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Nestled in the vibrant Columbia Street Waterfront District of Brooklyn, Popina is a delightful restaurant and bar that offers a unique blend of Italian cuisine with a Southern twist. Located at 127 Columbia St, Popina is not just a dining destination; it’s a culinary experience that captures the essence of Brooklyn's food scene. Known for its warm ambiance and exceptional service, this restaurant is perfect for everything from casual dinners to special events.

Popina is celebrated for its diverse menu that features a variety of Italian dishes, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Highlights include:

Rigatoni with guanciale in a pepperonata sauce, perfect for pasta lovers.

Delicious salads featuring seasonal ingredients, such as the celery and fennel salad with anchovies and blue cheese.

A selection of wines and cocktails that perfectly complement the menu.

Outdoor seating available, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in a charming patio setting.

Conveniently situated in Brooklyn, Popina is surrounded by a wealth of attractions that enhance its appeal. Guests can explore the nearby waterfront, enjoy a stroll through the picturesque streets of the Columbia Street Waterfront District, or visit the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Popina serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the vibrant culture and community of Brooklyn.

Place for Italian food with a touch of the American South, plus bocce ball on the patio.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIcElhVUVREAE&d=17924085&t=1

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Had my wedding at Popina in August - it was absolutely spectacular. Popina is not only an incredible gem of a restaurant - but they also have an amazing events program. From our first outreach to the day of the event, Gretchen and James were patient, super responsive and answered all of our questions (even if we asked the same ones several times!). We felt that we were in good hands and never had a worry in our mind about our special day - and on that day, it couldn't have gone any better. The staff were so kind and helpful - the food was delicious and we've received so many compliments. I cannot recommend working with James, Gretchen and their team enough. Popina will always have a special place in our hearts - and we will continue to be going there for dinner regularly as long as we are in the City!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYLUpIbl9nRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

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We held our wedding reception at Popina's wine room down the block from their main restaurant. The food, the service, and the space were all wonderful. Gretchen and her event team were accommodating and flexible. James was a wonderful day of host, helping us feel welcome and responsive to our needs. He also helped pick out great wines for our event. I highly recommend the wine room for anyone needing a private and flexible space for a delicious and memorable dinner. Many thanks to the Popina staff!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUc3JXMjlRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ4aBPvVxawokRp3MR5LZRlN4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUc3JXMjlRRRAB

We hosted my baby shower at Popina and it was fantatic! Gretchen was super responsive and helpful with the planning piece, and the day of couldn't have gone better. The covered side room was perfect for mingling and snacks/drinks and then the backyard was a beautiful setting for the brunch, with the large tree and umbrellas providing shade and the string lights an added touch. Food and wine were delicious. The kids loved playing in the bocce court. Highly recommend!

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chicken milanese was way over fried, the crab pasta was sour with no deep or redeeming taste, the crab was just thrown in there not seasoned at all. The salad was fine, the arancini tasted like any other arancini. service was bland, just did the bare minimum

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After gifting my husband the cookbook of 'The Magic of Tinned Fish' by Popina chef, Chris McDade, I was the one who became enthralled with the book and the place.   My husband has a penchant for buying tinned fish and mollusks - no matter which country he's travelling to but what he doesn't do is use them in time before their expiry date.  So the 'Tinned Fish' cookbook by McDade, was one of intrigue.  I therefore took it upon myself to make a few dishes from this extraordinary cookbook, and then learned that there was a restaurant I could visit which played on the themes from the cookbook.  But adverse, tinned fish folks, be not afraid!  Popina is not a place entirely of tinned fish - it's Italian more than any kind of fish.

Food: Five stars
I had the 'new' celery and fennel salad to start, complete with anchovies (yay!), ewe's blue cheese, and walnuts (delicate mint leaves folded in).  If it came in a large size salad, I would have easily devoured it.  It was SUBLIME!!!

For my main, it was the Rigatoni with the guanciale, in a delicately-spiced pepperonata sauce.  A generous portion of pasta I'm told by the staff, from all the pastas on the menu.  So if you want lots of pasta, get this one.

For drink I started with a Nebbiolo rosé wine by the glass and then with my pasta I moved to a 'chilled' Valpolicella red.  Both were excellent in quality and paired well with the dishes.

I couldn't make room for dessert sadly.  There were only two choices but each would have put me over the edge.

Service: Four stars
Seemed a bit of confusion with the staff sorting out the seating and walk-in diners when I arrived for my early dinner booking.  Or just my impatience?  As I was only a table for one, and had pre-booked, I was seated at the bar, as not to take a table from diners who were 2 +.

Atmosphere: Three stars
Humid October night in Brooklyn.  But the air conditioning inside the restaurant was pumping.  Thankful for my jacket which I had to put around my shoulders for most of the night even after the air conditioner was turned off.  Popina is located on a busy street and whilst the window looking out is generous if you're sat near it, there isn't much to look at but the fenced-in Pier 9, and many cars.  But it's not noisy, indoors.  Also I cannot comment on the outdoor garden space as I did not sit there, nor did I visit it.

Popina: Luxurious Italian Dining in Brooklyn's Waterfront

Outdoor Seating

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Cocktails

Good for Groups

Restroom

Popina is a charming restaurant and bar located in Brooklyn's Columbia Street Waterfront District, offering a delightful blend of Italian cuisine with a touch of the American South, along with bocce ball on the patio.

Popina

Live Music

Popina is a charming bar and restaurant located in Brooklyn's Columbia Street Waterfront District, offering a delightful blend of Italian cuisine with a touch of the American South, along with bocce ball on the patio.

Discover Popina in Brooklyn's Columbia Street Waterfront District! Savor delicious dishes and refreshing drinks by the water. Join us today!

Popina: Luxurious Italian Dining in Brooklyn's Waterfront

Dining & Culinary Delights

Location & Nearby Attractions