Nina & Rafi Opens But ‘Grandma’ Isn’t Returning to Old Fourth Ward

Nina & Rafi, the Italian restaurant from Billy Streck (Hampton + Hudson, Cypress Street Pint & Plate) and Anthony Spina (O4W Pizza), apparently opens today at SPX Alley on the Eastside Beltline in the Old Fourth Ward. However, it seems the beloved Jersey-style grandma pie isn’t on the menu.

According to people in attendance at last night’s friends and family preview, grandma won’t return to the neighborhood after all. It’s unclear why Spina’s most popular pizza, first capturing the hearts of Atlantans at his humble, counter-serve slice joint inside Irwin Street Market (now a full-blow restaurant in Duluth,) isn’t back where it all began. Spina’s O4W Pizza is named for the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.

What is clear? The menu has no shortage of stromboli or Detroit-style pizzas — rectangular pies with an extra thick crust, loaded with cheese and toppings — like the What the Sausage About with mushrooms and sausage.

For those into extra cheese, there’s also this:

Nina & Rafi is currently operating with a limited dinner menu and hours as they ramp up. The restaurant opens at 5 p.m. for at least the next two weeks.

Eater Atlanta has reached out to Streck and Spina for more details, including hours and a current menu — and to inquire about grandma.

661 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta. ninaandrafi.com.

• The ‘Grandma Pie’ Could Return to Old Fourth Ward Very Soon [EATL]
• O4W Pizza’s New Eastside Beltline Restaurant Finally Has a Name [EATL]
• Rejoice: The Grandma Pie Is Heading Back to Old Fourth Ward [EATL]
• Detroit-Style Pizza Is Having a Moment. But Are Its Originators Getting Left Behind? [EDT]