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Anassa Taverna Astoria is conceived as a modern Aegean retreat—an urban sanctuary where the warmth of Greek hospitality meets a refined, contemporary sensibility. The design marries coastal freshness with artisanal craft, transforming the restaurant into a series of inviting, sun-washed spaces that echo the spirit of the Mediterranean without resorting to cliché.
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The journey begins with an interplay of natural textures: hand-finished brick walls in soft sandstone tones, rich walnut millwork, and expanses of warm oak flooring laid in long, generous planks that bring a sense of grounding and home. Overhead, a sculptural rhythm of exposed timber beams unfolds like the inverted hull of a traditional boat, adding depth, authenticity, and a quiet architectural confidence.
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Custom blue-framed window portals become defining moments throughout the space—evoking the iconic island palette while functioning as interior thresholds that shape intimate dining zones. Their vibrant hue injects freshness and energy, creating a gentle contrast against the earth-toned finishes and airy sheers that soften the transitions between rooms.
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The bar area is anchored by a striking live-edge wood counter, its organic shape adding warmth and tactile luxury. Illuminated glass shelving floats before weathered brick, showcasing spirits like curated artifacts. Oversized bell-jar pendants cast a soft amber glow, balancing craftsmanship and modern clarity. The result is a bar that feels both communal and elevated—inviting guests to gather, linger, and celebrate.
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Throughout the dining room, a thoughtful choreography of seating supports a variety of experiences: generous banquettes in olive-toned leather, intimate two-tops, long communal tables, and curved booths for larger gatherings. Textural linen drapery adds movement and softness, gently filtering light and framing views across the restaurant.
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Lighting plays a poetic role. Large circular chandeliers with candle-like fixtures hover overhead like constellations, while minimal black pendants float delicately above the tables. Wall sconces with linen shades cast warm washes of light over the plastered surfaces and walnut wainscoting, reinforcing the room’s domestic charm.
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Moments of Greek identity are woven in with restraint and sophistication: shelves lined with ceramic vessels, stacked bottles of Greek spirits, curated contemporary art, and botanical arrangements that bring freshness and seasonality. Rather than recreate a village taverna, the design distills the essence of Greek living—its ease, generosity, and luminous beauty—and reinterprets it for the New York dining landscape.
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Anassa Taverna Astoria becomes a refuge of modern Mediterranean elegance—a space that feels simultaneously timeless and new. It’s a place where the architecture breathes, the materials speak, and guests feel transported, welcomed, and embraced by the understated luxury of Greece.