These are the stories that created buzz on the metro Atlanta dining scene this week:
Long-awaited Italian restaurant Nina + Rafi is finally open in Old Fourth Ward.
The eatery is in soft open mode with a limited menu and hours, Eater Atlanta first reported and owner Billy Streck confirmed to the AJC.
Nina + Rafi marks the return of Anthony Spina's pizza to Old Fourth Ward after he closed his Irwin Street Market spot O4W Pizza across from Krog Street Market in mid-2016 in favor of a new location in Duluth. .
Atlanta restaurateur Billy Streck, owner of intown eateries Cypress Street Pint + Plate and Hampton + Hudson , is partnering with Spina on the venture, which will be located in mixed-use development Studioplex at 659 Auburn Ave. NE, just a few blocks from O4W's previous intown location.
Named for Spina and Streck's grandmothers, Nina + Rafi features a menu of top-selling pies from O4W Pizza and other Italian snacks, sandwiches, salads, and pasta including vegan and gluten-free options, alongside a beverage program with a full bar.
The restaurant will be open starting at 5 p.m. for the next two weeks, after which regular hours will kick in.
Nina + Rafi joins several other dining concepts at the Studioplex concepts including the recently-announced Pour Taproom, as well as recently-opened Guac y Margysand Butter & Cream and the forthcoming The James Room, Hawkers Asian Street Fare and Playa Bowls.
•Nhan Le has filed plans to open to-go taco stand Supreme Taco in Reynoldstown at 701 Memorial Drive, What Now Atlanta reports.
•MetroFresh will open a second Atlanta location in the One Midtown Plaza building at 1360 Peachtree St. NE, What Now Atlanta reports. MetroFresh Uptown will serve breakfast, lunch and after-work cocktails and small plates.
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