ZipPicks Awards
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Williamsburg
Best Italian in Williamsburg
Master Critic Review
Misi
8.6
Misi focuses almost exclusively on vegetable antipasti and a tight lineup of handmade pastas in a minimalist room facing the East River. It’s one of the borough’s most sought-after Italian reservations, with a bar that runs on precise cooking rather than a sprawling menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sheep’s milk ricotta occhi with bottarga, Rigatoni with spicy sausage ragù, Charred seasonal vegetables with garlic and chili
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A pasta-first East River spot where every dish feels laser-focused and dialed-in.
Who should go: Pasta obsessives who don’t mind planning ahead.
When to visit: Early weeknight seatings or late second turns to avoid peak crush.
What to order: Sheep’s milk ricotta occhi, a seasonal vegetable plate, one long pasta.
Insider tip: If you’re at the bar, ask staff to pace antipasti slowly so the meal feels like a tasting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Kent Ave and neighborhood side streets is limited, especially during dinner hours; nearby paid garages exist within a few blocks but are not affiliated with the restaurant.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished given the room’s minimalist, high-profile setting.
Noise level: Moderate — the room runs lively during peak hours, but you can generally hold a conversation at the bar or two-top.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits for bar seats without a reservation (often 60–90 minutes during prime hours).
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — typically dinner-focused with no standard lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — many antipasti and several pastas are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable plates can work, but most pastas include dairy; confirm details with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — a few antipasti may be gluten-free, but most pastas contain wheat and substitutions are minimal.
Best For
Better for: Dialed-in handmade pastas, vegetable-driven antipasti, and a refined, minimalist dining experience with strong bar seating.
Skip if: You want a broad Italian menu, large portions, or extensive dietary flexibility — alternatives with wider menus may fit better.