Scusi? Sushi! It’s an Italy-Japan mix

New to the scene...

The flavors of Italy and Japan merge on your ur plate at Nat-Nat sumi Tapas (323 323 Third Ave.) in Gramercy. The he restaurant, which opened d last week, is the brainchild d of Japanese restaurateur Barbara Mat--sumura, Italian an chef Andrea Tiberi and sushishi chef Hiroyuki i Nagao Nagao. The menu features dozens of small plates, like the sashimi tacos (below r.) and a green tea ricotta flatbread (below l.) topped with arugula, sliced grapes, tofu, oyster mushrooms and truffle oil. The heartier ciao meatballs are made with a basil pesto teriyakite sauce.

You won’t be California dreaming at chef Tim Cushman’s eatery Covina (127 E. 27th St.), where the West Coast meets the Mediterranean. Expect delights like the Hungarian fry bread, topped with smoked salmon and whole roasted black sea bass. There’s also a pizza section part of the menu, devoted to pies like the fontina-and-Brussels-sprout served with an optional egg on top.

On the town...

The Japanese minichain Ootoya is the latest restaurant group to abolish tipping at its three New York locations. The ban starts March 28. “Ending tipping will ultimately translate to improved customer service by establishing other means of compensating servers and kitchen employees,” the restaurant’s management said in a statement, adding the no-tipping policy is a common custom in Japan.

Cheap eats...

Finally, truffles for the working class. Sabatino Tartufi launched a truffle zest (right), a cheaper seasoning alternative to freshly shaved truffles (some cost around $1,500 or more). For a frugal $13.99, Sabatino’s is made from real black truffles. Available at Brooklyn Fare (431 W. 37 St.) and Union Market locations.

On the horizon...

In June, the fast-casual restaurant Cava Grill will open its first location in New York. At the Chipotle-like concept, eaters can choose from around 40 options, including grain bowls, spicy lamb meatballs and spreads like hummus, harissa and feta. Those spreads are already available in New York at Whole Foods Markets.