Italian
Lilia
Lilia, opened by Chef Missy Robbins in a refurbished Williamsburg auto body shop, quickly became a neighborhood outlier and a smash hit, earning three stars from The New York Times shortly after opening in 2016. It's a place where the focus on handmade pasta and wood-fired cooking has made it one of the most influential and replicated restaurants in New York. Many regulars make their next reservation before they even leave, a testament to its enduring appeal.
★ The Legend
Mafaldini, Pink Peppercorn, Parmigiano
This dish is essentially Chef Robbins' elevated take on cacio e pepe, using distinct mafaldini pasta with ruffled edges that give it an extraordinary bite. The pink peppercorns offer a unique, floral spice that sets it apart from traditional black pepper versions, creating a creamy, flavorful experience that put Lilia on the map.
◆ Fan Favorite
Sheep's Milk Cheese Agnolotti, Saffron, Dried Tomato, Honey
These delicate, pillow-like agnolotti are filled with soft, airy sheep's milk ricotta, and the sauce is laced with saffron, dried tomato, and a hint of honey, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory. It's a dish that many diners consistently rave about and would return to Lilia just to reorder.
● Chef's Pick
Ricotta Gnocchi, Broccoli Pesto, Pecorino, Pistachios
Chef Missy Robbins herself has demonstrated the simplicity of making these ricotta gnocchi, emphasizing not overmixing the dough to keep them light and airy. The gnocchi are made with just four ingredients—ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, eggs, and a blend of semolina and '00' flour—and are cooked to swell and rise, then tossed with a vibrant broccoli pesto.
◇ Hidden Gem
Grilled Artichoke, Garlic, Orange, Parmigiano, Breadcrumbs
While everyone flocks for the pasta, this grilled artichoke is a standout appetizer that many first-timers overlook. It's prepared with a unique combination of garlic, orange, and Parmigiano, with breadcrumbs adding a delightful texture, making the artichoke pop with flavor.
✦ Off the Menu
Off-menu Ribeye Steak and Potato Dish
Documented by real customers who either saw it being served or were told about it by staff, often described as looking and smelling amazing.
Insider Tip
Don't just try to walk in for dinner, especially on weekends; reservations are notoriously difficult to get. Instead, turn on 'Notify' on Resy and keep refreshing the page on the day you want to go, or aim for a midweek early seating at the bar or outside. This significantly increases your chances of experiencing Lilia's magic without a long wait.
AI-generated results — always verify dishes and information before visiting.