TLDR
Legendary Williamsburg pasta destination known for wood-fired Italian classics and an iconic auto-garage setting. A must-visit for special occasions despite the persistent reservation hype.
Instagram Posts References
The image features two cocktails, one appearing to be a Negroni and the other a frothy drink, at 'lilia'. This suggests a culinary experience that includes well-crafted cocktails.
Lilia is an Italian hotspot in Williamsburg, helmed by Missy Robbins, celebrated for its exquisite handmade pasta. Obtaining a prime-time reservation is notoriously difficult, often requiring weeks of advance planning or sheer luck due to its immense popularity.
Lilia features its Grilled Lamb Leg Steak, characterized as a palm-sized portion of 'pure juicy goodness'. The dish is complemented by a fresh and refreshing salad on top, adding a light contrast to the rich meat.
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.
Details
Housed in a converted Williamsburg auto garage, this acclaimed Italian destination has maintained a reputation for its exceptional pasta program and casually elegant atmosphere since 2016 [3]. While initially famous for being nearly impossible to book, the restaurant has evolved into an accessible neighborhood favorite that remains a top choice for special occasions [1, 4]. Guests can expect high-quality wood-fired seafood, signature pastas, and inventive desserts [1, 4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on masterfully crafted handmade pasta and wood-fired preparations [2, 3]. Must-order highlights include the sheep’s milk cheese agnolotti and roasted leek focaccia [1, 4], though some diners find specific items like the Little Gem lettuce skip-worthy [1]. The dessert program, particularly the gelato and the 'Italian Job' soft serve, is widely lauded by patrons [1, 4, 6].
Highlights / Recommended
Mentioned Dishes:
- •french onion inspired ravioli(9)
- •agnolotti(3)
- •mafaldini(3)
- •gelato(2)
- •italian job(2)
- •sheep's milk cheese agnolotti(2)
- •bagna cauda(2)
- •grilled clams(2)
Customer Sentiment
Feedback remains largely positive, with diners frequently citing it as an all-time favorite for special occasions thanks to its phenomenal food and wine [1, 5]. However, some patrons have occasionally noted concerns regarding inconsistent quality, high price points, or seasoning issues like over-salting [4, 6].
Caveats
Securing a table can be notoriously difficult, with reservations often released 28 days in advance [4]. Some diners have reported inconsistencies in food quality and seasoning at higher price points [4, 6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LILIA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Do You Think Is The Best Homemade Pasta In
"Lilia is mentioned as having amazing homemade pasta."
PositiveFrom post: What Do You Think Is The Best Homemade Pasta In
"This commenter found Lilia to be overly salted."
NegativeFrom post: What Do You Think Is The Best Homemade Pasta In
"The original poster enjoyed Lilia and had some great bites, but felt not all dishes were as good as others, placing it slightly below Rezdora and L'Artusi for their personal preference."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Places With Ice Cream Sundaes
"The commenter found the 'Italian Job' at Lilia to be really good."
PositiveFrom post: Childfree Quietish Restaurants For Ordinary Date
"Responding to the previous comment, this user expressed surprise, stating they had never encountered children at Lilia during their visits and that it must have changed recently."
NeutralFrom post: Childfree Quietish Restaurants For Ordinary Date
"This user noted that during an early reservation at Lilia, they were seated in a section with tables containing babies and toddlers, suggesting it might not always be child-free even at off-peak times."
NeutralFrom post: Childfree Quietish Restaurants For Ordinary Date
"This user recommended Lilia for an early dinner, suggesting it's a good time to potentially find seats and have a quieter experience."
PositiveFrom post: Im Bored Of Italian Food Italian Restaurant For
"Lilia is highly recommended for its phenomenal food and excellent wine selection, described as a tried-and-true option for a special occasion, though reservations can be difficult to obtain."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting From Seattle With A Group Critique My
"This user listed Lilia as a favorite Italian spot in Brooklyn."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter stated they 'REALLY liked' Lilia and consider it their all-time favorite NYC restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
NeutralFrom post: The Unemployment Dining Tour
"Commenter mentioned enjoying Lilia during a past 'funemployment' period and would consider it again."
PositiveFrom post: Seasonal Ramp Dishes
"Lilia is currently offering ramp focaccia."
PositiveFrom post: Best Authentic Gelato For The Summer
"Suggests Lilia for really good gelato if one has the time to go to a restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Best Outdoor Dining Patios
"The commenter recommended Lilia, noting that the additional tables made it easier to get a reservation."
PositiveFrom post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That
"This user mentioned Lilia as a highly recommended restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Three Weeks Off Between Jobs What Nyc Restaurants
"The agnolotti at Lilia is highly recommended if one decides to go."
PositiveFrom post: Three Weeks Off Between Jobs What Nyc Restaurants
"This user has visited Salt's Cure and Don Angie previously and plans to try Lilia next."
NeutralFrom post: Three Weeks Off Between Jobs What Nyc Restaurants
"Lining up early is suggested for Lilia, along with Salt's Cure for breakfast."
NeutralFrom post: Collecting Nyc Restaurant Matches
"The user is listing NYC restaurants that have matchbooks, and Lilia is one of them."
Neutral