TLDR
A tiny, cash-only Italian spot serving up amazing pasta & tiramisu for under $20 [1], [2]. It's a beloved neighborhood gem, often run by one passionate Italian man [2], [3].
Lillo, a neighborhood favorite in Cobble Hill, is a popular dinner spot known for its exceptional lasagna ragu, meatballs, and fettuccine with speck.
Details
This cozy Italian eatery in Cobble Hill is a beloved neighborhood gem, praised for its authentic Roman and Sicilian dishes, with most entrees priced under $20 [1], [2]. Despite its incredibly small size, lack of liquor license, and cash-only policy, the restaurant offers a deeply satisfying dining experience, often with the owner as the sole proprietor serving guests [2], [3]. It's celebrated for its exceptionally well-prepared pasta, particularly the rigatoni alla gricia, and its tender artichokes [2].
Food Overview
This Italian restaurant is lauded for its authentic Roman and Sicilian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on expertly prepared pasta dishes like rigatoni alla gricia and carbonara [1], [2], [3]. Standout appetizers include tender artichokes in olive oil [2], and the tiramisu is frequently highlighted as a must-try dessert [1], [2], [3]. Most dishes are affordably priced under $20, making it a popular choice for quality Italian food [1], [2].
Caveats
The restaurant is extremely small, with limited seating (some sources mention only five to six tables or about ten seats) and no liquor license or bathroom [2], [3]. It is strictly cash-only and does not take reservations, which can make dining with larger groups challenging [2], [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LILLO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
PositiveFrom post: Mystery Italian Place
"Lilo Cucina is mentioned as a possible restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Favorite Chocolate Cake Or Tiramisu Thats Not
"This user also praised the tiramisu at Lillo's in Brooklyn Heights, stating it's very good."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Chocolate Cake Or Tiramisu Thats Not
"This user highly recommends Lillo Cucina Italiana for its tiramisu, describing the small, cash-only restaurant as run by a sweet couple. They also note it's their favorite and likely the cheapest Italian option in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Suggestions Cobble Hillish Area
"Lillo Cucina Italiana is recommended, with a note that it is very small but the food is loved."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Suggestions Cobble Hillish Area
"Lillo Cucina Italiana is mentioned as a tiny but great Italian restaurant option."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Suggestions Cobble Hillish Area
"Lillo Cucina Italiana is described as having excellent food, but it is a very tiny space and is cash only with no reservations."
PositiveFrom post: Where Should I Take My Uncle Offbrand Anthony
"The commenter recommends Lillo Cucina and suggests visiting Long Island Bar across the street afterwards."
PositiveFrom post: Where Should I Take My Uncle Offbrand Anthony
"Lillo Cucina in Brooklyn Heights is a tiny, cash-only Italian restaurant with only five tables, run by one Italian man cooking amazing pasta."
PositiveFrom post: The Best Food With The Worst Vibes
"This commenter finds Lillo Cucina cozy due to the owner's warm demeanor, despite the 'torched' decor."
PositiveFrom post: The Best Food With The Worst Vibes
"Echoing the previous comment, this user also humorously urges the deletion of the recommendation for Lillo Cucina."
NeutralFrom post: The Best Food With The Worst Vibes
"This user humorously requests the comment about Lillo Cucina be deleted, implying it's too good a secret to share widely."
NeutralFrom post: The Best Food With The Worst Vibes
"This commenter highlights Lillo Cucina as a hidden gem with excellent pasta, despite its brutal lighting, lack of liquor license, and janky menu, noting the owner is often the sole worker."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Some Authentic Italian Recommendations
"Lillo in Brooklyn was recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Place To Get Cheap And Authentic Tiramisu In
"Lillo Cucina Italiana is recommended, described as a great place where a single Italian man makes and serves pasta."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Coffeeflavored Pastries In Nyc
"The commenter's personal favorite tiramisu in the city is from Lillo Cucina Italiana, noting its particularly good coffee flavor. They also speculate that Mia's nearby might have good coffee cakes."
Positive