Lunch at TESSA

When I think of Amsterdam Avenue I tend to think of run down frat bars serving buckets of Bud Light to college aged kids.  At least that's the Amsterdam Avenue I knew growing up, but it's certainly not the case anymore. Shiny new stores and restaurants are taking over those grungy old bars and turning them into great new spots like the gorgeous restaurant TESSA.


This place has a little bit of everything; a chic urban bar and lounge area up front, rustic exposed brick walls in the main dining room, a breezy sidewalk cafe and an elegant wine room in back for private dining.  The menu is Modern Mediterranean with a variety of small plates like this twist on a Tuna Tartare with chopped avocado, stonefruit and quinoa...


...a crisp, refreshing Watermelon, Feta & Heirloom Tomato Salad topped with fresh basil and lemon verbena dressing...


...and a creamy Burrata complemented by aged balsamic, beets, hazelnuts and a sprinkle of sea salt.


Mains include a variety of sandwiches and pastas like the hearty Vegetable Zucca with spring onion, chayote, baby heirloom tomatoes and basil pesto...


...and a delicious Chicken Club with crunchy alfalfa sprouts and herb ailoli on a brioche bun.


I don't usually splurge on desserts at lunch but since we were guests how could we refuse and I suggest you doing so as well.  Pastry Chef Yarisis Jacobo is churning out some incredible confections like this Chocolate Cremeux with salted caramel mousse, chocolate coconut chattily and a scoop of hazelnut ice cream...


...and this wonderful Vanilla Panna Cotta with caramelized apricots, berries and dulce de leche cream.


In addition to the wonderful food TESSA has a pretty serious cocktail program going on like this Latitude Zero made with Cachaca, grapefruit, lavender-honey, chambord and rosemary...


...and these fun, pink Watermelon Martini's perfect for cooling down in this scorching hot weather.


TESSA is open for dinner every night with lunch Monday- Friday from 11:30- 3:00 PM and brunch on Saturday and Sundays.  

TESSA
349 Amsterdam Avenue between 76 & 77th Street
New York, NY 10024

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