Nerina: A Modern Greek Culinary Escape in Brooklyn's Greenpoint

Nerina Introduce

Welcome to Nerina, a contemporary Greek restaurant that brings the authentic, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This isn't your average Greek spot; Nerina offers a sophisticated, yet cozy dining experience that feels both trendy and inviting. The focus is on traditional dishes elevated with modern techniques, resulting in a menu that is both familiar and exciting. From the moment you step inside, the beautiful aesthetic and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for an unforgettable meal.

Nerina’s menu is a testament to its commitment to quality and authenticity. It features a delightful array of options, from classic spreads and artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood and tender meats. The "small plates" style of dining encourages sharing and allows guests to sample a variety of dishes, much like you would in Greece. The chefs use high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are not only delicious but also showcase the rich culinary heritage of Greece. This dedication to authentic flavors and presentation is what makes Nerina a standout destination for anyone in New York seeking a genuine Greek dining experience.

What truly sets Nerina apart is its exceptional beverage program. The restaurant boasts a fantastic wine list with a focus on Greek wines, offering a unique opportunity to explore the country's diverse and often underrated vintages. The knowledgeable staff is more than happy to help you navigate the wine list, ensuring you find the perfect pairing for your meal. In addition to wine, Nerina also serves up great cocktails and beers, making it a wonderful spot for a drink before or after your meal. The cozy and trendy ambiance makes it ideal for a romantic dinner, a celebratory group outing, or even a peaceful solo meal. The beautiful setting, both indoors and with outdoor seating, provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion, ensuring that your visit to Nerina is a special one.

## Location and Accessibility

Nerina is conveniently located at 35 Commercial St, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA. Its prime spot in Greenpoint makes it easily accessible for a wide range of visitors. The neighborhood is known for its artistic energy and vibrant community, and Nerina fits right in with its stylish and welcoming character.

For those driving, there is the convenience of a **paid parking garage** nearby, which is a great amenity in a bustling area. While the restaurant may not have a wheelchair-accessible entrance, it does provide **wheelchair-accessible seating**, ensuring that guests with mobility needs can still enjoy their meal comfortably. The presence of **outdoor seating** also adds to the versatility, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining environment. The overall atmosphere and location make it a great spot to visit, whether you're a local or a tourist exploring Brooklyn.

## Services Offered

Nerina offers a range of services designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for all its guests.

Dine-in: The restaurant provides a beautiful and cozy setting for a full dining experience with table service.
Takeout: For those who want to enjoy Nerina's delicious food at home, a convenient takeout service is available.
Outdoor Seating: The option for outdoor seating is a major plus, allowing guests to dine al fresco and enjoy the Greenpoint ambiance.
Reservations: Nerina accepts reservations, and they are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends, to secure a table in this popular spot.
Wine Tasting Classes: As noted in a customer review, the restaurant offers wine tasting classes, which provides a unique and engaging experience for wine enthusiasts.

## Features / Highlights

Nerina is distinguished by several key features that set it apart and contribute to its excellent reputation.

Exceptional Beverages: A major highlight is the fantastic beverage menu, featuring a **great wine list** focused on Greek wines, as well as **great cocktails** and a selection of beers.
Cozy & Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is a perfect blend of **cozy** and **trendy**, making it ideal for a variety of occasions, from a romantic dinner to a group get-together.
Focus on Small Plates: The menu's emphasis on **small plates** allows guests to explore a wide range of flavors and dishes, making for a fun and communal dining experience.
Authentic Flavors: The commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional Greek flavors results in a menu that offers truly authentic and delicious dishes.
Variety of Offerings: The menu includes a wide variety of options, from **healthy options** and **vegetarian** dishes to a full bar with **alcohol** and **hard liquor**, catering to a broad range of tastes.

## Contact Information

To make a reservation or learn more about Nerina, you can contact them at:

Address: 35 Commercial St, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA

Phone: (718) 509-9339

## What is worth choosing

When you visit Nerina, you'll be faced with a menu of tempting options, but a few dishes stand out as must-tries. For an appetizer, the **zucchini chips** are a fan favorite, praised for being "fluffy and crispy." The **grilled octopus** and **tuna tartare** are also excellent choices, showcasing the restaurant's fresh seafood offerings.

