New 'Neighborhood Italian Restaurant' Coming To Cobble Hill

COBBLE HILL, BROOKLYN — An new "neighborhood Italian restaurant" is coming to 127 Columbia St. this spring. Chris McDade and James O'Brien presented their plans for "Popina" to Community Board 6's licensing committee on Tuesday night, explaining that the restaurant will take over the former home of Thai eatery Pok Pok NY, which has moved down the block to 117 Columbia St.

A draft menu for Popina, embedded below, lists snacks, such as "Smoked Oysters" and "Fried Grits," elegant plates — including "Country Terrine" (giardiniera, a deviled egg, and sourdough bread) and swordfish served with bottarga, cashews and creamed lettuce — and shared platters, such as those featuring snapper, chicken and pork shoulder.

Beer, cocktails, champagne and wine by the glass are also on the menu, ranging from a $10 house white to a $32 Barolo Riserva Cavalotto from 2004.

McDade and O'Brien said the restaurant will feature an open outdoor service area in the back with seating for about 20. The owners agreed to only keep that space open until 11 p.m. during the week and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, in keeping with CB 6 standards.

Popina will also likely feature a bocce ball court, McDade and O'Brien said. Plus, both tax and gratuity will be included in the bill.

The restaurant should open by April, the owners said.

Pictured at top: 127 Columbia St. Image via Google Maps.