Lilia

- 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

New York City’s dining landscape is vast, but only a handful of establishments achieve truly iconic status, and among them is Lilia. Nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Lilia is more than just an **Italian restaurant**; it is a culinary institution celebrated for elevating the craft of simple, soulful cooking to an art form. Run by the celebrated, James Beard Award-winning Chef Missy Robbins, Lilia brings the highest form of Italian tradition—particularly its dedication to fresh, handcrafted **Pasta**—to the local New York community.

Housed within a beautifully renovated former auto body shop, the venue itself strikes a perfect balance: an airy, high-ceilinged space where casual warmth meets **Upscale** refinement. The ambiance is immediately welcoming, striking that sought-after chord between **Cozy** and **Trendy**. The focus here is on high-quality ingredients, regional Italian inspiration, and the transformative magic of cooking over wood fire. This approach is evident from the first bite of the crackling **Leek Focaccia** served with a deeply flavorful green garlic butter, all the way through to the exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth **Sheep's Milk Cheese Filled Agnolotti**.

Lilia operates with a dual identity to serve the neighborhood throughout the day. While its famous main offerings center on **Dinner** and a dedicated **Lunch** service featuring inventive sandwiches and salads, the venue also functions as a Caffe during the daytime hours. This includes offerings of fine **Pastry**, **Breakfast** dishes like the **Egg Sandwich** with Mortadella, and superb **Great coffee**. However, it is the coveted evening service that draws **Groups** and **Tourists** alike, demanding foresight—this is a restaurant where **Reservations required** is a friendly, but firm, local truth.

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## Location and Accessibility

Lilia is strategically located at the intersection of quintessential Williamsburg life, making it a prominent destination for New Yorkers. You can find this acclaimed **Italian restaurant** at 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA. Its location is easily accessible from multiple parts of the city and beyond.

The restaurant prioritizes comfort and access for all guests. It features a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, a dedicated **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**. For those arriving by car, **Free street parking** is available nearby, though visitors should always be mindful of local regulations. The large, inviting nature of the space is enhanced by a significant **Outdoor seating** area, which is perfect for enjoying a **Romantic** dinner or lunch during the warmer months while taking in the local neighborhood energy.

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## Services Offered

Lilia provides a comprehensive range of dining and hospitality services, all marked by professional and attentive staff, ensuring a seamless experience.

• Full Dining Day Parts: Offers service for **Breakfast** and **Pastry** in the morning (available 8 AM to 5 PM for pastry, 8 AM to 3 PM for breakfast menu), a dedicated **Lunch/Dinner** menu (available 11 AM to 4 PM for lunch items), and the full acclaimed **Dinner** service.
• Reservation Policy: Due to its immense popularity, **Reservations required** is strictly enforced, with **Lunch reservations recommended** and **Dinner reservations recommended**. Be prepared that there is **Usually a wait** for walk-ins or if you do not reserve well in advance.
• Service Style: Provides comfortable **Seating**, full **Table service**, and the option for **Solo dining** at the bar.
• Takeout Options: Available for guests who prefer to enjoy Lilia’s offerings outside the venue.
• Beverage Program: Features a fully stocked **Bar onsite** serving **Cocktails** (including classics like Negroni and Manhattan), **Beer**, **Hard liquor**, and a world-class **Wine** program.
• Private and Semi-Private Events: While not explicitly listed as an event venue, the restaurant can accommodate large parties and offers options for semi-private dining, highlighting seasonal antipasti and handmade pasta.

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## Features and Highlights

Lilia's recognition comes from its unwavering commitment to quality across every aspect of the dining experience, from the kitchen to the glass.

• World-Class Pasta: The primary highlight is the extraordinary handcrafted **Pasta**. Must-try signature dishes include the Mafaldini with Pink Peppercorn and Parmigiano, and the delicate Sheep's Milk Cheese Filled Agnolotti with Saffron, Dried Tomato, and Honey.
• Wood-Fired & Grilled Specialties: The menu features excellent live-fire cooking, particularly with the **Piccoli Pesci** (Little Fish) and **Grande Pesce** (Big Fish), such as the **Grilled Clams with Calabrian Chili** and the **Black Bass** with Salsa Verde.
• Exceptional Italian Wine List: The **Great wine list** is a curated journey across Italy's regions, with extensive offerings of **Vini Spumante**, **Vini Bianchi**, **Vini Rosati**, and **Vini Rossi** available by the glass and bottle, including rare finds like Barolo Riserva and Etna Rosso.
• Artisan Starters and Sweets: The experience begins memorably with the **Aperativi Salati** (cocktail snacks) like the **Cacio e Pepe Frittelle** and ends with equally high-quality desserts. The **Great dessert** list features the highly acclaimed Olive Oil Cake and a delicious soft-serve gelato.
• Attentive Atmosphere: The setting is described as **Romantic** and **Trendy** but with genuine hospitality and professional service, perfect for special occasions or an elevated evening out.
• Menu Versatility: The menu includes numerous vegetable and seafood options, providing excellent **Vegetarian options** and satisfying **Small plates** alongside heartier **Carne** dishes like the Grilled Lamb Leg Steak and Grilled Chicken. The Caffe service also ensures they **Serves local specialty** coffee and freshly baked goods.

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## Contact Information

Due to the high demand for tables, interested New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to contact the restaurant directly to secure one of the city's most sought-after reservations.

• Address: 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
• Phone: (718) 576-3095
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-576-3095

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## What Is Worth Choosing

Simply put, Lilia is worth choosing because it delivers a level of Italian dining—particularly in the realm of fresh, handmade **Pasta**—that is almost without equal in New York City. Guests consistently return, knowing they are guaranteed a dining experience characterized by precision, warmth, and flavor that can, in the words of a real customer, "ruin you for all others."

The culinary journey begins with the little details. The **Leek Focaccia** is crackling and warm, elevated by its pairing with the signature green garlic butter. For starters, the **Grilled Artichoke** with garlic, orange, and Parmigiano is a standout, and the selection of small seafood dishes (**Piccoli Pesci**) is a perfect testament to the wood-fired focus.

However, the heart of Lilia is its **Primi** (Pasta) menu. The Mafaldini with Pink Peppercorn and Parmigiano is often cited as a must-have, lauded for its perfect *al dente* texture and the subtle, peppery goodness of the sauce. Equally divine is the Sheep's Milk Cheese Filled Agnolotti, a delicate, sweet, and savory pillow that "melts on your tongue," perfectly showcasing the chef's expertise. These dishes are not merely food; they are an experience in texture and nuanced flavor, presented with **elegant plating** in a sophisticated, **Romantic** setting.

To complement the cuisine, the **Great cocktails** are expertly mixed, and the extensive **Great wine list**, with its deep focus on Italian regions, provides the perfect pairing for any dish. Ending the meal with the celebrated **Olive Oil Cake** or the honey-olive oil soft serve gelato provides the final, exceptional balance of sweet and savory. While the experience is undeniably **Upscale** and may require planning (**Reservations required**), the seamless blend of professional service, lively energy, and world-class, authentic Italian cooking makes Lilia an unmissable destination for any serious New York diner.

Lilia

567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA