Anassa Taverna — Restaurant in New York

My recent dining experience at Assana Taverna in New York City was nothing short of a culinary revelation. This charming Greek restaurant managed to transport me to the sun-soaked shores of Greece, right in the heart of the bustling city, and it left an indelible mark on my taste buds and memory.

To start, I had the pleasure of indulging in their Branzino for two, a dish that epitomizes the essence of Greek cuisine. The presentation alone was a feast for the eyes, with the perfectly grilled whole fish adorned with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. The flavor was nothing short of divine, with the fish cooked to perfection, moist and flaky, while the herbs and olive oil added a burst of Mediterranean freshness to every bite.

The Greek Salad that accompanied the Branzino was a revelation in simplicity and quality. Crisp cucumbers, plump tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and kalamata olives were brought together in perfect harmony with a tangy dressing. It was a refreshing and vibrant side that complemented the main course impeccably.

Now, let's talk about the Fried Calamari, a dish that I can confidently say is the best I've had. The calamari rings were tender, not a hint of chewiness, and the light batter was crisp without being greasy. Served with a delightful dipping sauce, this appetizer was a perfect blend of textures and flavors, setting the stage for the culinary delights that followed.

And then came dessert, a slice of Cheesecake that was the perfect finale to this Greek culinary adventure. Creamy, rich, and indulgent, it was a sweet conclusion to a savory meal. The dessert menu may be concise, but it delivers a memorable ending to an already exceptional dining experience.

Assana Taverna has rightfully earned its place as the best Greek restaurant in NYC. Beyond the exquisite food, the ambiance is welcoming and inviting, with a touch of Mediterranean charm. The staff's knowledge of the menu and their attentive service only enhanced the overall experience.

Whether you're seeking a taste of Greece or simply looking for a remarkable dining experience, Assana Taverna is a must-visit. It's a testament to the artistry of Greek cuisine and a reminder that some of the best culinary journeys can be found in the heart of the city. My visit to Assana Taverna was a gastronomic adventure I won't soon forget, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone with a love for Greek food or a passion for...

Where to start? Well, I've been to thus restaurant several times over the years; usually for a quick burger after a movie next door. This time I was looking for a restaurant that was part of "restaurant week", that has been converted into "restaurant month". Anessa Tavern came up with a decent sounding Restaurant week/ month special menu advertised on their website, as well as advertising in the various sites that promote this yearly event every summer. I made a reservation for myself and a friend, and we were shocked to find out that Anessa taverna didn't honor this event because it was "over", as in finished, gone, kaput....etc. Im talking about dining on the night of Aug 19th, and Restaurant week was officially over on Aug 20th. Shocked, we asked to see the manager who told us the same thing, and added, "We don't honor Restaurant week on the weekends" All I can say is that there was a prominent menu promoting this event on their website, which was the landing page even one typed on their web address. So I guess "Restaurant week" us only used as a "bait and switch" tactic to draw in customers which us backed by a lackluster approach to honor the guidelines of this event. LIARS, and that alone will put me off from ever returning to this basically mediocre establishment which us high priced for the quality and preparation of the food. Athmosphere... at best noisy, somewhat overcrowded ( no real elbow room, or room to walk when going to the bathroom) in an environment that is 1 & 1/2 steps above a diner. But the worst thing is that they are liars; liars that are charging prices of a higher level dining establishment when they dont offer the quality of food, atmosphere or service. The service was equal to, or less than the service one would expect in a neighborhood diner. REALLY! Now why would you choose to Dine in a very mediocre place, when for the same approximate price have a much better meal, atmosphere and service elsewhere. The choice is yours. Choose wisely! I personally will never patronize any establishment that lies and hussles people simply because they can get...

If I could give 0 stars I would. Showed up right on time for a reservation at 9:15 booked on resy. We sat down and immediately ordered apps and then when drinks came we ordered entrees. The app order came out right away but incomplete, as soon as we were half way through eating apps the music was put down (9:30pm)

The waiter was no where to be found after this time we had to get up and walk over to the ice bucket to pour our own bottle of wine. When entrees came we had to ask for plates. One entree was different then waiter described. Not that anyone came over to ask how everything was

After entrees hit the table the workers started stacking chairs around us and doing closing work. The door was opened and I had to put my jacket on and eat my dinner in the cold. Another waiter came over rushing us, I was trying to get attention to order a drink, he said it was already last call. ( no one told us because we have no waiter).The music was so low I heard the entire convo at the bar discussing and contemplating taking our drink order/ last call. Around us things were being dropped and banged around so loud as they continue aggressively closing the restaurant. When we got our drinks and dessert the lights came all the way up. Who wants to eat dessert and a new cocktail in the bright lights, silence and cold. Celebration ruined.

The worst part is the (new) waiter had the nerve to drop the check and come back after a minute and asking for his signed check . When we said we weren't finish he said well I need to close it. We didn't finish our drinks or dessert we just left. Expensive dinner ruined Bc of unprofessional waitstaff. Manager was at a table talking to other people the entire time.

The restaurant online says they close at 10:30, we left before that. Do not accept reservations at 9:15 if you will give them that kind of experience. It's a shame we've been looking forward to trying this place come all the way there and treated as if we didn't matter and just wanted...