“Traditional Meets Millennial” At New Astoria Greek Restaurant Anassa Taverna

A new restaurant is shaking up the Astoria Greek dining scene, named after an ancient Greek queen. With a gorgeous, rustic and intentionally-designed interior, plus the freshest fish possible (flown in each day) and a cocktail program any craft bar would be jealous of, Anassa Taverna is not your typical Astoria taverna.

Owners Nick Pashalis and Nick Tsoulos are Astoria natives and restaurateurs who have had great success in Manhattan, L.A. and Philadelphia. They own the restaurant of the same name in Midtown East (200 E 60th St.), which has been open since 2013, as well as famous dining destination Avra Madison Estiatorio and its new West Coast sister Avra Beverly Hills.

“They wanted to go back to their roots and hometown where they grew up, and create something that hasn’t been introduced in this vibrant foodie market,” explained fellow co-owner George Kaloudis.

Anassa has only been open a couple months, and offers an event space for your next celebration, plus a family-friendly menu.

“Our vision was to create an atmosphere where traditional meets millennial in a very organic and effortless way,” said Kaloudis. “Our recipes are very simple and traditional. We take pride in offering fresh and local products on a daily basis for our neighbors. And our botanical cocktail menu adds a twist to Greek dining along with a great wine selection.”

Speaking of the cocktail menu, here’s where you’ll definitely see Anassa standing out among the other Greek tavernas of Astoria. The vibrant menu promises libations like the refreshing “Athena” with Espolon Reposado, ginger, blood orange and fresh lime, and the “Callas” with lemon-infused vodka, lavender tea, cucumber juice and mint.

Most are named after iconic Greek women through history and mythology, from goddesses to actresses, just like the restaurant itself. “Ancient Greek queens of the Mediterranean were crowned with the title of Anassa, given only to unique women with goddess-like qualities,” their website explains. “The title, similar to a ‘queen,’ was reserved for women who excluded rare qualities and benevolent leadership.” The owners felt their restaurant deserved that same royal recognition! 

And as for the most important part, the food, there are traditional small plates you can share with the table—like tirokafteri, tzatziki and halloumi—plus specialty pasta dishes (the Lobster Spaghetti for Two looks to die for) and a display of whole fresh fish flown in daily from the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic Ocean, served charcoal-grilled with EVO oil, fresh lemon and sea salt.

Also, if you’re one of the lucky Astorians with a car (or are visiting our fantastic neighborhood), there is complimentary parking for Anassa Taverna customers across the street at SP Parking Garage (28-98 Astoria Boulevard). 

Where: 28-10 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, NY, 11102

Hours: Sunday-Monday 5-10pm; Tuesday-Saturday 5-11pm

Contact: 718-721-5050 | Astoriaevents@anassataverna.com

Social: Instagram | Facebook

This post is sponsored by Anassa Taverna. Thanks for supporting the brands that support We Heart Astoria.