For mains, the **lamb chops** are a standout, described as "delicious and tender" by a satisfied customer. The **chicken lemonato** is another great choice for a flavorful and comforting dish. If you're a seafood lover, the **grilled calamari** and the **lobster orzotto** are highly recommended. The menu is perfect for sharing, so ordering a variety of small plates, such as the **spanakopitakia** and the **artisanal cheeses**, is a great way to experience a wider range of flavors.

Don't forget to explore the extensive drink menu. As one reviewer noted, the kind and knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect Greek wine to pair with your meal. And be sure to save room for dessert, as Nerina is known for its great dessert options. The overall experience at Nerina—from the food and wine to the beautiful atmosphere and friendly service—makes it a truly special place to dine in Brooklyn.

Nerina Menu

spreads
tzatziki
served with your choice of pita or sourdough bread
spicy feta
served with your choice of pita or sourdough bread
tarama
served with your choice of pita or sourdough bread
hummus
served with your choice of pita or sourdough bread
fava
served with your choice of pita or sourdough bread

artisanal cheeses
feta $8.00
sheep + cows milk from trihonida, semi-soft salty
metsovone $8.00
cow, goat + sheep's milk from metsovo, smoked
graviera $9.00
sheep, goat + cow's milk from naxos, hard and nutty
manouri $7.00
sheep + goat milk from thessaly, semi-soft creamy
kasseri $6.00
cow + sheep's milk from trikala, semi-hard sweet
anthotiro $7.00
whipped cows milk, soft and creamy

breads
pita $3.00
housemade fire baked pita $8.00
horiatiko psomi $4.00
housemade sourdough bread

cured meats
loukaniko $9.00
citrusy, tender, air-dried salami
brizola $9.00
savory, herbed, air-cured beef
akrokolion $11.00
16-month cured pork leg

charcuterie plates
small $15.00
1 cheese & 1 cured meat served with olives, candied grapes, toursi, caperberries and rye rusks
large $26.00
2 cheeses & 2 cured meats served with olives, candied grapes, toursi, caperberries and rye rusks

garden
marinated olives $5.00
orange zest, thyme
greek salad $15.00
traditional tomato salad
grape arugula salad $13.00
goat cheese, grapefruit dressing
dolmades $8.00
stuffed grape leaves
artichokes & snap peas $10.00
zucchini chips $12.00
fried paper-thin, tzatziki
spanakopitakia $12.00
spinach pies, ouzo yogurt
asparagus $10.00
avgolemono hollandaise
lemon potatoes $9.00
slow roasted wedges
honey glazed carrots $9.00
saffron yogurt
horta $9.00
sautéed mixed greens

seafood
fluke crudo $14.00
cucumber, lemon, grapes
grilled calamari $13.00
red pepper coulis
grilled octopus $24.00
fava, caramelized onions
tuna tartare $18.00
potato kataifi, tarama foam
cretan spiced scallops $20.00
sweet yellow corn, roasted peppers
lobster orzotto $28.00
metaxa bisque

souvlakia
haloumi $14.00
chicken $14.00
shrimp $14.00
salmon $16.00
beef tenderloin $18.00

meat
soutzoukakia $15.00
cretan meatballs, tomato sauce
moshe's moussaka $16.00
beef, potato & eggplant casserole
lamb kokkinisto $21.00
lemon potato gnocchi
duck leg stiffado $24.00
hilopites noodles, red wine braise
chicken lemonato $24.00
oregano gremolata
baby rack of lamb $28.00
mint harissa yogurt

whole fish
lavraki $36.00
grilled 1 lb branzino, deboned, capers and ladolemono
fagri $48.00
grilled 2 lb pink snapper, deboned, capers and ladolemono

