Sunday, February 23, 2014

Natsumi

Located in the Theater District of NYC, Natsumi is a restaurant and bar/lounge featuring Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine.  The innovative menu relies on simple preparations with dynamic flavors.  The restaurant is divided into two distinct areas: a cozy space with intimate booths and window seating, and a sushi bar where you can watch the chef up close.  We went for an early sushi dinner before seeing a Broadway show.

We were a little confused by the entrance and went in the bar/lounge area first.  But the main restaurant was just across the hall.  We were seated at a cozy table that was fine for me, but a little cramped for Keith.  It was Restaurant Week in NYC, so Natsumi had a special 3 course RW menu but we decided to order a la carte.  The sushi offerings were typical and featured various creative rolls that seemed to fit an Americanized crowd.

Photo via Natsumi website
First, Keith ordered a sake flight of assorted cold sake, filtered and unfiltered.  He didn't catch the particular types, but they were a generous pour and fun to try the different kinds side by side.

sake flight
As an appetizer, we shared the Veggie and Shrimp Tempura.  Three large pieces of shrimp arrived with sweet potato, mushroom, eggplant, broccoli, and green pepper.  With a squeeze of lemon and tempura dipping sauce, this was a classic preparation.

Next, we shared the Natsumi Sushi Set for $59 featuring 2 tuna, 2 salmon, 2 yellow tail, 2 eel, 2 super white tuna, 2 tobiko, tuna roll, California roll, yellow tail jalapeno roll, and spicy titanic special roll.  It ended up being plenty of sushi for the two of us.  I enjoyed the spicy titanic special roll that was topped with salmon and avocado.   Additionally, Keith ordered a piece of otoro (fatty tuna) for $8 and yellow tail toro for $4.50 - a little pricey compared to other sushi restaurants.

While the nigiri were all fresh, there was nothing mind blowing about the fish.  Service and food was pretty standard, but satisfying as a quick meal before seeing a show.

Total Rating: 3.9
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 3.5, Accessibility: 5

What I ate:
Veggie and Shrimp Tempura

Natsumi Sushi Set
2 tuna, 2 salmon, 2 yellow tail, 2 eel, 2 super white tuna, 2 tobiko,
tuna roll, California roll, yellow tail jalapeno roll, spicy titanic special roll

Natsumi on Urbanspoon
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