Nerina — Restaurant in New York

We finally made it to Nerina, and it immediately felt like something brand new for Greenpoint. Just a five-minute walk from our apartment, it’s easily one of the most elegant restaurants in the neighborhood—right up there with Ilis, Oxomoco, and maybe Madre. But where those lean into their own vibes, Nerina confidently carves out its own lane: upscale Greek, with a focus on thoughtful detail and a real sense of place.

The first thing you notice walking in is the design. There’s a quiet confidence to the space that feels both sophisticated and laid-back. The stucco walls, the olive tree at the center of the dining room, the warm wood tones, and the exposed concrete flooring immediately reminded me of the kind of spaces you see in Greece—not the touristy tavernas, but the stylish boutique hotels you stumble into in Athens or Paros. It actually reminded me of a hotel we stayed at in Athens years ago—one of those ‘70s apartment buildings turned design-forward hotels, where everything feels nostalgic and new at the same time. The aesthetic is subtle and restrained, but distinctly Greek.

The staff was warm, welcoming, and—importantly—knowledgeable about the food. That matters with Greek cuisine, which is simple at its core but varies a lot from region to region, and from restaurant to restaurant. For example, we were debating ordering the shrimp saganaki, and our server was able to tell us exactly how it’s done here. That kind of detail matters. At Nerina, the shrimp arrives in a shallow skillet, sizzling, laid flat—not stacked—and topped with just the right amount of crumbled feta and a tomato sauce that has a nice little kick to it. It wasn’t overly salty or acidic. Just super well-balanced.

We started with the tzatziki and freshly baked pita, which is probably a requirement at any Greek place—but they nailed it. The pita is sliced into small triangles, which makes it perfect for sharing. The tzatziki is thick and creamy, with dill and cucumber that actually tastes fresh—not just a hint of it, like you sometimes get. Then came the Greek salad, which felt super classic. Big, thick tomato wedges, thin onions, Kalamata olives, and chunks of Greek country bread mixed in. The olive oil they use has a noticeable peppery finish, which is something I remember from the Peloponnese. Again, these little details show someone’s paying attention.

For drinks, I had the Marathos cocktail—a mix of Stray Dog gin, celery and fennel syrup, lime, and egg white. Light, refreshing, and not too sweet or too boozy. It’s the kind of drink that complements the food without overpowering it. I’d absolutely order it again.

For the main course, we shared the Whole Lavraki, which was filleted tableside and came with a little pot of lemon butter sauce on the side and a generous wedge of lemon. The fish was so tender it barely needed a knife, and the caper-lemon combo gave it just enough acidity and richness without being too heavy. It was one of those dishes where you just kind of sit in silence for a minute because it’s that good.

We wrapped the meal with baklava, which was served in a spiral shape. Not drenched in syrup like most versions—just sweet enough with a subtle crunch and a bit of honey. It was restrained, in the best way.

What struck me most about the whole experience is how different Nerina feels from almost everything else in Greenpoint right now. Greenpoint’s had a wave of newer restaurants in the past few years, and while many of them are good, they often lean either super casual or overly trendy. Nerina is doing something more timeless. It doesn’t feel like it’s chasing a concept. It’s just really good food, presented beautifully, in a space that feels both intentional and comfortable.

Until now, Greenpoint didn’t have a great Greek restaurant. We’d always have to go into Manhattan (like Kiki’s or Periyali) or Queens (obviously Astoria) for something remotely authentic. The fact that we can walk here in five minutes feels like an...

Just don’t get the excellent service reviews! The food was outstanding for the most part. The starters we had were truly delicious. I opted for the Lobster Orzotto for my main dish based on pics on the website, and was so excited to try it. I was shocked when it came out with three quarter-sized pieces of lobster swimming in a creamy sauce-laden orzo that was way too rich for me. The lobster could not even be tasted. The staff was pleasant about explaining the sauce and taking it back - I will give them that. I opted for the scallop dish, instead, but again - soooo tiny! Three small scallops! My partner had the Moussaka, and said it was just ok. On to the service - just not good. We waited for 10 minutes to be addressed - ok. But then 25 minutes later we received our drinks after seeing others receive seconds. At one point, someone backing up our sever did clear some dishes, but took my partner’s only fork. No big deal. But we subsequently asked two different people for a fork, and still, when his Moussaka arrived, no fork! We truly enjoyed most of the food and the ambience of the patio, but we never really relaxed as we were chasing after the things that we needed all evening. As for the food, treat all of the menu items like tapas, and order a bunch of things that look good to you, and you will enjoy and leave full. (lobster orzotto excluded!) But beware - the entrees are incredibly small...

From the moment we entered Nerina, we were enveloped in a most clean and romantic atmosphere that set the tone for an incredible evening. The ambiance was perfect with soft lighting and a cozy yet elegant vibe that made us feel at ease right away.

We started with the Lamb Chops perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of flavor. It was the kind of dish that made you savor every bite. The Tuna Tartare was exquisite, with fresh, delicate flavors that paired perfectly with the light seasoning. The Zucchini Chips were a delightful surprise crispy and flavorful, adding a nice contrast to the richness of the other dishes.

As the meal continued, we could truly taste the care and expertise that Chef Moshe put into each dish. Every bite was a testament to his incredible skill and dedication to crafting memorable dishes. Nerina feels like food heaven, with every dish leaving us impressed and satisfied.

To cap off the meal, we indulged in the dessert, which was a beautiful end to the experience. The sweet finish matched the outstanding food, and we left feeling completely content.

Nerina is a gem. Chef Moshe’s talent, the clean, romantic atmosphere, and the divine food make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a special, memorable meal. Highly recommend!

Shigi...