I read up on the new Japanese-Italian tapas place in Gramercy after being invited to sample 
the cooking of Chef Haru Konagaya, formerly of Haru restaurants. Unique, I thought, trying to imagine the combination of the two cultures.
With spicy drinks appearing on menus everywhere this year, I began with Natsumi’s offering: a spicy margarita made with their house-brewed tequila with jalapeño. It didn’t disappoint.
As their guests, we followed the lead of the manager, who after talking with us suggested all our dishes. I’d recommend their grilled tiger shrimp and veggies in a spicy sesame garlic sauce ($12). Not as interesting is the tofu veggie combo ($11) as the brown sauce was too similar to the shrimp dish, but without the kick. Although the miso black cod ($14) with 
asparagus had a similar sauce (this chef likes brown sauce!), I would recommend this delicate fish dish.
Both the grilled filet mignon ($15) with shiitake peppercorn sauce and the grilled chicken teriyaki ($8.50) offer a plentiful portion, each again with a light brown sauce.
With the description of having an Italian influence, we tried both Natsumi’s ravioli and gnocchi. The sauce smothering the grilled tofu ravioli ($10) with shiitake mushrooms is a bit too creamy for me, while the green tea gnocchi, tender but bland.
– bonnie
Natsumi Tapas
Gramercy Park
323 3rd Avenue
New York City, NY 10010
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