• Attentive and Efficient Service: While there can be minor initial missteps (like overly attentive waiters at the start or difficulty flagging them down later), the staff is generally described as "mind and efficient," striving to be polite and accommodating.
• Value for Money: Despite being located in Manhattan, many "tapas" portions are noted as "quite large and bigger than entrees at some of the chic eateries downtown," and the overall pricing is seen as excellent given the quality.
• Diverse Drink Menu: A comprehensive bar selection, including a variety of sake, Japanese beers, and specialty cocktails, complements the food perfectly.

Natsumi Tapas offers compelling promotions, most notably its Happy Hour, which provides New Yorkers with an excellent opportunity to experience their unique Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine and extensive beverage program at attractive price points.

• Happy Hour:
  • Availability: Historically, Happy Hour has been available on specific days and times (e.g., Monday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM). It's advisable to check their current schedule as these can be subject to change.
  • Deals: During Happy Hour, patrons can typically enjoy discounts on signature cocktails and draft beers, making it an ideal spot for an after-work gathering or an early evening pre-dinner drink.
• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, restaurants with "tapas" style menus often offer lunch specials to attract daytime diners. It's recommended to check their online menu or call directly for any specific lunch deals.

For the most current and comprehensive information on any ongoing promotions, daily specials, or seasonal menu highlights, it is highly recommended to:

• Visit their official website: www.natsumitapas.com is the best source for up-to-date menus and special offers.
• Check popular food delivery platforms: Websites and apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats often highlight current deals or promotions offered by the restaurant.
• Call the restaurant directly: A quick phone call to (212) 889-2182 (an alternative phone number found online) or the provided (718) 622-2889 can provide immediate details.

For inquiries, reservations, takeout orders, or to learn more about Natsumi Tapas, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 323 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA
• Phone: (212) 213-6258 (Primary phone provided in query)
  • Other numbers found online: (212) 889-2182, (212) 889-2186 (may be alternative lines or older information). It's best to try the provided number first.

Natsumi Tapas typically operates for both lunch and dinner. Lunch hours may vary, while dinner service generally begins in the late afternoon and extends into the late evening. For precise operating hours, especially for dine-in availability or on public holidays, it is always advisable to call ahead or check their official website or listings on popular dining platforms.

For New Yorkers seeking a dining experience that genuinely breaks the mold, Natsumi Tapas offers a compelling and highly suitable option. Its unique fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines provides a fresh perspective, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate culinary innovation and want to explore beyond traditional Japanese or Italian fare. This is not just a place to eat; it's a destination for an interesting and often delightful culinary journey.

The consistent praise for its "absolutely amazing" sushi, often noted for being high quality at a reasonable price, is a significant draw in a city where excellent sushi can be notoriously expensive. Beyond sushi, the extensive menu of "tapas" style dishes, including highly recommended items like Kumamoto oysters, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and various grilled meats, ensures there's something to satisfy every craving. The stylish yet cozy atmosphere, with its dim lighting and comfortable seating, creates an inviting backdrop for both casual meals and more special occasions. Add to this the attentive service and the strategic Gramercy Park location with easy access via public transport, and Natsumi Tapas emerges as a truly distinctive and valuable addition to New York City's diverse dining scene, perfect for locals looking to explore new flavors and enjoy a sophisticated yet relaxed meal.

Natsumi Tapas

323 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA