Nina & Rafi, a popular Atlanta restaurant on the Eastside BeltLine, has closed its doors after nearly seven years of operation.
The pizza joint announced its demise on social media on April 23, 2025. AtlantaFi.com covered the eatery when it opened its doors in 2019, anchoring a strong dining scene on the Beltline’s Eastside Trail.
Why Is Nina & RaFi Closing In Atlanta?
The primary reason for the closure, according to owner Billy Streck, was the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an Instagram post, the eatery stated that the restaurant industry was hit hard in 2020, and despite their efforts, Nina & Rafi struggled to fully recover in the years that followed, facing challenges that were ultimately beyond their control.
This aligns with broader trends in the restaurant industry, where many establishments have faced financial strain due to reduced foot traffic, rising operational costs, and shifts in consumer behavior post-2020.
Additionally, other social media posts suggest another contributing factor: poor management. Some former patrons and individuals claiming insider knowledge criticized the owner, alleging that the restaurant suffered from inconsistent service, frequent order mistakes, and a lack of attention to customer experience.
The restaurant’s history also includes a notable shift in 2020 when co-founder Anthony Spina left due to creative disagreements.
One Reddit user, citing a source who worked with the owner, claimed the closure stemmed from the owner prioritizing personal financial gain over running a successful business. While these sentiments reflect dissatisfaction, they are anecdotal and have not officially confirmed.
Whatever the contributing causes to the closure, we will miss Nina & Rafi.
What’s Next for the Nina & Rafi Space?
The space has been sold to Damian Otero of Rreal Tacos, who plans to open a fourth location of the tapas bar Eclipse di Luna in partnership with its owners.
Over the past couple of years, several popular Atlanta restaurants have decided to close their doors for one reason or another. Here’s a list.
| Restaurant | Closure Date |
|---|---|
| West Egg Cafe | December 29, 2024 |
| Humble Pie | January 2025 |
| Culinary Dropout | January 15, 2025 |
| Don Fausto’s Cocina Cubana | January 2025 |
| Halford’s | January 2025 |
| Triple Jay’s Pizza | January 19, 2025 |
| Postino WineCafé | January 2025 |
| Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks | July 2024 |
| Che Butter Jonez | February 2024 |
| Elsewhere Brewing | October 27, 2024 |
| South Main Kitchen | August 31, 2024 |
| Highland Bakery | January 31, 2024 |
| The General Muir | 2024 |
| Punk Foodie Stall | May 13, 2024 |
| Torched Hop Brewing Company | December 31, 2024 |
| Aziza | 2024 |
| Falafel Nation | 2024 |
| Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub | February 2024 |
| Pijiu Belly | 2024 |
| Waffle House (Decatur Square) | 2024 |
| The Buttery | 2024 |
| Boho115 | October 2024 |
| Boruboru Sushi | October 2024 |
| Chai Yo Modern Thai | October 2024 |
Where To Get Good Pizza in Atlanta
With Nina & Rafi’s closure, you may be wondering where that good pepperoni is now.
- Antico Pizza Napoletana (Multiple locations, e.g., 1093 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318)
- Style: Neapolitan
- Why It’s Great: A staple since 2009, Antico is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan pies with airy crusts, San Marzano tomatoes, and high-quality ingredients. Favorites include the Margherita and Diavola. It’s a local favorite, often cited as one of the best pizzerias in the U.S., though some note its communal seating and parking challenges. BYOB is a plus.
- Note: Expect lines, especially at the original Westside location.
- Varuni Napoli (Two locations: 860 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308; 1544 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324)
- Style: Neapolitan
- Why It’s Great: Known for its strict adherence to Neapolitan standards, Varuni uses natural sourdough and high-heat ovens for thin, delicate pies. The Margherita and specialty pizzas like the Bastardo (with spicy soppressata) are standouts. Some prefer it over Antico for accessibility and consistency.
- Note: Offers a more refined dining experience than Antico.
- Glide Pizza (659 Auburn Ave NE Unit 506, Atlanta, GA 30312; also at Inner Voice Brewing in Decatur)
- Style: New York-style
- Why It’s Great: Located on the BeltLine, Glide serves massive, foldable 20-inch Brooklyn-style pies with a light, crispy sourdough crust fermented for 48 hours. Popular choices include cheese, pepperoni, and “the Garlic” (olive oil, garlic, two mozzarellas). Its takeout window is perfect for quick grabs.
- Note: Ideal for casual, on-the-go slices.
- Savage Pizza (Two locations: 115 Laredo Dr, Avondale Estates, GA 30002; 484 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307)
- Style: American/New York-inspired
- Why It’s Great: A local institution with a comic book-themed vibe, Savage offers scratch-made pizzas with creative toppings like the Sav-Veg (veggie-heavy) or Cajun (spicy red pepper sauce, shrimp, andouille). Affordable and laid-back, it’s great for families or groups.
- Note: Little Five Points location is vibrant but can get busy.
Want more slices, er, choices? Check out our Good Atlanta Pizza Guide.
Final Word
Nina & Rafi is out; Eclipse di Luna is in. This transition indicates that the location’s prime spot on the BeltLine remains a desirable dining location — and that’s a good thing.
Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.
If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.
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