After I viewed the prix fixe menu at Nataz, we decided to skip meals for the day and head over for a very late lunch/early dinner. Lucky for us, we showed up HANGRY!

The third location of this family-run restaurant opened in Clinton, taking over the bank at 1 West Main Street and reimagining it into an airy two-floor eatery with an open kitchen.

Our sweet server (the owner’s daughter) greeted us immediately and presented us with an app of fresh mozzarella and grape tomatoes while we ogled the menu. And ogle you will, as we all fell into analysis paralysis. Lamb or rib-eye, salmon or tuna…lobster?? EVERYTHING sounded good.

Finally, we settled, and my wedge salad appeared with a crisp slice of Nueske’s bacon, a tangle of skinny fried onions, and lightly tossed with buttermilk/Maytag blue. A solid start! I chose the skirt steak from the menu of house-dry-aged beef and was delighted by the classic presentation of creamy mashed with sautéed zucchini and summer squash. My companions were equally thrilled with their choices of barely seared tuna (declaring it one of the best she’s ever had) and a rare rack of lamb. We tried (but failed) to skip dessert. A platter of bite-sized assorted housemade treats appeared, including a ridiculous lemon cake, chunks of perfect cheesecake, wedges of flourless chocolate cake, and a coconut tart. We nibbled and took the rest home.

The menu is straightforward, but the combination of the highest quality ingredients, prepared with skill, and served with care, makes for a great meal. Chef-owner Rick Mclean is affable and anxious to please, insisting we take home his house-smoked salmon, and we cheerfully agreed.

Good to know: BYOB (there’s a liquor store on the next block). Extremely reasonably priced take-out meals for two are available for online ordering, and you can arrange for private dining or chef’s table.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 5 to Close
Sunday 2 to Close

View the menu and make reservation here: https://www.natazrest.com