Review - Nina’s

Upon spotting Nina’s, my initial thought was, “Argentinian…and pizzeria…do those words work together?” Now I know the answer. Oh yes, they do. In fact, they work together magnificently. My lesson of the evening was that Argentine cuisine is distinct amongst that of its neighboring countries. Rather than primarily serving up Latin American dishes, Argentina is home to prolific Italian, French, and Spanish fare. Particularly in the country’s central region, the residents have created new dishes by adapting and experimenting with food ideas that arrived with immigrants from across the seas. The pizza I indulged in at Nina’s is irrefutable evidence of their positive influence.

Before I fall into a reverie describing this delicious pizza, let me first make mention of the reasonably priced glasses of Argentinian wine poured by a generous hand (disclaimer: may precipitate falling into a reverie). Some bottles were priced at just $15, thereby advancing Nina’s on my mental list of recession-friendly venues in the city. The pizza we ordered came with (enter meat predilection) chorizo, and we added mushrooms to the mix. In contrast to the New York style pizza pervading the Upper Eastside, this pizza was of moderate thickness and maintained a fluffy consistency throughout. The ratio of ingredients tasted just right with the cheese and tomato sauce more subtle, allowing us to really savor the strong, divine flavors of the chorizo and mushrooms. What I cannot fully express in words is a certain paradox of complexity and simplicity that this pie possesses…you must taste it to understand it (and then let me know how to articulate it!). Conveniently, all the pizzas can be ordered in 9”, 12”, or 16” depending on your level of hunger.

The setting for all of this delectable pizza and wine is a cozy space with exposed brick and framed pictures creating a casual and comfortable ambiance. Because of the seating arrangements, I think Nina’s is best suited for dining with just one partner. Nina’s must think so too because if you venture into the bathroom, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to the Paso Doble.

The service throughout our meal could not have been more attentive. I really appreciated the swift, calm, and collected manner in which the staff worked. My only disappointment throughout the evening was finding out that the tiramisu listed on the menu was not available. I can only imagine how sublime a twist of Argentine influence would be on that heavenly Italian confection!