Nestled between The Standard, Whitney, and The Highline, Santina boasts a rather prime location and some seriously tasty Mediterranean fare. The interior is quite lovely, with a high ceiling boxed over low, cozy tables making for a very bright environment. Think Apple Store meets Park Avenue Spring. And even on a chilly evening, the surprisingly peaceful (at least on a week night!) outdoor patio nearly doubles the size of the restaurant. Wines by the glass are intriguing (you know those Greek ones with too many funky consonants?) but pricey and be weary of over-ordering – portions are very well-sized!
Highlights from Santina:
– The must have thing to start off the table is the Cecina (chickpea crepes) with Rock Shrimp – or with tuna or avocado or whatever raw thing you prefer. Kind of like a DIY taco, but with a carrier more like the texture of Ethiopian Injera
– I could eat the Kale and Sunchoke Salad every single day. A hearty (and huge) bowl stacked high with kale and sliced sunchoke rounds, the dressing was light and crisp and the presentation was gorgeous
– The famed Spaghetti Blue Crab was honestly a huge disappointment. The waitress really talked this one up, but it lacked complexity and seasoning and boasted a far to fishy crab taste that way overpowered the pasta itself.
Reservations are definitely recommended, but you can cozy up at the bar and watch the magic happen there as well. I will say dedicate some time to this one, as the service isn’t terribly speedy.
