The restaurant scene on the upper west side is seeing a resurgence with modern, unique eateries popping up. Tessa, headed by Executive Chef Eric Cope fits the bill with a mostly Mediterranean menu of dishes like Grilled Branzino, Rabbit Cavatelli ,and  Long Island Duck. 

Rolling out a new lunch menu recently with dishes like the TESSA Linguini, our favorite,  an innovative take on cacio -de -pepe, featuring  Tasmanian pepper & lemon, parmigiano basil crunch and parmigiano foam and the Bruised Kale and Marcona Caesar with shaved parmigiano, squeezed lemon and a focaccia crunch. For meat lovers the TESSA Burger is made with prime angus beef, pancetta, fontina cheese, tomato, caramelized onion and Rosemary fries. 

Ahi Tuna Sanwich

Burrata, Beets, Watercress, Hazelnuts

Focaccia Flatbread

Tessa Linguini

Vanilla Pannacotta

The dishes can be paired with a curated wine list of 16 varieties of wine by the glass, 10 beers on tap, and a selection of refreshing cocktails . The intimate and comfy setting along with outstanding food and friendly and efficient service make TESSA a must try for lunch, dinner or cocktails.

TESSA 349 Amsterdam Ave. Bet. 76th & 77th St. (212)390-1974 http://www.Tessanyc.com