Anassa Taverna

By Christopher A. Pape & Anna Ryan

Located in the heart of Midtown East, Anassa Taverna gives guests a truly unique and cultural experience. This Greek restaurant strives to give diners a fresh experience and with the name Anassa, meaning 'breath of fresh air,' they are already on their way. Diners feel like they are on the cobblestone roads that pave the ancient, historical neighborhood of Plaka with Anassa Taverna's traditional Greek dishes. Upon entering the restaurant, guests will be able to see worry beads and evil eyes on display. As guests delve further into the restaurant, they will be entranced by the marble covered bar, white curtains, exposed brick walls and wood.

Anassa Taverna is open for lunch and dinner and offers a prix-fixe lunch menu. This particular menu begins with a salad, transitions into a main entrée and ends with dessert.  The other lunch menu, along with the dinner menu, both offer enticing and flavorful dishes. You can get your seafood fix from the appetizers portion of the menu. The octopus is a Mediterranean style sushi that is charcoal broiled with onions and capers. Something more traditional includes the crab cake that is specifically Maryland Blue crabmeat or the Mussels sautéed with ouzo, fresh tomato and a touch of feta cheese. However, seafood is not the only option from the appetizers section. Try the Saganaki, a traditional, pan fried Kefalograviera cheese.

A great way to tell if a Greek restaurant is any good is by its feta cheese, and this place has spectacular feta. The Classic Greek Salad showcases their impeccable cheese along with tomato, cucumber, peppers, onions, capers and Kalamata olives. Indulge in daily specials with the pork shoulder, served on Tuesday's, that is wrapped in parchment paper, slowly cooked and served with lemon potatoes. A delicious everyday entrée in the 'From the Sea' section of the menu is the Wild Striped Bass wrapped in parchment paper and served with rainbow vegetables. All fish from this menu are simply grilled drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon and capers. 'From the Land' portion of the menu, the lamb chops are a great choice. These grilled lamb chops are served with roasted potatoes, grilled tomato and topped with tzatziki.

Dining at this popular restaurant will give guests an unforgettable experience. You may also run into someone famous, such as a famous Greek-American newscaster who was recently spotted enjoying a lovely meal at Anassa Taverna. With delectable menu options, a wine list and cocktail list, Anassa Taverna will satisfy your taste buds. •

For more information:
anassataverna.com
212-371-5200