by Sophia Hollander

The industrial edge of lower Manhattan might seem unlikely inspiration for the sun-soaked splash of Santina, a seaside Italian restaurant somehow tucked under the High Line. But when Major Food Group signed a lease for the space, their research uncovered a surprising fact: The land was the site of one of the city's first greenmarkets, and before that, was water.

"That started to put us into a very coastal and vegetal state of mind," said co-owner Jeff Zalaznick. The gritty landfill site wasn't perfect foodie inspiration, so they turned to the cuisine of coastal Italy. The result is a colorful retreat, with bright umbrellas, hand-painted dishes and glass chandeliers that explode into cascading flowers.

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Source: http://www.wsj.com/