Set the scene.
Just steps from McCarren Park on the corner of Norman Avenue and Guernsey Street, Nura has become a fixture of the neighborhood’s charm. What was once an auto body shop has been transformed into an airy, 80-seat space by designers Nico Arze and Matthew Maddy, known for their work on popular New York venues like Lilia and Celestine.
With high ceilings, lush greenery, and sustainably sourced materials, Nura’s warm ambiance invites diners into a cozy yet lively setting. At its heart is an open kitchen featuring a tandoori oven, which imbues each dish with smoky flavors that enhance the dining experience.
What can we expect from the food?
Executive Chef Tajeh Porter brings her vision for Nura’s dinner menu to life with a mix of small plates, hearty entrées, and inventive desserts–all showcasing bold flavors and a dedication to local sourcing. New American fare infused with Indian ethos reflects the team’s diverse backgrounds and fosters a culinary affair rooted in community.
In the restaurant’s convivial fashion, everything is intended to be shared. Highlights include “House Whipped Yogurt,” drizzled with cremini mushroom oil and presented alongside the restaurant’s signature “Garlic Coriander Naan.” The “Japanese Sweet Potato”–set atop a bed of house-whipped yogurt stuffed with salsa macha verde–boasts vibrant piquancy and textures.
For something more substantial, opt for the “Braised Lamb,” paired with juniper, charred cabbage, and mustard jus. Chef Porter’s technique, marinating and then searing the lamb, yields a meat that resembles a steak in presentation but is beyond tender, irresistibly falling apart as soon as it’s sliced.
The desserts feature a satisfying blend of comforting aromatics like the “Sticky Toffee Pudding,” enhanced with burnt cinnamon and sesame. The “Orange Blossom Crème Brûlée” with burnt vanilla adds a fragrant, floral note, offering a delicate yet decadent conclusion to the meal.
And what about the drinks?
The creative bar program–led by Beverage Director Chris Amirault–is the perfect complement. Ingredient-focused cocktails are pervaded with cultural influence, with drinks such as “For Your Eyes Only,” a nod to the James Bond vesper, featuring manzanilla sherry and grapefruit-infused gin. The “Piña Negra,” a unique take on the piña colada, combines black sesame with a house rum blend and coconut milk. “Mirror Mirror,” a clarified cucumber margarita, has become a crowd favorite, balancing cucumber, lime, and green peppercorn for a refreshing twist.
Wine Director Mackenzie Gassett–who serves the same position at Nura’s neighboring sister concept Pan Pan Vino Vino–curates an impressive selection of natural and old-world wines, emphasizing small producers.
Final thoughts?
With its inviting ambiance, thoughtful menu, and creative cocktails, Nura has cemented itself as a neighborhood gem and destination for unforgettable dining and imbibing in Greenpoint.
Top Takeaways
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Address: 46 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Cuisine: Indian-accented New American
The vibe: Buzzy and convivial, Nura fosters community with its open-air ambiance and menu of New American fare with Indian influence.
Pricing: $$
Takes Reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: There’s a reason the “Japanese Sweet Potato” with house yogurt and salsa macha verde is one of Nura’s most popular items: it’s exceptional.
The attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Nura is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 PM to 10 PM and on Sundays from 5 PM to 9 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, brunch is available from 11 AM to 2:30 PM.
