Thank you to the Carbone/ Torrisi duo for opening one of the very few places in the Meatpacking District where I can actually go and eat at.

Santina is Major Food Group’s nod to Coastal Italian cuisine.

Housed right under the highline, this fun filled, glass encased spot has everything from palm trees to Murano chandeliers to boast its playful vibe. Friendly servers are dressed in island wear – which could place them anywhere from Miami to Mexico.

Amongst all of this emerges a menu from which – if you order right – you can have a fantastic meal.

Vegetables abound at Santina and you should really try them. The ‘Squash Carpaccio’ is so darned good – you might just end up ordering it twice. Delicate discs of melt in your mouth squash and grilled and topped herbs, pink peppercorns, and crème fraîche.

I just love their ‘Cecina’, where thin chickpea pancakes can be eaten with varied accompaniments of which my favorite is the avocado.

There are really good salads too like the simple ‘Arugula Fig’ or the ‘tricolore spendido’.

One the absolutely must try dishes at Santina is their “Fried Fish Sandwich” which is only served for lunch. Usually made with sea bass, this is easily one of the best fish sandwiches I have had in NYC!

I’m more of a fan of the top half of the menu at Santina than the bottom. I really love their appetizers and salads etc and find their entrées tend to get heavier and less exciting.

As for dessert, do try the ‘Grapefruit Italian Ice’, which is served in a grapefruit shell. It is so light and refreshing and a perfect way to end your meal.

Here is some of what we ate: