TLDR
Tiny, cash-only Italian gem in Cobble Hill serving standout, affordable pasta and tiramisu in a no-frills, intimate setting.
Lillo, a neighborhood favorite in Cobble Hill, is a popular dinner spot known for its exceptional lasagna ragu, meatballs, and fettuccine with speck.
Details
A quintessential hidden gem in Cobble Hill, this tiny, cash-only spot offers an intimate experience run by a single owner [1], [3]. It has evolved into a sought-after dinner destination known for its beautifully simple and affordable Italian fare [1], [3]. Despite the lack of amenities like a liquor license or bathrooms, diners consistently praise the exceptional quality of the food [1], [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on authentic, simple Italian dishes, mostly priced under $20 [2], [3]. Standout items include the tender artichokes in olive oil, rigatoni alla gricia with guanciale, and rich lasagna ragu [1], [2], [3]. Though the restaurant is Italian-focused, some diners surprisingly highlight the cheesesteaks as a superior menu option [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LILLO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Plan My Once In A Lifetime Nyc Pizza Crawl Doctor
"Mentioned as a nearby spot that is actually better for cheesesteaks than pizza."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting From Seattle With A Group Critique My
"This user listed Lillo as a favorite Italian spot in Brooklyn."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user commented that Lillo is very tiny, especially without outdoor seating, and dining with more than two people can be a hassle, though it's a nice local place to frequent."
NeutralFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user praised the tiramisu at Lillo, calling it amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user recommended Lillo in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn as very good and affordable, noting it's cash only with limited seating and suggesting off-peak hours."
Positive