Review: TESSA on the Upper West Side is an Exquisite Dining Destination

From the moment you enter the door and observe the welcoming, vibrant bar scene, you realize that TESSA is the place to be. Plan to stay for a while and enjoy a meal in their stylish spaces accented with attractive industrial design. This enticing new Upper West Side spot will soon become one of your favorite dining destinations. Just a few blocks from the 72nd Street Subway Station, it is an ideal location for pre or post theatre dining when you see a show at The Beacon. And it's just a short stroll to The Museum of Natural History. They serve mezze, dinner and weekend brunch.

TESSA is the brainchild of restaurateur, Will Tracy and his friend Larry Bellone. They have successfully created an original modern Mediterranean restaurant that is exquisite with top-notch service, inspired cuisine and a delightful beverage program.

We visited on a Wednesday night when we were in the neighborhood, but TESSA is worth the trip from anywhere. Chef Edwin Chalfin has created a superb menu with special touches you won't find anywhere else using the finest locally sourced and artisanal ingredients.

There is a wonderful array of starters for table shares like The House Dips with carrot harissa, smoked eggplant, ricotta cheese & cucumber dill served with lavash bread ($9) or the TESSA Cheese Board (3 for $14). The Octopus a la Plancha ($18) is a must with yellow squash caponata, green olive tapenade and aged balsamic.

For an entrée, we highly recommend a house specialty, Rabbit Cavatelli with rabbit & pancetta ragu, smoked onion, lovage coulis and chives ($19/$29). There's a great selection of meat and fish dishes like Grilled Branzino, Long Island Duck and their 32oz Côte de Bœuf for 2. While portions are generous, you can also indulge in tasty Sides ($8) that include House Made Fries with rosemary salt, Creamed spinach & Tuscan kale or Roasted Heirloom Squash with garlic & thyme. We loved the subtle, fresh seasoning of all the dishes we sampled.

Don't leave TESSA without tasting one of Pastry Chef, Yarisis Jacobo scrumptious desserts. Choose from Chocolate Cremeux, Goats Milk Cheesecake, Tiramisu or one of the tempting flavors of their ice creams and fruity sorbets.

We had the pleasure of meeting Service Director, Patrick Duxbury and learned that the staff at TESSA is pleased to help you select the perfect beverage pairing for your food selection. They have a menu of fine cocktails like their Garden Martini or the La Flor De TESSA, 16 wines by the glass, 10 beers on tap, 90 curated labels and a TESSA Reserve list of 60 labels.

TESSA is perfect for the neighborhood, but it is also perfect for anyone in the metropolitan area who wishes to enjoy drinks and small plates, a relaxing meal and true culinary excellence in a chic, yet comfortable atmosphere.

TESSA is Michelin Guide recommended for both 2015 and 2016. Located at 349 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City, they also have a semi-private dining room that can accommodate up to 16 guests for special occasions. TESSA also provides catering services in your home or private venue. For inquiries, e-mail info@tessanyc.com. For more information, call 212.390.1974 or visit www.tessanyc.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of TESSA

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