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Greek Restaurant Specializing in Seafood Opens on Upper East Side

 Anassa Taverna, a new Greek seafood restaurant, has opened at 200 E. 60th Street, at Third Avenue, owners said.
Anassa Taverna
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UPPER EAST SIDE — Neighborhood diners now have another reason to say, "Opa!"

Anassa Taverna, billed by owners as the "newest Greek restaurant" in the area, recently opened at 200 E. 60th St.

It's run by the team behind Midtown's popular Avra Estiatorio and Tim Pappas — a longtime industry veteran who worked as the general manager of Philippe, restaurant owners and reports said.

Anassa serves lunch and dinner, including a $20.13 prix fixe midday menu.

Selections range from dressed-up Greek dishes, such as chicken souvlaki with tomato curry sauce, as well as more traditional American faves like a beef burger with oregano fries.

Much attention is paid to seafood, with plates such as lobster mousaka, swordfish kebabs, and raw bar picks taking up much of the menu's real estate.

Pappas confirmed this focus on fish is part of the eatery's mission.

"There was a need for a Greek seafood restaurant in this area," he said in an email. "The level of sophistication of the neighborhood fit our concept."

He added that the Taverna's contemporary approach still takes notes from classic Greek culinary principals.

"Very few restaurants have traditional home-cooked recipes," he said. "We feature them as daily specials — like veal stew with orzo and feta."

Pappas said he and his partners are excited about working in an area that brings commercial and residential diners.

"We are looking forward to being a neighborhood staple," he said.