I tried to eat a whole pizza at Nina and Rafi. I could not do it, but I tried.
The new Atlanta restaurant, opened just off the new section of the Atlanta Beltline, is slowing gaining momentum as a dining favorite in Midtown.
Nina and Rafi Is One Of the Best Pizza Joints In Midtown Atlanta
First off, Nina and Rafi’s design is a little different. Unlike many restaurants that have a front and back, typically facing the Beltine, this Atlanta restaurant’s front door is facing the Eastside trail of the Beltine.
Once you approach the eatery, you walk past a gorgeous patio and enter through the front door. Once you get inside, the hardwood floor has a warm brown oakish quality that makes you feel at home, or at least, invited.
The restaurant is named for Streck and Spina’s grandmothers – Nina and Rafi – and their upbringings in New Jersey and New York. Both were raised eating grandma-style pies in their family pizzerias. Spina was schooled in the art of crafting Jersey-style pizza side-by-side with his uncle in Red Bank, New Jersey.
What’s On Nina And Rafi’s Menu?
The menu has a Classic Pies section that has faves like Cheese PIe, White Pie and Old Fashion. There’s also a Build-Your-Own Pie item.
Many of the pizzas at Nina and Rafi are Detroit-style pies. That means they are thicker than usual and have more dough.
Local restaraunt maestros Billy Streck and Anthony Spina named the new spot after their grandmothers – Nina and Rafi – and their upbringings in New Jersey and New York. Both were raised eating grandma-style pies in their family pizzerias. Spina was schooled in the art of crafting Jersey-style pizza side-by-side with his uncle in Red Bank, New Jersey.
I tried the Spicy Round pizza, which comes with super margherita and hand-sliced pepperoni, meatballs, ricotta and spicy calabrian chili.
I originally wanted just a slice, but Nina and Rafi doesn’t sell pizza by the slice during dinner time. If that’s what you want, you need to come for lunch time.
The Spicy Round pizza was simply delicious. I got a large (18 inches) because it was only a few dollars more than the 12 inch.
Does Nina and Rafi have anything other than pizza on the menu?
Nina and Rafi doesn’t just have pizzas. The menu has some salad options that are just as delicious. The Pizzeria Salad has green leaf lettuce, red onion, olives, chickpeas and more. The Panzanella Salad has sliced tomotoes, fresh mozzarella, red onion and house vinaigrette.
There’s also a great Caprese and Caesar Salad with romaine, croutons and parmigiano reggiano.
Where Is Nina And Rafi Located?
Nina and Rafi is located on the Beltline at 661 Auburn Ave NE STE 220, Atlanta, GA 30312. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Last Words
The Atlanta Beltline has several places for you to park if you want to visit a restaurant or go walking. Nina and Rafi is one of the best eateries along the Beltline, by the way.
If you’re trying to go to Ponce City Market, you can park in the parking lot on North Avenue. It costs $1 for self-parking up to 30 minutes and $1 for each hour after that.
The Eastside Trail also has parking in Old Fourth Ward.
The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.
But the ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.