Review: NATSUMI TAPAS in Kips Bay for Creative and Delicious Cuisine

You will be delighted and surprised by Natsumi Tapas, a gem of a restaurant in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan. This is a spot with a unique and wonderful concept. Renowned gastropreneur, Barbara Matsumura has teamed up with Chef Haru Konagaya to create a menu of small plates that creatively fuse Japanese and Italian flavors. Each and every plate is beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. One visit and you will be hooked. There's no other spot in the city like Natsumi.

Natsumi's location is convenient for area businesses, the Flatiron District and the local CUNY community. Sit back and relax in the stylish setting with seating options for all size parties that includes the restaurant area, bar and lounge. Take time to explore the menu. From their specialty sushi rolls to artisanal pasta dishes and inventive flatbreads, there's something for everyone's tastes and dietary preferences. And the selections are perfect for table sharing.

Natsumi uses the finest ingredients to create their menu items. Cold tapas like their Spicy Sunomono is a version of a classic Japanese dish that uses shrimp, octopus, kani and surf clam in a sweet sake konbu vinaigrette. And the Salmon Shisho Tartar perfectly incorporates the flavors or orange, avocado and wasabi tobiko. Hot Tapas can round out your choices with delicious items like their Blue Crab Dumpling with ginger soy vinaigrette, Crispy Calamari or Ciao Meatballs with spicy scallion marinara.

Natsumi's sushi couldn't be better. We like that they have traditional choices of sushi and sashimi and their own special creations like the Natsumi Roll with tuna, spicy tuna, apple and basil or their Day Dream with shrimp tempura, avocado, jalapeno and cream cheese.

And pasta lovers will love the Tofu Ravioli with grilled shitake and parmesan cream sauce, the Green Tea Gnocci with asparagus and capers or the Shrimp Fettuccine with a burst of citrus from yuzu tobiko in an alfredo sauce.

Natsumi's flatbreads are totally distinctive. With a light crust, you can indulge in taste sensations like their Spicy Chicken, Seared Salmon or Green Tea Ricotta.

Natsumi's General Manager, Shawn Tomassi has designed a beverage program that pairs wonderfully with the food menu and includes beer, sake, and a fine wine list as well as a complete list of hand-crafted cocktails featuring fresh juices and purees. Try the "Rising Sun-gria," with sparkling red wine, blackberry brandy, peach schnapps and fruit puree, garnished with lychee or the "Whiskey Hunny," a drink with real Asian flair that combines Japanese whiskey with yuzu honey and yuzu juice.

Gather your group and be sure to drop by for Natsumi's Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 when there are drink specials and the freshest oysters to enjoy.

Whether you visit Natsumi Tapas for drinks, a light meal or a full dinner, one trip to will never be enough.

Natsumi Tapas is conveniently located at 323 Third Avenue at 24th Street. Visit www.natsumitapas.com or call 1-(212)-889-2182. The restaurant seats 35 in the bar lounge and 65 in the dining room. Private events, catering and delivery are available.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Natsumi

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