wines by the glass
sparkling
white
orange
rosé
red

sparkling
NV Moschofilero, Tselepos "Amalia", Brut, Peloponnese $14.00
Zippy and floral with citrusy sparkle, effortlessly celebratory

white
2023 Vidiano, Daskalakis "Vorinos", Crete $14.00
Crisp and elegant, a Cretan breeze with a hint of wild herbs
2021 Monemvasia, Myrsini "Kelifos", Paros $15.00
Bright, layered, and distinctly Cycladic
2024 Assyrtiko, Savvoglou-Tsivolas, Limnos $15.00
Lively and mineral-driven, crisp as a Limnos sea spray

orange
2023 Roditis, Papras "Pleiades", Thessaly $14.00
Fresh, funky, and expressive with a distinctly Greek soul

rosé
2023 Muscat, Garalis "Roseus", Limnos $14.00
Vibrant and floral, a breezy Greek island feel

red
2022 Liatiko, Lyrarakis, Crete $14.00
Silky and spiced, a beautifully expressive Cretan red
2022 Xinomavro, Mittas, Naoussa $15.00
Earthy, structured, a classic expression of Naoussa
2022 Mavrodaphne, Sclavos "Orgion", Kefalonia $16.00
Rustic and soulful, pure Kefalonia character with a natural edge

mocktails
kokkino $12.00
roots aperitif rosso, pomegranate, spiced syrup, lemon, tonic
prasino $12.00
roots aperitif bianco, rose syrup, lemon, mint, cucumber

cocktails
kardamo $16.00
legendario domingo mezcal, cardamom syrup, ciociaro amaro
kafe negroni $16.00
skinos mastiha, coffee-infused campari, method dry vermouth
loukoumi $16.00
rose-infused cazcabel tequila, italicus, rose syrup, lime
marathos $16.00
stray dog gin, celery & fennel syrup, lime, egg white
vromiko $16.00
olive-infused culch vodka, feta olives
persephone $16.00
st. germain, cointreau, sparkling wine, pomegranate juice
thymari $16.00
woody creek bourbon, thyme syrup, nutmeg, bitters

beer
lager, fix, athens $7.00
wit ale, paros brewing co., paros $8.00
ipa, paros brewing co., paros $9.00
na golden ale, athletic brewing, connecticut $6.00

Nerina Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid parking garage

Nerina Photos

Nerina Location

Nerina

New York Kings County Greenpoint Commercial Street

35 Commercial St, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA

Nerina Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 90 user reviews.

scallopscocktailslobsterhoneyorzottognocchizucchini chipsadditionbougatsapatio

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Stopped in at our new local Greek restaurant. What a treat!The zucchini chips were fluffy and crispy.The lamb chops and the chicken were delicious and tender.Friendly staff and great atmosphere!
April 23 · tawnie scarborough
The service was kind of bad a first with the first server we had that was probably a busser, but we got 2 additional servers that seemed to rotate and they were fantastic. He was super nice and recommended the wine i as looking for since the different greek wines were overwhelming, but he was extremely kind to help me navigate through it. I would definitely return. They also offer wine tasting classes on the other end when we were there, seemed like everyone was having fun and it was overall a great experience. The food portions were on the smaller side but given how much we normally get served, this was the perfect amount. Sometimes its quality over quantity. I really loved this place, the overall aesthetic of the place was beautiful.
August 09 · Victoria C
Nerina stands out as an exceptional restaurant in the neighborhood, consistently delivering exceptional service and culinary excellence. The friendly host, attentive servers, and knowledgeable manager collectively contribute to an unforgettable dining experience. My personal highlights include the Oysters, Lamb Chops, Greek Salad, and dessert with coffee, all of which were of the highest caliber. I wholeheartedly recommend Nerina for a memorable and satisfying meal.
June 05 · Firat
Went here last night and thought the food was excellent! The gnocchi was a fun spin on traditional Greek potatoes and we loved the zucchini chips. The cocktails were also delicious. I do think the portions (including drink size) are very small for the price, so this won’t be a go to but more a special occasion place for me.
March 03 · Lauren S
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 actual luxury.
May 09 · Steven Matt