Oliva Restaurants’ new Israeli diner concept Rina will open in the Ford Factory Lofts, directly across the Atlanta BeltLine from Ponce City Market, on Monday, January 13, 2020, according to a press release Tuesday.
“I wanted to expose Atlanta to the fun, lively, delicious part of my culture that is not always the focal point,” says owner and restauranteur Tal Baum, who named the restaurant after her grandmother.
“I want everybody to know what a magical and beautiful place Israel is and share the recipes that were first served at my family’s falafel stand in Israel in the 1950s.”
Baum has two more concepts that nod to her Israeli roots.
Aziza serves modern Israeli cuisine at the Westside Provisions District and Falafel Nation serves middle Eastern street foods.
Her first restaurant, Bellina Alimentari, is an Italian market and wine bar located in Ponce City Market.
Inspired by traditional skewer houses (or shipudiya) in Israel, the menu, helmed by Executive Chef Brandon Hughes, will feature classic Middle Eastern dishes such as pita sandwiches, skewers, seasonal mezze, hummus, salads, Israeli-inspired milkshakes, and more.
“After 6 months at the helm of Aziza, Israeli culture and cuisine continue to excite and inspire me,” Hughes said in the release.
“I can’t wait to share this concept with Atlantans. This concept takes more traditional Israeli food offerings, and brings things up a notch, adding in an element of fun and color.”
Demario Wallace’s bar program will include ingredients such as harissa, tahini, turmeric, and tamarind.
Atlanta-based designer, Smith Hanes designed the 2,700 square-foot space incorporating bright and airy colors, traditional Israeli textures, and ample natural light from large windows, which includes an outdoor patio with BeltLine access.
After Rina opens, neighboring Lady Ha will make its debut.
