TLDR
Wood-fired Italian pastas and housemade mozzarella in a chic, converted auto garage. A true Brooklyn institution for date nights and special occasions.
Instagram Posts References
Lilia is described as a "sister snacking institution" that the creators have been going to for years, consistently hitting the mark every single time. They highlight Missy Robbins' expertise in preparing vegetables and fresh pasta, specifically mentioning the pink peppercorn mafaldine, sheep's milk agnolotti, and the Italian job sundae as must-try dishes.
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.
Chef Missy Robbins’ renowned Italian restaurant in an old auto garage, famous for its pasta and grilled dishes.
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 auto garage in Williamsburg, this iconic destination has remained a staple of the city's dining scene since 2016 [3], [4]. Renowned for its exceptional pasta program and wood-fired grill, the establishment offers a breezy, sophisticated atmosphere that rejects formality [1], [3]. While securing a table can be a challenge, the restaurant has become more accessible with same-day options, solidifying its status as an overqualified neighborhood gem [1], [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on masterfully prepared Italian cuisine, with standout hits including the signature sheep's milk cheese agnolotti, pink peppercorn mafaldini, and grilled seafood [1], [2], [4]. Patrons frequently praise the housemade mozzarella and wood-fired clams, though feedback on lighter appetizers like the Little Gem salad is mixed [1], [6].
Highlights / Recommended
Mentioned Dishes:
- •french onion inspired ravioli(9)
- •agnolotti(3)
- •mafaldini(3)
- •gelato(2)
- •sheep's milk agnolotti(2)
- •italian job(2)
- •sheep's milk cheese agnolotti(2)
- •bagna cauda(2)
- •grilled clams(2)
- •mafaldini with pink peppercorn(2)
Customer Sentiment
Diners consistently rave about the high-quality homemade pasta and vibrant atmosphere, often citing it as a favorite NYC establishment [2], [7]. While the majority of feedback is glowing, some patrons find reservations difficult to secure and occasionally report inconsistent seasoning or value concerns [1], [6], [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LILIA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For A 3040 Large Group Friendly Dinner
"The restaurant is recommended for its private dining space, Misipasta, which the commenter notes may fit the user's $6,000 budget."
PositiveFrom post: Need A Good Italian Pasta Restaurant For This
"Suggested as a Brooklyn option that is available if you arrive right when they open."
PositiveFrom post: Need A Good Italian Pasta Restaurant For This
"Noted as the most obvious counterpart to Misi."
NeutralFrom post: Your Favorite Clam Dishes In Manhattan Or Brooklyn
"Briefly mentioned in the context of clam dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Fresh Pasta Without Heavy Sauce Any Reccs Much
"Listed as a restaurant suggestion."
NeutralFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user recalls a pretty amazing shrimp dish."
PositiveFrom post: Birthday Dinner For Gf For 400 Budget Any Recs
"Recommended for pasta."
NeutralFrom post: Just Moved Back To Nyc For The First Time In 5
"Recommended as a dining option."
NeutralFrom 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."
Positive