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I Cavallini
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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
I Cavallini
8.6
I Cavallini is a modern Italian restaurant from the Four Horsemen team, pairing a deep Italian wine list with inventive pastas and seafood in a candlelit, date-night-ready dining room. The menu changes often, so regulars come back to see what the kitchen is doing with peak-season produce and seafood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bucatini with tomatoes and ricotta salata, Gnocchi sardi with shrimp, beans, and herb butter, Olive oil cake with berries
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Wine-bar energy with ambitious Italian cooking and a constantly evolving menu.
Who should go: Serious eaters who love adventurous, seasonally driven Italian.
When to visit: Later-evening seatings for a darker, more romantic feel.
What to order: Bucatini, gnocchi sardi with shrimp, olive oil cake.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to talk through the wine list and build the meal course by course with the staff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and competitive after 6pm; plan for a few loops or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Trendy smart casual — dark jeans and a polished top are fine, but many lean dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can talk comfortably, but it has an energetic wine-bar hum.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-oriented spot with minimal lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — rotating vegetarian pastas, vegetable-forward small plates, and salads are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some seafood and rice-based dishes may work, but pasta substitutes are not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit room, bar seating, and exploratory menu make it ideal for conversation and shared plates without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early evenings or bar seating on weeknights are your best bet, but weekends are risky without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — there’s no kids menu and the late-night, wine-forward vibe is best suited for adults and teens at most.
Best For
Better for: Wine-driven Italian dining with seasonal, chef-driven creativity in a moody, intimate setting.
Skip if: You want predictable red-sauce classics, large group seating, or a quiet, family-oriented environment.