When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar
Why BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar offers an exceptional setting that makes it a great place to meet with friends, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located in Midtown East, New York City, this intimate and inviting venue draws inspiration from the Japanese bonsai tree—a miniature tree delicately nurtured over time—symbolizing the bar's dedication to cultivating a serene and artistic atmosphere within a modest space. The ambiance provides a peaceful escape amidst the city's hustle and bustle, featuring a "Secret Garden" vibe that encourages relaxation and convivial conversation.
The menu focuses on international tapas with creative spins on classic dishes, offering a diverse range of flavorful options sure to please all palates. Highlights include shrimp ceviche, patatas bravas, ribs, tortillas, truffle burrata, and specialties inspired by both Spanish and Far Eastern cuisine. BONSAII serves breakfast starting at 7:00 am, with freshly baked pastries and à la carte choices; lunch is available until 4:00 pm featuring a unique tapas lunch special that includes two tapas and dessert per person. The dinner service runs from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, complemented by a curated selection of wines, sangría, beer, and cocktails crafted to enhance the dining experience. Moreover, the venue offers private event space accommodating up to 34 seated guests or 50 standing guests, complete with WiFi and multimedia facilities, ideal for corporate events or social gatherings. Overall, BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar blends flavorful food with a calming environment, making it an outstanding spot to reconnect with friends or enjoy a tasteful culinary exploration.
Here's what people think of BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar
As of recent, BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar holds a 4.8-star rating based on 611 reviews.
Customer reviews for BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar generally reflect a highly positive dining experience, as evidenced by its strong 4.8-star rating based on over 600 reviews. Patrons frequently commend the venue's intimate and tranquil ambiance, which offers a calming respite from Midtown East's busy city life, making it ideal for both casual meetups and special occasions. The variety of international tapas with inventive twists on classics is another major point of praise, highlighting dishes like shrimp ceviche, truffle burrata, and patatas bravas as flavorful and well-prepared. Guests also appreciate the attentiveness and professionalism of the staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Positive reviews emphasize the quality and creativity of the menu, the lovely wine and cocktail selection, and the flexibility of the service that accommodates breakfast through dinner. Many diners note the excellent value of the lunch tapas special and the beautifully curated drink options that complement the food. The intimate setting is frequently described as a hidden gem with an artistic and peaceful vibe reminiscent of a bonsai tree’s careful cultivation.
On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the venue's limited seating capacity, sometimes making reservations necessary, and mentions that the somewhat exclusive space can get busy during peak times. A few reviewers noted the closing time for the alcohol license at 10:00 pm as a possible inconvenience for late-night visitors. However, such critiques are relatively minor in comparison to the overall positive sentiment.
In conclusion, the vast majority of reviews present BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar as a highly recommended destination for those seeking elegant and flavorful tapas, a great wine selection, and an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere that is well suited for socializing with friends or hosting small events.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nat T.
A surprisingly good spot for a place inside the hotel. Staffs were friendly and ambiance is great being indoor but with outdoor vibe. The place offers interesting cocktail that is made from fermented liquor (less % alcohol than typical liquor) using similar process to making wine. A good spot for a drink and light night.
Jose fernando Peña
A first-class restaurant. I loved the service, and the food was amazing. Giovanny's attention was excellent. It's worth mentioning Ruben and Kevin, the owners; they're lovely people. This is my first of many. Wow, what a beautiful place! Wow, the food was 100%. A nice place, good music, and more.
Kay Diaz
Food was absolutely delicious. We had the lunch special which were good portions. Gio was an amazing server. Friendly, polite and a delight to be around. Will be coming back to see him.
Lionel Pena
Quaint, small, low key away from tourist, is this hidden tapas spot. Great food, good service, quiet. Which is rare for a Tapas spot in NYC. Overall great for conversation with friends. The Ceasar salad, guacamole, shrimp, patatas, all great. Worth the walk to 55th.
Car No
The food was excellent, the service was amazing (Thanks Gio :-), he treated us wonderfully). The atmosphere is super relaxed and you feel special. The music is really cozy and modern. Definitely, if you want a special and different moment in the city, you have to come here.
How to reach BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar
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Why BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar with your friends?
Gathering friends or family at BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar in New York City guarantees more than just a meal; it promises an engaging, intimate, and vibrant social experience. With a remarkable rating of 4.8 from over 600 reviews, this stylish venue seamlessly blends international tapas dining with a tranquil yet lively atmosphere inspired by the Japanese bonsai tree—a symbol of nature’s elegance cultivated into a modest, artful space. This thoughtful aesthetic evokes a sense of calm and connection, making it an ideal backdrop for meaningful conversations and laughter with loved ones. Whether you're meeting after work or planning a weekend get-together, BONSAII’s offering of a diverse menu—featuring creative spins on classic dishes—caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring all guests find something to delight their palate. Perfect for both casual catch-ups and celebratory events, BONSAII’s blend of welcoming ambiance, flavorful food, and excellent drinks creates a setting where friendships and memories naturally flourish.
