Rina, the skewer house (or shipudiya) eatery from restauranteur Tal Baum and the team behind Oliva Restaurants (Bellina Alimentari, Aziza, and Falafel Nation), opened its doors this week in the Ford Factory Lofts along the Eastside BeltLine.
“This concept is one of the most personal projects for me because this is where it all started,” Tal said in a press release Tuesday.
“Named for my grandmother, I made sure she touches every piece of this space, from the photography of her on the walls to the family recipes we based the menu on. I spent so many hours cooking in the kitchen with her and they are some of my fondest memories of growing up. She gave me my passion for cooking and serving others and I can’t wait to continue sharing that with others here.”
Group Executive Chef Brandon Hughes leads the charge on the newest concept, alongside Chef de Cuisine Daniel Chance, with a menu of traditional Israeli street food.
Some recipes, including the falafel, have been passed down for generations through Baum’s family and were first served at their own falafel stand in Israel in the 1950s.
Eats include a variety of mezze options like Moroccan Carrots, Za’atar Labneh, Eggplant Matbucha, Israeli Salad, Tabbouleh, and Sumac-Cabbage Slaw.
Hummus combinations as well as pita selections are also available, filled with Chicken Shawarma, Arayes (spiced lamb), or Sabich (spiced eggplant).
Platter options include Amba Chicken with Persian rice and charred vegetables, Beef Kebab with garlic pita, tomato brown butter, and sumac onion, and “Jaffa” Fried Fish fried in falafel batter with fried shallots and herb tahini.
The beverage program, led by Demario Wallace, includes frozen drinks, draft cocktails, boozy milkshakes, and house-made sodas.
The 2,700-square-foot space, designed by Smith Hanes Studio to feel like a Tel Aviv beach cafe, includes an outdoor patio with BeltLine access, high ceilings with large windows, and traditional Israeli textures.
What Now Atlanta’s Preferred General Contractor Morrison Shearer, Inc. did the buildout.
Rina, which is Hebrew for “happiness,” is celebrating its soft opening through Thursday, January 16, open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Beginning Friday, January 17, Rina will be open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
