Popina

- 127 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Introduction / Overview

New York City's dining landscape is defined by innovation, and Popina, a cherished Brooklyn gem, delivers on that promise with a truly unique culinary concept. Nestled in the picturesque Columbia Street Waterfront District, Popina is far more than just another Italian restaurant. It is a harmonious collision of authentic Italian and comforting Southern American cuisine, resulting in a menu that is both excitingly innovative and deeply familiar to the local palate. This inventive approach has earned Popina critical acclaim, including recognition from the MICHELIN Guide, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for New Yorkers seeking an elevated yet unpretentious dining experience.

The restaurant's foundation is built on artisanal house-made pastas, a hallmark of excellent Italian dining. However, Popina boldly infuses these classics with the rich flavors and soulful ingredients of the American South. This fusion is expertly executed by a culinary team with pedigree, ensuring a level of quality and depth rarely found. The ambiance complements the food perfectly—it’s cozy, romantic, and exuding true Brooklyn charm, making it ideal for everything from a casual weeknight meal to a celebratory dinner.

Beyond the unique cuisine, Popina stands out as a serious destination for wine enthusiasts. Operating equally as a high-end wine bar, the establishment boasts an impressive, carefully curated wine list that features both Italian classics and eclectic choices from top global producers, offering the perfect pairing for every inventive dish. From the charming indoor seating to the expansive, lively outdoor backyard complete with a bocce ball court, Popina captures a relaxed elegance that encourages diners to linger and enjoy the true New York dining experience. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick Cacio e Pepe or settling in for a full culinary journey with a rare bottle of Barolo, Popina offers a distinctive, comforting, and consistently high-quality experience.

Location and Accessibility

Popina is perfectly situated in the charming and increasingly popular Columbia Street Waterfront District, an intimate, low-key neighborhood nestled between Cobble Hill and Red Hook in Brooklyn. Its address—127 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA—places it just off the waterfront, providing a welcoming, neighborhood-centric atmosphere that feels both local and destination-worthy. The location offers easy access to the scenic waterfront and local parks, making it an ideal stop after a day out exploring the area.

Accessibility details for the convenience of all New Yorkers:

• The restaurant is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating.
• The neighborhood is easily reachable by various forms of transport, though many local users find it a charming walk from surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods.
• For those seeking outdoor dining, the spacious backyard garden and patio are a major draw, providing a beautiful setting for enjoying dinner al fresco or afternoon cocktails during the warmer months.

Services Offered

Popina offers comprehensive dining services tailored to both intimate experiences and group gatherings.

• Dining Options: Serving Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with seating and table service available throughout the day.
• Beverage Service: Full bar on site offering a robust selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor (including high-end Bourbons, Ryes, and rare Scotches), and an internationally recognized Wine list.
• Happy Hour: Features special Happy Hour pricing, including value-driven offers such as $15 Roman pastas, making fine dining more accessible during the early evening.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations, with dinner reservations highly recommended due to the intimate nature and popularity of the space.
• Takeout and Delivery: Provides options for Takeout, No-contact delivery, and traditional Delivery for local customers seeking Popina’s comfort food at home.
• Specialty Wine List: Maintains a detailed Cellar List featuring exclusive Bubbles, rare White Burgundies, and exceptional Red wines, including sought-after vintages from producers like Krug, Roulot, and Conterno.
• Private Events: Features private event spaces, including a private wine room and the option for a full restaurant or backyard buyout for larger celebrations.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for customer convenience.

Features / Highlights

Popina is celebrated across the New York dining community for a collection of outstanding features that set it apart.

• Signature Italian-Southern Fusion: The restaurant’s hallmark is the innovative and delicious blending of classic Italian and Roman recipes with comforting Southern American flavors and ingredients, such as ham hock in pappardelle and Carolina Gold rice in arancini.
• Acclaimed Wine Program: Recognized by sources like Star Wine List for having one of NYC's best medium-sized wine lists—it is concise yet full of gems, from accessible bottles to deeply allocated cellar selections like DRC and rare vintages of Champagne.
• The Hot Chicken Milanese: A perennial customer favorite and a signature dish that perfectly embodies the restaurant's fusion concept, melding Nashville's famed hot chicken with the Italian Milanese preparation.
• Spacious Backyard and Bocce Court: Offers one of Brooklyn’s most inviting outdoor dining experiences, featuring a beautiful patio and a dedicated bocce ball court, perfect for al fresco dining and relaxed summer socializing.
• Handmade Pasta Excellence: Commitment to quality is evident in their house-made, artisanal pastas, including popular dishes like Pappardelle with Ham Hocks and Collards, Rigatoni, and Cacio e Pepe.
• Cozy and Romantic Ambiance: The intimate, charming interior, combined with the convivial outdoor space, creates an atmosphere that is equally suited for romantic dates, solo dining, and group gatherings, with a known friendly and hospitable staff.
• Exceptional Desserts: Menu finishers like the Burnt Basque Cheesecake and Chocolate Chess Pie are highly praised, offering comforting and memorable final notes to the meal.

Contact Information

To make a reservation or inquire about private dining:

Address:

127 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone:

(718) 222-1901

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Yorker seeking an unforgettable culinary experience that transcends the standard Italian fare, Popina is a clear choice. What makes it genuinely worth choosing is its ability to expertly balance bold creativity with genuine comfort. You are not just getting a plate of pasta; you are experiencing a thoughtful culinary dialogue between Italy and the American South, a concept executed with passion and professionalism.

You should choose Popina for the Hot Chicken Milanese ($29.00), a hybrid dish that has achieved legendary status among local diners and reviewers, consistently being cited as a standout. Furthermore, any of the house-made pastas, such as the Pappardelle ($26.00) with its Southern-inspired ragu, are a must-try.

Beyond the food, Popina is a destination for oenophiles. The wine list, lauded for its quality and depth by experts, offers access to bottles like Krug Clos Du Mesnil 2006 ($1,255.00) or a fantastic Nebbiolo Trediberri Barolo 2017 ($85.00), ensuring a perfect pairing no matter the budget or occasion. The opportunity to enjoy such high-caliber food and wine in the relaxed setting of their large backyard, perhaps even with a pre-dinner game of bocce, creates a truly unique and enjoyable escape from the city’s frenetic pace.

It is a neighborhood spot with destination-worthy credentials. As one local user noted, the experience is so satisfying—from the food to the service and the perfect casual ambiance—that it inspires a desire to make it a local, go-to favorite. This combination of culinary excellence, a stellar wine program, and a genuinely warm, cozy atmosphere makes Popina one of Brooklyn’s most valuable and memorable dining treasures.

Popina

127 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA