BROOKLYN, NY— A new neighborhood wine bar is headed to Williamsburg's waterfront.
Naftali Group and Access Real Estate announced they have signed a lease with Brooklyn restaurateur James O'Brien, owner of Popina, to open a new wine bar at Williamsburg Wharf.
The restaurant will open at 484 Kent Ave. in 2027, expanding the growing collection of restaurants and retailers at the mixed-use waterfront development.
The project marks O'Brien's second restaurant in Brooklyn, but his first outside the Columbia Street Waterfront District, where Popina has operated since 2017.
The lease moves Williamsburg Wharf closer to fully leasing its first retail collection as thousands of residents move into the development and additional businesses prepare to open.
Miki Naftali, Naftali Group chairman and CEO, said Popina's neighborhood following made O'Brien a natural fit for the development's vision.
"Popina has built a genuine following in Brooklyn, and we know what he will introduce will further strengthen the sense of community and authenticity that defines the destination we've sought to curate along the Williamsburg waterfront," Naftali said.
The wine bar will take inspiration from traditional Italian enotecas, with wine served around a large circular bar designed to encourage conversation.
Rockwell Group designed the space with reclaimed wood, handcrafted tile, vintage furnishings, cork wall coverings and antique mirrors.
The restaurant also will feature commissioned murals by artist En Viu and a mosaic wolf at the entrance.
David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group, said the design aims to make the restaurant feel established from the moment it opens.
"We wanted the wine bar to have the familiarity of a place that's been part of Williamsburg for years, combining the industrial character of the waterfront with the warmth and conviviality of an Italian enoteca," he said.
The wine bar joins a growing lineup of restaurants and retailers opening across the 3.75-acre development.
The Goods Mart recently opened its Brooklyn flagship at Williamsburg Wharf.
Breads Bakery and Naked Tomato, a restaurant from chef Eyal Shani, are expected to open later this year.
Once complete, Williamsburg Wharf will include about 950 residences across five residential towers, along with retail, public open space and a waterfront park connected to the East River promenade.
The development's first condominium building has surpassed 70 percent sold, while its three rental buildings have reached more than 90 percent leased less than a year after opening.
"It's such a unique waterfront setting, and I'm hopeful we can create a place where people want to come back again and again," O'Brien said. "We can't wait to welcome the neighborhood and be part of this new community."
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