These are the stories that created buzz on the metro Atlanta dining scene this week:

Long-awaited Italian restaurant Nina + Rafi is finally open in Old Fourth Ward.

The eatery is in soft open mode with a limited menu and hours, Eater Atlanta first reported and owner Billy Streck confirmed to the AJC.

Nina + Rafi marks the return of Anthony Spina's pizza to Old Fourth Ward after he closed his Irwin Street Market spot O4W Pizza across from Krog Street Market in mid-2016 in favor of a new location in Duluth. .

Atlanta restaurateur Billy Streck, owner of intown eateries Cypress Street Pint + Plate and Hampton + Hudson , is partnering with Spina on the venture, which will be located in mixed-use development Studioplex at 659 Auburn Ave. NE, just a few blocks from O4W's previous intown location.

Named for Spina and Streck's grandmothers, Nina + Rafi features a menu of top-selling pies from O4W Pizza and other Italian snacks, sandwiches, salads, and pasta including vegan and gluten-free options, alongside a beverage program with a full bar.

The restaurant will be open starting at 5 p.m. for the next two weeks, after which regular hours will kick in.

Nina + Rafi joins several other dining concepts at the Studioplex concepts including the recently-announced Pour Taproom, as well as recently-opened Guac y Margysand Butter & Cream and the forthcoming The James Room, Hawkers Asian Street Fare  and Playa Bowls.

•Nhan Le has filed plans to open to-go taco stand Supreme Taco in Reynoldstown at 701 Memorial Drive, What Now Atlanta reports.

•MetroFresh will open a second Atlanta location in the One Midtown Plaza building at 1360 Peachtree St. NE, What Now Atlanta reports. MetroFresh Uptown will serve breakfast, lunch and after-work cocktails and small plates.

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Aerial photo shows demonstrators holding signs to oppose Trump’s immigration policies during “No Cake for False Kings” protest on the 17th Street NW Bridge, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC