Nina
Nina, a new restaurant situated at 56 Adams Street in Brooklyn, opened its doors on November 30th, offering a unique dining and nightlife experience for New Yorkers and tourists alike. The culinary helm is steered by Israeli Chef Sagi Azrouel, making his New York restaurant debut after a decade as a private chef to elite clients. Born and raised in Ashdod, Israel, Azrouel brings a rich background of Mediterranean and Moroccan influences to Nina’s menu.
Chef Azrouel’s cooking style is described as “simple, unforgettable modern Mediterranean food,” emphasizing fresh, seasonal vegetables, vibrant salads, and meticulously prepared fish and meats. His culinary creations include smoked eggplant carpaccio, tahini fish kababs, traditional meat stews, warm challah, and toasted pine nut hummus, reflecting his commitment to both visual and gastronomic appeal.
Nina accommodates 162 seats in a cozy setting, featuring “little living rooms” for intimate gatherings. The restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to fill the space and providing an excellent view of the cobblestone streets.
Chef Sagi Azrouel
Anna Castellani, one of the owners, notes that Chef Azrouel embodies the energy of a younger, more worldly generation, making Nina an everyday, affordable dining option. The restaurant aims to create a welcoming space for various patrons, from the busy business crowd seeking breakfast to young families looking for a relaxed dinner and the lively nighttime crowd.
Nina’s roots in the Dumbo neighborhood run deep, with Castellani having previously opened the Dumbo General Store nearby. Castellani’s decision to open Nina in the former Foragers space stems from a desire to meet the evolving needs of the neighborhood, offering residents and visitors another compelling reason to stay for dinner. Nina is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 pm until 1 am, accepting reservations through Resy, and more information can be found on their website, ninanewyork.com.
