Annisa (CLOSED)

Chef Anita Lo has transformed a once-depressing space into a tranquil restaurant whose specialties can trace their roots from Provence to Penang and back again.

Softly lit sheer white curtains set a tranquil mood, and an elevated dining area gives an illusion of space; soaring ceilings and tall windows add to the feeling of spaciousness.

Lo, an alumnus of two of the city's great restaurants - Chanterelle and Bouley - brings her expertise to bear on dishes like a pan-roasted chicken stuffed with pig's feet, a miso-marinated sable served with tofu, and a filet of cod with artichoke gratin. The crowd is a comfortable mix of neighborhood types and young trendies; the wine list is well-chosen; service is well-organized and welcoming; and if you're looking for a relaxed meal in the West Village, this just might be the place.

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Greenwich Village restaurants, New York restaurants, Eclectic restaurants