Lilia, located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is celebrated as one of New York City’s premier Italian dining destinations, renowned for its wood-fired cooking, exquisite housemade pasta, and warm, bustling atmosphere.
Here is a comprehensive overview of Lilia, including its history, what makes it unique, customer feedback, menu highlights, and key information.
What Makes Lilia Unique: History and Ambiance
Lilia’s distinct character comes from its setting and its acclaimed chef, Missy Robbins.
History
- The Transformation: Lilia opened in early 2016 as Chef Missy Robbins’ first solo venture. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully converted auto-body repair shop, which gives the space a unique industrial-chic aesthetic.
- The Vision: Robbins, who previously earned a Michelin star at the Manhattan restaurant A Voce, took a sabbatical before opening Lilia. Her goal was to create the perfect neighborhood Italian restaurant—a place that felt soulful, fun, and served the food she wanted to eat.
- The Space: The interior leverages the building’s history, featuring soaring wood-beamed ceilings and giant casement windows that flood the room with natural light. The long, open kitchen runs almost the entire length of the dining room, showcasing the hand-crafting of pasta and the use of the massive wood-fired grill.
Significant Events and Awards
Lilia achieved critical success almost immediately upon opening:
- Three-Star Review: Shortly after its debut, Lilia earned the highly coveted three-star rating from The New York Times.
- James Beard Award: In 2018, Chef Missy Robbins was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as Best Chef: New York City, a testament to the restaurant’s quality and her culinary leadership.
Customer Feedback and Vibe
The restaurant is famous for its lively, romantic, and cozy environment, often cited by customers as a “destination restaurant.”
Atmosphere & Experience
- The ambiance is described by patrons as “Hip,” “Upscale,” “Cozy,” and “Romantic,” perfect for a date night or a fun outing with friends.
- The service consistently receives high marks, with staff described as “kind, friendly, informative, and patient,” contributing to the sense of warm hospitality.
- The food, focusing on simplicity and quality ingredients, is called “incredibly delicious” with a “perfect balance between simplicity and innovation.”
Highlight Menu Items
Lilia’s menu celebrates simple, regional Italian cooking, with a strong emphasis on fish, vegetables, and, most famously, hand-crafted pasta.
| Category | Recommended Dishes (Customer Favorites) | Notes from Customer Reviews |
| Pasta | Mafaldini with Pink Peppercorns and Parmigiano | Lilia’s most famous and signature pasta dish, noted for its unique, balanced spice and flavor. |
| Sheep’s Milk Saffron Agnolotti with Honey and Dried Tomato | Highly praised for its delicate texture and the complex sweet and savory combination. | |
| Starters & Antipasti | Grilled Clams with Calabrian Chili and Breadcrumbs | A popular starter, noted for the smoky flavor from the wood-fire and the powerful chili kick. |
| Rosemary Sea Salt Focaccia | Often praised, especially when paired with an accompanying fresh butter (such as ramp butter, when in season). | |
| Dessert | “Italian Job” Soft Serve Gelato | A surprisingly popular and unique dessert featuring vanilla soft-serve with olive oil, fennel pollen, sea salt, and honey. Customers describe it as unbelievably good and a must-try. |
| Olive Oil Cake | A classic Italian dessert, noted for its moist texture and bright flavor. |
Contact and Location Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 |
| Phone Number | +1 (718) 576-3095 |
| Website | http://www.lilianewyork.com/ |
