TLDR
Inventive Italian-inspired dishes & extensive wine list in a cool, dark atmosphere. A sister restaurant to The Four Horsemen, reservations are hard to snag.
Instagram Posts References
Ranked as the #2 best restaurant in Brooklyn according to over 100 million ratings on Beli.
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
I Cavallini, a sister restaurant to The Four Horsemen, offers an inventive take on Italian cuisine in Williamsburg. Chef Nick Curtola's menu emphasizes local ingredients and breaks from tradition, featuring dishes like Umbrian beans with bluefin tuna belly and trofie with pesto [1]. Praised for its cool, dark atmosphere and extensive Italian wine list, it's considered a standout in NYC's Italian dining scene [2]. Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, often requiring frequent checking for cancellations [3].
Food Overview
I Cavallini is lauded for its inventive Italian-inspired dishes that break from tradition, focusing on local ingredients [1]. Standout dishes include focaccia with ricotta and tomatoes, bucatini in a sungold tomato sauce, bluefin tuna, trofie with pesto, and lamb sausage [1], [2]. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with dishes like the nervetti salad, farfalle pasta, and tiramisu receiving specific praise [4], one diner found their experience to be very disappointing in terms of both food and service [5].
Caveats
Securing a reservation at I Cavallini is notoriously difficult, often requiring users to constantly monitor for cancellations or set up notifications. One user had a very disappointing experience with both food and service [5]. The restaurant is described as Italian-inspired rather than strictly traditional Italian, which might not appeal to everyone [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About I CAVALLINI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: A Week Of Phenomenal Eats Drinks Including Luthun
"The user had a late reservation at I Cavallini and had drinks at Echo Lake beforehand."
NeutralFrom post: A Week Of Phenomenal Eats Drinks Including Luthun
"The user enjoyed the farfallone with calabrian chili butter at I Cavallini and appreciated that they offer half portions for solo diners."
PositiveFrom post: On The Hunt For For Good Or Interesting Bread
"I Cavellini is recommended for its insane focaccia, alongside Eyval and Kabawa."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Tonight In Williamsburggreat Food Not
"This user mentioned that I-Cavallini is usually fully booked but can be accessible for last-minute reservations. They also praised its intimate atmosphere and amazing cuisine, comparing it positively to its sister restaurant, The Four Horsemen."
PositiveFrom post: Im Bored Of Italian Food Italian Restaurant For
"I Cavallini is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Last Visit Before 1st Baby Lower Manhattan Or
"The original poster expresses hesitation about I Cavallini, as they found Lilia to be boring and a waste of money, fearing a similar experience."
NegativeFrom post: Last Visit Before 1st Baby Lower Manhattan Or
"This restaurant is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user mentioned the Farfalone at I Cavalini as a top dish, with their tuna crostini with date butter as a close second."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user mentioned the farfallone with Calabrian chili and smoked pancetta at I Cavallini."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting From Seattle With A Group Critique My
"This user mentioned I Cavallini, a new trendy Italian spot from Four Horsemen, as something worth checking out."
PositiveFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"I Cavallini is mentioned as a highly anticipated restaurant with attainable reservations."
PositiveFrom post: The Unemployment Dining Tour
"Commenter listed I Cavallini as a restaurant they would add to their funemployment food tour list."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For A Great Mushroom Risotto Wifes Request
"This user recommended I Cavallini in Williamsburg for its mushroom risotto but noted it can be difficult to get a reservation."
PositiveFrom post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That
"This user identified I Cavallini as one of their new favorite spots after a recent visit."
PositiveFrom post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That
"This user stated that I Cavallini is "honestly" not overrated."
PositiveFrom post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That
"This user recommended I Cavallini."
PositiveFrom post: Don Angie Vs Lartusi Vs I Cavallini
"I Cavallini is seen as a combination of Don Angie and L'Artusi, giving it a slight edge for the commenter."
PositiveFrom post: Don Angie Vs Lartusi Vs I Cavallini
"I Cavallini is stated to be significantly better than Don Angie, L'Artusi, and Torrisi, having 'wowed' the commenter compared to other highly recommended places."
PositiveFrom post: Don Angie Vs Lartusi Vs I Cavallini
"Responding to a comment about Marea, this user reaffirms their strong positive feelings about I Cavallini, emphasizing its deliciousness and satisfying nature despite its modern, progressive style."
PositiveFrom post: Don Angie Vs Lartusi Vs I Cavallini
"I Cavallini is highly praised as one of the best restaurants in NYC, offering inventive yet satisfying Italian-inspired dishes. Specific highlights include a nervetti salad, a farfalle pasta with pancetta and Calabrian chili, and focaccia bread. The restaurant is commended for its progressive approach, seasonality, and excellent front-of-house service."
Positive