Legendary Italian fare w/ top-tier pasta & wood-fired delights. Tough res, but worth the effort for a standout meal.
Bryan Kim reviews Lilia, an Italian restaurant in Williamsburg, praising its enduring popularity and evolution into a neighborhood favorite. The review highlights standout dishes like agnolotti and focaccia, and notes the restaurant's increasingly accessible reservations.
Lilia in Williamsburg is a highly successful Italian restaurant celebrated for its excellent pasta program, casually elegant ambiance, and standout dishes like spaghetti with anchovies.
This Williamsburg Italian hotspot, helmed by Missy Robbins, is renowned for its exquisite handmade pasta and has become a beloved neighborhood favorite. Despite the initial hype and notoriously difficult reservations, it has evolved into an accessible yet sophisticated dining destination. Standout dishes include the signature agnolotti with sheep's milk cheese, roasted leek focaccia, and grilled lamb leg steak.
The Italian cuisine here is celebrated, particularly the handmade pastas such as the highly recommended agnolotti and mafaldini. Dishes like the roasted leek focaccia and grilled lamb leg steak also receive high marks. While most feedback is positive, one reviewer found some key pasta dishes to be misses.
"The restaurant is highly acclaimed for its handmade pastas, with the sheep's milk cheese agnolotti being a standout. The roasted leek focaccia and grilled lamb leg steak are also frequently recommended."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the exceptional pasta and overall dining experience, with many considering it a must-visit despite the challenge of securing a reservation.
Important Note
Securing a reservation can be notoriously difficult, often requiring advance planning. Some diners have had mixed experiences, with one reviewer finding several key pasta dishes disappointing.
"Lilia is listed as a restaurant recommendation."
Positive"The user inquires about how to get reservations for Lilia, as they have had trouble booking."
Neutral"The user previously lived near Lilia and visited monthly, praising the service."
Neutral"The user recommends Lilia."
Positive"This restaurant was listed as a suggestion, coincidentally sharing a female name with other recommendations."
Neutral"This commenter recommended Lilia as an Italian dining option for a romantic anniversary, alongside other suggestions."
Positive"The user booked a reservation at Lilia after it was recommended, noting that it looks great."
Positive"Lilia was recommended as a restaurant with great vegetarian options that fits the user's criteria. The user later confirmed they booked a reservation there."
Positive"Lilia in Brooklyn is suggested for Italian food."
Positive"Lilia in Brooklyn is suggested for Italian food."
Positive"The user likes Lilia's soft serve, specifically mentioning the combination with olive oil, honey, and sea salt."
Positive"The author recommends Lilia's "Italian Job" soft serve, which is also available at Lilia Caffè."
Positive"This is described as a legendary Italian restaurant famous for its pastas, and one of the hardest reservations to get in Brooklyn."
Positive"Lilia is recommended as a solid dining choice. The user is seeking a comparison between Lilia and Misi."
Positive"This user mentioned that getting a reservation at Lilia is very difficult. They have tried Misi and found it good but not spectacular."
Neutral"The user is arguing that Misi is more vegetarian-friendly than Lilia."
Negative"Lilia is listed among restaurants known for some of the best pasta in the city, although reservations can be difficult."
Positive"Lilia is listed as a recommended restaurant."
Neutral"Lilia is recommended as a great option for dining."
Positive"The sheep's milk agnolotti at Lilia was mentioned as a dish that prompted a return visit."
Positive
