New Italian Spot, Naked Dog, Bares All in Greenpoint

Used to be Anella was the go-to for fancy Italian near the Greenpoint waterfront, but after six years it finally has some competition in the form of Naked Dog. Executive chef Amit Rabinovich was a line cook at Salumeria Rossi and then a sous chef at Mario Batali’s beloved Village spot Babbo before opening up in Greenpoint this past weekend.

At first glance, the restaurant seems surprisingly swank for the corner of Java and West Streets. Even if Brooklyn Barge Bar just opened nearby, the sleepy, industrial street isn’t anywhere near as popping as, say, Franklin or Manhattan. But then you realize that incoming developments like Greenpoint Landing are sure to give it a well heeled clientele.

Naturally, then, the restaurant promises seasonal menus and “organic ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors.” The entrees range from $20 to $34, but rest assured pasta portions ($13 to $16) are generous enough to serve as a main course. Tagliatelle, ravioli, maltagliati and others are made in house.

The decor features rustic-modern fixtures, flocked wallpaper, and slick chandeliers employing pretty much every filament bulb available at your corner lighting store. Despite the name, this isn’t the type of joint where you can bring your dog, naked or otherwise. But there are some whimsical touches like a mural of Greenpoint featuring what appear to be characters from Fantastic Mr. Fox (uh-oh!) and, in the bathrooms, this bicycle-inspired wallpaper. A throwback to Greenpoint’s pre-CitiBike days.

Check out the menu below.

Live music is on the horizon.

Naked Dog, 47 Java St, nr. West St., Greenpoint; 929-337-8096.