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BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar
Master Critic Review
BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar
8.3
Inside the Concorde Hotel, Bonsaii runs as an all-day cafe that turns into a dimly lit tapas and wine bar at night with a Spanish-leaning, globally influenced menu. Brunch dishes like tortilla española sit alongside gambas al ajillo, truffle burrata and ceviches, drawing guests for both casual dates and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortilla Española, Gambas al Ajillo, Portobello Truffle Flatbread
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Hotel-lobby cafe by day and intimate Spanish-leaning tapas wine bar by night, with polished plates and strong cocktails.
Who should go: Brunch and cocktail seekers who like stylish, intimate tapas bars
When to visit: Weekend brunch for tortilla española; evenings for tapas and wine
What to order: Tortilla española, gambas al ajillo, truffle burrata or portobello flatbread.
Insider tip: Ask for the garden-patio seating in back for quieter dates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect meter-only spots and heavy competition after 6pm. Nearby paid garages on E 55th and 56th typically run $20–$30 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—especially at night when it functions more as a wine bar.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a conversation, though the room gets livelier during peak brunch and evening tapas hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, occasionally longer during prime date-night hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; the hotel-lobby setting keeps it calm on weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—truffle burrata, tortilla española, flatbreads, and veggie-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 adaptable dishes such as salads or vegetable tapas; confirm prep with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free tapas (e.g., gambas, ceviches); no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting is warm, the seating is intimate, and small plates make for easy, low-pressure conversation. It’s polished without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for lunch and early evenings. On weekends or peak dinner hours, walk-ins may face a short wait but the bar is a workable fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for well-behaved older kids during daytime hours, but not designed for families—no kids’ menu, limited stroller space, and a more adult, wine-bar atmosphere at night.
Best For
Better for: Stylish brunches, relaxed date nights, and tapas with strong cocktails in a quieter-than-expected Midtown hotel setting.
Skip if: You want large-format Spanish dishes, a fully traditional tapas experience, or spacious seating suited for families or loud groups.