Williamsburg Italian wine bar w/ focaccia, bucatini & bluefin tuna. Extensive Italian wine list & cool, dark atmosphere.
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.
This Williamsburg wine bar, an offshoot of The Four Horsemen, offers a sophisticated Italian dining experience. With a focus on expertly crafted dishes like focaccia, bucatini in a rich sungold tomato sauce, and delicate bluefin tuna, it's a culinary destination. The ambiance is cool and dark, complemented by an extensive Italian wine list and creative cocktails, making it ideal for a memorable night out.
The cuisine is Italian, with a strong emphasis on wine pairings. Standout dishes include the focaccia with crackly crust, bucatini in a thick sungold tomato sauce, and delicately cooked bluefin tuna. While many rave about these, one reviewer found the food to be disappointing.
"Highly recommended dishes include the focaccia with whipped ricotta and the Trofie pasta with pesto. The bucatini in sungold tomato sauce and the bluefin tuna are also noted as excellent options."
Overall customer sentiment leans positive, with many praising the Italian cuisine and extensive wine selection. However, some diners have reported disappointing experiences with both food and service.
Important Note
Securing a reservation can be challenging due to high demand and a potentially later release of reservation slots compared to other establishments. Some diners have also reported a less-than-satisfactory experience with both food and service.
"The author recommends I Cavallini for Italian food."
Positive"This user plans to try I Cavallini again, having visited shortly after it opened, and notes it's a place that's hard to get into."
Neutral"In response to a comment about potential issues with a reservation for two when attending alone, this user shared a personal experience where the same situation occurred without any problems."
Neutral"The user advised setting a notification for I Cavallini, as they were able to secure a reservation through this method due to frequent cancellations."
Positive"The user stated that I Cavallini has always been difficult to book and suggested using cancellation notifications as a strategy to get a reservation."
Negative"The user has successfully booked I Cavallini for others after the initial release period, implying that monitoring for cancellations is a viable strategy."
Positive"The user has been unable to secure a reservation at I Cavallini, noting that no time slots have even appeared after multiple attempts. They mentioned that I Cavallini releases reservations 14 days out, later than other restaurants."
Negative"Contrasting other opinions, this commenter believes it's common for NYC restaurants to deny seating for a party of one with a reservation for two, advising a call to the restaurant."
Negative"The commenter states that showing up alone for a reservation for two is common in NYC and unlikely to cause issues, though seating might vary."
Neutral"The commenter enjoyed I Cavallini but found it not compelling enough to dine alone at a late hour during cold weather. They also noted that obtaining a reservation was easy."
Neutral"Suggested Il Cavallini, noting it is directly across the street from Four Horsemen."
Positive"This commenter highly recommends I Cavallini in Williamsburg. They specifically praise the Trofie pasta with pesto and suggest starting with the focaccia served with whipped ricotta."
Positive"This commenter suggested that I Cavallini might be too new to be considered for a Michelin star."
Neutral"This user was able to secure a reservation at I Cavallini by regularly checking Resy for cancellations."
Neutral"This user mentioned I Cavallini as being incredible, although expensive ($$$$). They were responding to a comment about Four Horsemen."
Positive"This commenter found their recent dining experience at i cavallini to be very disappointing, covering both the service and the food."
Negative"I Cavallini is recommended by the commenter if a reservation can be secured."
Positive"I Cavallini is mentioned as a place the commenter wants to try and has heard is excellent."
Positive"This commenter mentioned I Cavallini in Brooklyn as a new spot opened by the same people who own Four Horseman."
Positive
