ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Williamsburg
Best Date Night Italian in Williamsburg
Master Critic Review
I Cavallini
8.7
The Michelin-starred Four Horsemen team's Italian sibling brings Piedmont-inspired cuisine to Williamsburg with ingredient-driven seasonal plates. Dishes list components rather than names, and the 100+ Italian wine list from under-the-radar producers rivals any in the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Farfallone with Calabrian Chili Butter, Trofie with Pesto, Sheep's Milk Agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Sister to Michelin-starred Four Horsemen with seasonal Italian and natural wines
Who should go: Wine-focused diners and culinary adventurers
When to visit: Line up by 4:30pm for walk-in bar seats at 5pm opening
What to order: Focaccia with ricotta, any pasta, don't skip dessert
Insider tip: Reservations release 2 weeks ahead at 8am on Resy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in Williamsburg - competitive after 6pm. Rideshare or L train to Bedford Ave recommended
Dress code: Smart casual Brooklyn - elevated but approachable. Designer jeans welcome, no jacket required. The crowd skews stylishly unfussy
Noise level: Conversation-friendly - the team prioritizes 'music-geek-worthy acoustics' and thoughtful sound design inherited from their Four Horsemen DNA
Weekend wait: Without reservation: arrive by 4:30pm for 5pm opening to secure walk-in seating. Line forms 10+ minutes before doors open
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch currently - dinner only Wed-Sat from 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - seasonal vegetable-forward dishes throughout the menu including contorni section, focaccia with whipped ricotta, and vegetable-based pastas
Vegan options: Limited - some seasonal vegetable dishes can accommodate but cream, butter, and cheese feature prominently in the Italian cooking style
Gluten-free options: Yes - housemade gluten-free lumache pasta available; staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional choice. Romantic lighting, intimate 64-seat space with hygge-inspired design, and thoughtful acoustics make conversation easy. The creative ingredient-driven menu gives you plenty to discuss, and the 100+ bottle Italian wine list shows you have taste. The $130/person price point signals effort without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - about 30% of seats (bar and counter) are reserved for walk-ins. The strategy: arrive by 4:30pm and line up before the 5pm opening. You'll likely be seated immediately for the first turn. During the first seating, walk-in tables sometimes become available too. Later in the evening becomes much harder.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The menu features unconventional preparations (fried eel toast, nervetti salad) that require adventurous palates, and dishes are listed as ingredient components rather than familiar names. The wine-centric atmosphere and intimate seating suit adults. Consider Lilia for a family-friendly Brooklyn Italian experience instead.
Best For
Better for: Wine-obsessed diners seeking creative seasonal Italian from under-the-radar producers, plus those who want the Four Horsemen experience with more available seats and a focused Italian lens. The cocktail program by Attaboy's bar director also sets it apart from the wine-only parent restaurant
Skip if: You want classic Italian comfort food like carbonara, ossobuco, or chicken parm - nothing here is 'garden variety.' If ingredient-list menus confuse you or you prefer traditional preparations, try Lilia for elevated but recognizable Italian, or Misi for straightforward handmade pasta