Nina, a recently inaugurated restaurant located at 56 Adams Street in Brooklyn, commenced its operations late last year, providing a distinctive dining and nightlife experience for both New Yorkers and tourists. Leading the culinary direction is Chef Sagi Azrouel, an Israeli talent marking his debut in the New York restaurant scene after a decade as a private chef for elite clients. Hailing from Ashdod, Israel, Azrouel brings a wealth of Mediterranean and Moroccan influences to Nina’s menu.
Chef Azrouel’s culinary style is characterized as “simple, unforgettable modern Mediterranean food,” placing emphasis on fresh, seasonal vegetables, vibrant salads, and expertly prepared fish and meats. The menu showcases his culinary artistry with offerings such as smoked eggplant carpaccio, tahini fish kababs, traditional meat stews, warm challah, and toasted pine nut hummus, showcasing his dedication to both visual and gastronomic allure.
Nina, with a capacity for 162 seats in an intimate setting featuring “little living rooms” for private gatherings, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to fill the space and offer a picturesque view of the cobblestone streets.
Anna Castellani, one of the proprietors, highlights that Chef Azrouel embodies the vibrancy of a younger, more cosmopolitan generation, positioning Nina as an accessible, everyday dining option. The establishment strives to be an inclusive space, catering to a diverse clientele, including the busy business crowd seeking breakfast, young families in search of a relaxed dinner, and the energetic nighttime crowd.
Deeply rooted in the Dumbo neighborhood, Nina has strong ties, with Castellani having previously launched the Dumbo General Store nearby. The decision to establish Nina in the former Foragers space is driven by a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the neighborhood, providing residents and visitors with yet another compelling reason to linger for dinner. Nina welcomes guests from Tuesday through Sunday, operating from 5 pm until 1 am, accepting reservations through Resy, and additional information can be found on their website, ninanewyork.com.