What activities and experiences does BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar offer for group meetups?
BONSAII isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a hub for shared experiences that center around good food, fine wine, and engaging social interaction. For groups, the tapas-style menu promotes a communal experience where dishes are made for sharing, encouraging conversation and connection as everyone samples a variety of flavors. This international tapas menu includes crowd-pleasers such as shrimp ceviche, patatas bravas, truffle buffalo mozzarella, and creative ribs, perfect for sharing. In addition to dinner, the venue offers a thoughtfully crafted breakfast and brunch service that runs from early morning to late morning, including freshly baked pastries and elegant toast options like burrata or salmon truffle toast. This flexibility in dining times means your group can rally for a casual morning meeting, a leisurely lunch, or a lively night out. Among the standouts is a lunch special priced to allow a full tapas experience paired with dessert, which makes it an excellent choice for groups mindful of both time and budget. Beyond food, BONSAII also offers a fine selection of wines, sangria, and crafted cocktails, making it the perfect place to toast with friends to any occasion.
Why is BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar a perfect venue for hosting a meetup?
One of BONSAII’s significant advantages for group meetups is its accommodating, intimate space that balances privacy with vibrance. Located within a hotel yet designed to feel independent, the venue includes a cool and heated outdoor-style patio area that adds to the ambiance with a unique vibe, especially appealing during cooler months. The atmosphere across the bar and dining areas is inviting, with an aesthetic that invites relaxation but also suits more festive occasions. For groups looking to make their gathering extra special or more functional, BONSAII offers private event spaces equipped with modern amenities such as WiFi and projectors, which can be ideal for presentations, celebrations, or informal workshops. This blend of beautiful design, comfortable seating, and technical convenience makes it suitable for both casual social meetups and more structured events. Friendly and attentive staff complete the experience by providing service that ensures every guest feels looked after, including personalized attention from servers who handle everything from cocktail recommendations to timing the courses for an easy flow of conversation.
What are some specific menu highlights and drink options at BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar?
At BONSAII, the menu is a carefully curated selection of international tapas designed to appeal to diverse tastes while being visually and culinarily exciting. Highlights include shrimp ceviche that bursts with fresh flavors, traditional but exquisitely done patatas bravas, and indulgent dishes like ribs and truffle buffalo mozzarella. The kitchen doesn’t shy away from creative culinary twists, adding unique ingredients or presentation that elevate the experience beyond typical tapas fare. For a quick yet complete bite, the lunch special offering two tapas plates plus dessert is both satisfying and affordable, allowing groups to sample multiple dishes without the need for a lengthy meal. Breakfast fans enjoy beautifully crafted toast options and freshly baked pastries that cater to both classic and adventurous palates. On the beverage front, the wine list complements the menu flawlessly, featuring a fine selection designed to enhance the flavors of the tapas. In addition, expertly made sangrias and specialized cocktails invite guests to celebrate and unwind in style. This complete range of food and drink options ensures BONSAII can cater to gatherings of all moods and preferences.
How does BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar’s ambiance contribute to a memorable group experience?
The ambiance at BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar is a major draw for anyone seeking a venue that combines both energy and intimacy in the heart of New York City. Inspired by the Japanese bonsai tree, the decor and overall feel harness the art of cultivating nature into a modest yet elegant space, lending an understated sophistication that feels welcoming rather than intimidating. This calming design ethos provides a serene escape from the city bustle, making conversations between friends or family feel more connected and relaxed. The heated patio area introduces an outdoor vibe even when inside, giving groups a choice between cozy indoor seating or fresh-air ambiance. The lighting, music, and visual aesthetics are all carefully balanced to create a space where celebratory highs and quiet moments alike feel equally at home. Combined with the attentive service and thoughtful layout, BONSAII’s ambiance makes it easier for groups to enjoy each other's company fully, making every meetup memorable.
What makes BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar stand out compared to other dining spots for groups?
BONSAII stands out because it seamlessly blends culinary creativity, ambiance, and thoughtful service specifically suited to fueling social experiences for groups. Where many restaurants may focus solely on food or drink, BONSAII elevates the entire social experience by offering an international tapas menu that encourages sharing and interaction. Its accessibility throughout the day—from breakfast through dinner—means groups can plan meetups at any hour, appealing to a wide variety of schedules and occasions. The private event spaces further enhance its appeal for those looking to host celebrations or private parties with amenities that support both fun and functionality. The combination of a highly rated food and service experience (4.8 out of 5 stars across more than 600 reviews) with a unique aesthetic inspired by nature underscores the care and passion behind the brand. This makes BONSAII not just a place to eat but a place to rally, connect, and celebrate with the people who matter most.
With its impressive menu variety, stylish and adaptable space, and reputation for excellent hospitality, BONSAII Tapas & Wine Bar offers an inviting and flavorful destination for any group wanting to share an exceptional dining experience in New York City. Whether catching up with old friends, planning a family outing, or hosting a casual celebration, BONSAII provides the perfect stage for memorable moments.