TLDR
Inventive, ingredient-forward Italian dishes and expertly crafted cocktails in a moody, upscale Williamsburg space. A must-try sibling to a legendary local wine bar.
Instagram Posts References
I Cavallini is highlighted for its pasta dishes, specifically a rigatoni pasta with a tomato-based sauce, topped with cheese and basil. The image emphasizes the appealing texture and presentation of the pasta, suggesting a classic and well-executed Italian dish.
I Cavallini is highlighted as a new and highly sought-after Italian restaurant, brought to life by the team behind The Four Horsemen. It is currently one of the most challenging reservations to secure in NYC. The creator enthusiastically rates it as "easily one of the best meals" had last year, showcasing exquisite dishes such as creamy burrata with roasted tomatoes, delicate prosciutto with crackers, a unique pasta dish, and a rich tiramisu.
I Cavallini is featured for its 'corn, shrimp, & uni butter pasta,' a unique and flavorful combination.
This post is a detailed review of the dishes sampled at I Cavallini. The author provides ratings and brief descriptions for each item, offering a personal perspective on the dining experience. While many dishes received high praise, including a '12/10' pork chop and a '10/10' Japanese sardine dish, one dish, the tortelli di erbetta, was noted as having too many herbs that overpowered the flavor. The overall sentiment towards the restaurant is positive, with a recommendation to save and share the experience with others.
Ranked as the #2 best restaurant in Brooklyn according to over 100 million ratings on Beli.
The sister restaurant to The Four Horsemen, focusing on Italian-inspired bites and drinks in a larger, but still highly sought-after, space.
Vicki Denig profiles I Cavallini, a versatile Williamsburg spot offering minimalist Italian-leaning wines and aperitivo-style cocktails.
Bryan Kim reviews I Cavallini, a new Italian wine bar in Williamsburg, praising its focaccia, bucatini, and bluefin tuna, and highlighting its extensive Italian wine list and cool atmosphere.
Details
A sophisticated Italian-inspired venture from the team behind The Four Horsemen, this Williamsburg destination is celebrated for its inventive, seasonal plates and an extensive list of Italian wines [1], [2]. The atmosphere is dark and cool, bolstered by a thoughtful cocktail program and high-quality service [1], [5]. While the menu constantly evolves, guests consistently praise the restaurant as a premier dining experience in New York City [2], [10].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on modern, Italian-inspired plates that break from tradition, prioritizing local, seasonal ingredients [2]. Highly lauded items include the crackly-crusted focaccia with whipped ricotta, farfalle with Calabrian chili butter, and a life-changing pork chop [1], [5], [8], [10]. Conversely, some minimalist appetizers like grilled peppers have been criticized for lack of value, and certain herb-heavy pasta dishes received mixed feedback [9], [10], [11].
Highlights / Recommended
"Signature recommendations include the focaccia with whipped ricotta, the farfalle with Calabrian chili butter, and the cherry-glazed pork chop [5], [8], [9], [10]. Other standout choices are the tuna crostini with date butter and the tiramisu [5], [8], [9]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •tiramisu(9)
- •pork chop(6)
- •farfallone(3)
- •nervetti salad(2)
- •sage gelato(2)
- •calabrian chilli pasta(2)
Caveats
Securing a table is notoriously difficult, with reservations released two weeks in advance and filling rapidly; many diners rely on persistent monitoring for last-minute cancellations [3], [4], [10].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About I CAVALLINI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The user agrees that the calabrian chilli pasta is the highlight and recommends getting it."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The user notes the spaghetti al limone was a favorite and mentions that pastas are served in variable sizes."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The user likes the corn pasta with Uni."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The user loved the tiramisu even though they generally do not enjoy the dessert."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"A simple recommendation to not skip the tiramisu."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The user recommends the focaccia with ricotta, farfallone, pork chop, and tiramisu."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The author praises the farfallone, tuna crostini, and seasonal mackerel, but highlights the grilled tripe as the standout dish of the year."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The restaurant is described as solid, but the user prefers Four Horsemen."
NeutralFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The user suggests the nervetti salad, farfallone, and a past sage gelato."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The user recommends the spicy tuna crostini, farfalle with calabrian chili butter, pork chop, and tiramisu."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"Recommends the tiramisu."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The commenter insists that the pork chop is a must-order item."
PositiveFrom post: Snagged Il Cavallini For Tonight What Are The
"The commenter suggests ordering all the pastas, especially the calabrian chili version, but warns that some appetizers, like the grilled peppers, feel too minimalist."
NeutralFrom post: What Are Some Unusual Things That Restaurants In
"The restaurant serves a smoked and grilled tripe dish that the reviewer calls outstanding and the best they have had in the US."
PositiveFrom post: Loooking For A Great Risotto Preferably Without
"They are currently serving a tomato risotto."
NeutralFrom post: Walkins At The Four Horsemen On A Thursday Any
"Arrived five minutes after opening and was told the waitlist would result in a 9 PM table."
NeutralFrom post: Walkins At The Four Horsemen On A Thursday Any
"A great sister restaurant located directly across from The Four Horsemen; lines are similar in length to the main location."
PositiveFrom post: Let Down By Four Horsemen Redeemed And Then Some
"The user considers it their favorite Italian spot at the moment."
PositiveFrom post: Let Down By Four Horsemen Redeemed And Then Some
"The user was pleased with the food and service but is not dying to return."
PositiveFrom post: Let Down By Four Horsemen Redeemed And Then Some
"The user really loved I Cavallini."
Positive