A chef of limited means invented fusion cuisine by spinning a three-course banquet feast from little more than a handful of raw seaweed, a few tortillas, and the magic spell of a demanding imp. Dine sans the promise of your first-born with today's Groupon: for $15, you get $30 worth of Asian bistro fare at Fusha West on Amsterdam Avenue.

Fusha West blends traditional Asian cuisine with contemporary flourishes to create a diverse menu and extensive selection of delectable drinks in a modern bistro setting. Test the tongue's willpower with enticing edibles such as the spicy tuna tortilla, mixed with caviar, avocado, chives, and sesame oil, then crowned with wasabi ($12); the canadian roll, coils within coils of tempura shrimp, spicy snow crab, bacon, cucumber, and spicy mayo rolled in a sesame crêpe ($14); or the pad thai fettuccini peppered with chicken or shrimp and blanketed in pine nuts ($13). Unlike gravel-encrusted maple syrup, the extensive bar menu will gently coat gullets with a slippery slide of wines ($10), sake ($7–$15), and house-created signature drinks ($10), poured by the delicate fingertips of the knowledgeable staff.

The warmly lit atmosphere at Fusha West is composed of classical Asian décor with modern industrial twists of exposed brick walls and spot-lighting, while glossy tables and high-backed chairs provide the necessary surfaces to sit and devour delicious cuisine. Eardrums beat to the rhythm of soothing, eclectic music as notes fill the trendy yet relaxed space. To ensure seating and avoid downcast walks away backed by the incidental music from A Charlie Brown Christmas, call ahead for reservations.

Reviews

OpenTable diners named Fusha West a Diners' Choice Winner in the Manhattan—Asian category, and give the restaurant an overall rating of 3.7 stars. Thirty-two Yelpers give Fusha West a three-star average, and five Citysearchers give the restaurant a rating of five stars.

• Top notch sushi and really good apps and main courses. Good neighborhood joint. – Craig S., Yelp, 3/24/09
• The food here is consistently good, and believe me, I go a lot. SMW G., Yelp, 1/13/11