Greenpoint’s vibrant dining scene is about to welcome an exciting new addition: Nerina, the latest venture from the esteemed team behind Midtown East’s celebrated Nerai. Co-owners Spiro Menegatos and Christos Gourmos are bringing their passion for Greek cuisine to Brooklyn with a sophisticated mezze-style menu that encourages sharing and exploration. Twelve years after the debut of Nerai, Nerina promises an elegant yet approachable dining experience, blending refined Mediterranean flavors with the warm essence of Greek hospitality.
Leading the kitchen at Nerina is Executive Chef Moshe Grundman, a seasoned chef whose culinary journey spans years of Mediterranean-inspired innovation. Born and raised in Jerusalem, Chef Grundman’s love for cooking was inspired by his father and shaped by his Mediterranean heritage. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City, Grundman honed his skills at Michelin-starred Oceana and later led the kitchen at Sixty5 On Main in Nyack, NY. Since joining Nerai in 2017, he’s been crafting modern takes on traditional Greek recipes, and at Nerina, he continues to elevate Greek cuisine with fresh, exotic ingredients and creative flair. The menu at Nerina showcases the best of Greek culinary traditions with a contemporary twist.
Guests can look forward to house-made pita paired with an array of Greek spreads, vibrant salads, and fresh seafood dishes like fluke crudo, grilled octopus, and Cretan spiced scallops. For heartier appetites, larger plates like lamb chops and whole grilled fish are perfect for sharing. Every dish, from bread to gelato, is meticulously crafted in-house, emphasizing freshness and authenticity.
Under the guidance of Wine Director Dimitrios Karagiannis, Nerina’s all-Greek wine list offers a curated selection of organic and biodynamic wines that celebrate the rich heritage of Greek winemaking. Karagiannis, a native of Grevena, Greece, brings his deep knowledge and passion to each bottle, ensuring that guests can savor the unique varietals and terroirs of Greece.
The beverage program doesn’t stop at wine. Nerina’s cocktail menu is an ode to the Mediterranean, featuring handcrafted drinks infused with Greek spirits, house-made syrups, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a cocktail aficionado, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Nerina embraces the Greek tradition of philoxenia, or "friend to a stranger," offering a dining experience that’s as warm and hospitable as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning a date night, a gathering with friends, or a celebratory feast, Nerina’s inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and remarkable menu promise an unforgettable evening.