A wait to be seated is expected, but the homey atmosphere and elevated Italian food at Nina & Rafi will leave you unbelievably satisfied - sure to be worth the wait. It's the perfect place to go for a night out with friends, for when your parents are in town, or even for a first date. Here are some of my must-try dishes at Nina & Rafi.
Location and Setting
Located on the Eastside Beltline Trail, Nina & Rafi is bustling with individuals from all over popping in for a delicious meal. There are a variety of seating options available: indoor seating, bar-top seating, and a wide outdoor patio. The interior is sleek and modern, with tall wooden stools and luxurious red booths. The back of the restaurant showcases the open kitchen, which feels like an extension of your own cozy living room. The full service bar is open until closing, and is an excellent option if you're riding solo or looking for a more laid-back experience. However, the star of the show is the patio seating: the spacious picnic tables overlooking the Atlanta Beltline allow you to take advantage of the lovely weather and people-watch, all while enjoying delicious Italian food.
Starters
Nina & Rafi offers a variety of different starters to share with your table, ranging from crispy roasted wings to fried meatballs. Any of the starters are sure to satisfy your hanger, as the pizzas can take anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour to prepare, depending on the kitchen volume. My personal favorites are the rice balls and the grilled artichokes.
Rice Balls
The rice ball starter comes with four balls, stuffed to the brim with risotto, pecorino, and house-made mozzarella. The crunch is insane, and it's complemented perfectly by the fluffy rice. If this cheese pull isn't convincing enough, I'm not sure what will be.
Grilled Artichokes
I would eat these every single day of my life if I could. They're spicy, salty, lemony, and pair ridiculously well with the crispy grilled bread.
Pizza
Nina & Rafi does three distinct pizza styles: Old-Fashioned, Classic rounds, and Detroit Style.
Specialty Old Fashion Pies
The Old Fashion pizzas have a square, crispy crust, and use house-made mozzarella. The Tony Pepperoni, a fan favorite, comes topped with a literal pound of pepperoni on top. It's tangy, crunchy, and comforting – what more could you ask for?
Classic Rounds
The Classic Rounds are exactly how they sound: classic. These wood-fired pizzas have a light, airy crust, and are packed with flavor. The Super Margherita – a round pie with marinara, roasted garlic, pecorino, globs of house-made mozzarella, and fresh basil – is absolutely fabulous.
Detroit Style Pies
Let's be honest. If you're paying Nina & Rafi a visit, you've got to try their Detroit Style Pizzas. The thick crust is soft, airy, buttery, delectably chewy, and has a perfect ring of golden cheese crusted along the sides. My personal favorite is the Sweet N' Spicy, which pairs deliciously thick pepperoni slices and hot cherry peppers with a generous drizzle of Mike's Hot Honey.
Sweets
If you've got room, I highly recommend the tiramisu to finish off your meal. It's velvety smooth, and has the perfect amount of sweetness. Nina & Rafi also offers a show-stopping Detroit Style French Toast pizza, available only on the weekends. The soft, luscious bread is topped with fresh strawberry compote and heaps of whipped cream, all topped with a generous pour of maple syrup.
Dining at Nina & Rafi's will feel like home, no matter where you're from. Whether you choose to stick to what you know with the Classic Rounds or fall in love with the Detroit Sweet N' Spicy Pie, one thing's for sure: Nina & Rafi is the place to be for an incredibly delicious and relaxing meal.