NATSUMI TAPAS Al Fresco Dining in Gramercy

Natsumi Tapas - located on the ground floor of boutique hotel The Marcel at Gramercy - has debuted a brand new sidewalk café just in time for the fall season. So with the stifling summer heat behind us, the restaurants eclectic Japanese and Italian fusion fare and craft cocktails can now be enjoyed outside on the 32 seat patio.

Guests can enjoy cool evenings outdoors while snacking on plates such as blue crab dumplings, miso black cod, and filet mignon tataki before moving onto a range of inventive pasta dishes and flatbreads, as well as an impressive sushi and sashimi selection. Pair your choices with a handcrafted cocktail - such as the Kiss of Fire built with jalapeño infused vodka, fresh fruit juices and strawberry puree - or a $14 sake flight, and you have everything you need for an ideal al fresco experience.

Natsumi Tapas is located at 323 Third Avenue at 24th Street, www.natsumitapas.com, 1-(212)-889-2182, and is open Monday & Tuesday 11:30am - 11pm, Wednesday - Thursday 11:30am - 11:30pm, Friday 11:30am - 12am, Saturday 4:30pm - 12am, and Sunday 4:30pm - 11pm.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Natsumi Tapas