ilili

Ilili catered our event, and they did a marvelous job. Jessie Jodet, the Private Events Manager, was very communicative and helpful and a pleasure to work with. We had originally selected a drop-off boardroom lunch for 30 people but later decided to go with full-service catering of the boardroom lunch to serve 36 people. Jessie assured me that the 30-person boardroom lunch would feed 36, and she was right. There was more than enough to serve 36 people.

Alex and a staff member delivered the food and set up the buffet. Alex stayed to manage the buffet, and he even plated food for people who are unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine. He was professional AND charming!

The food was beautifully presented. Everything was fresh and appetizing and absolutely delicious! There was a generous amount of food, so that there was never any worry that we were running low on anything. We were very happy to have leftovers.

We will definitely contact Ilili again for our future events!

The first time I had dinner here was in 2013, when I was new-ish in NYC and didn't really know much about Mediterranean/Lebanese cuisine. I loved it from the first bite. I've been coming here since. It's definitely one of my favorite restaurants in NYC!
It's worth the price- taste and portion wise.

Came here for brunch which probably was not the best time to come here.didn’t realize they had a lunch and brunch menu and the lunch menu isn’t available weekends.it was fine and some items were def better than others.eggs benedict looked like a salad
ilili country style breakfast looked pretty worth it
shakshuka was fine

Review of ilili Restaurant

I recently dined at ilili Restaurant and was thoroughly impressed by the exceptional culinary experience it offered. This establishment is a true gem, expertly blending traditional Lebanese cuisine with modern culinary techniques.

Elegant and Inviting Atmosphere:
The ambiance at ilili is both elegant and welcoming. The decor strikes a perfect balance between modern chic and traditional warmth, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and comfortable. It’s an ideal setting for a variety of occasions, from romantic dinners to family gatherings.

Exquisite Lebanese Cuisine:
The menu at ilili is a delightful exploration of Lebanese flavors. Each dish is prepared with the utmost care and presented beautifully. The use of authentic ingredients and spices brings a burst of flavor to each bite. From the mezzes to the main courses and desserts, every dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon.

Impressive Wine Selection:
ilili boasts an impressive wine list, featuring a range of international and Lebanese wines that perfectly complement the food. The staff are knowledgeable and can recommend excellent pairings, enhancing the dining experience.

Innovative Culinary Techniques:
What sets ilili apart is their innovative approach to traditional dishes. The chefs skillfully incorporate contemporary techniques, presenting Lebanese cuisine in a way that is fresh and exciting while remaining true to its roots.

Attentive and Professional Service:
The service at ilili is impeccable. The staff are attentive, friendly, and well-versed in the menu. They provide recommendations and ensure that every aspect of the dining experience is taken care of.

Perfect for Sharing and Sampling:
The menu encourages sharing, allowing diners to sample a variety of dishes. It’s a great way to experience the diverse flavors and textures of Lebanese cuisine.

Vibrant and Lively Location:
Located in a lively area, ilili is easily accessible and adds to the appeal of dining out. The vibrant surroundings make it a great spot to enjoy a meal and then explore the neighborhood.

Overall Impression:
Overall, my experience at ilili was exceptional. It’s a restaurant that not only serves food but also offers an experience—a journey through the flavors of Lebanon. Whether you are familiar with Lebanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, ilili is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Food was excellent specially the beef meet balls and the fried kibbeh. Would definitely recommend everyone to go try it.

TLDR: Ilili is a great choice for Lebanese cuisine, if you're into Middle Eastern or mediterranean cuisine - you'll love this. The mouhamara is great and definitely give that burger a try.

Ilili was one of those places I wanted to try for a long time. The menu is quite extensive but our server helped us make some excellent choices. The mouhamara was something different from the usual hummus. A mixture of red pepper, nuts, a bit sweet - very tasty.

The waffle and fried chicken was brunchy but slightly different. My favorite though was the burger. Juicy, fatty but a nice blend of Lebanese flavors.

Food can get pricy here but if you're looking for a fine dining establishment beyond steak/sushi - this is a great choice.

Such a great spot, the ambiance and the food was great and the service is really good.
We ordered the Hummus (the standard of any Lebanese restaurant) and the fried kubbah (highly recommended). The main was the chicken shish tawook, the chicken was so tender and the taste was on point.

Recommend to book in advance as it is always busy, although they have two floors.

By far, the best Lebanese restaurant in the USA not only in NY. The menu is overwhelmingly tasty, served by extremely polite, respectful, and professional staff. An impeccable experience

Duck shawarma was interesting, comes in 4 pieces so it was easy to share. The lamb shank was good and also very shareable - has plenty of vegetables inside.

The mezzes and pita were pretty average, the pita was very thin so not very chewy. Steak tartare was interesting. Overall a good vibe though.

My friends and I came here for our reservation and we were pretty quickly seated.
We got the mixed platter, rice, labne, and duck shawarma. We all agreed that the duck shawarma was the best dish but everything else was average at best for the price. The labne just tasted like yogurt with no deep flavor and were disappointed. The pita, however, was very delicious and airy.
The mixed platter did not come with nearly as much food as an $80 platter should come with and the taste of the meats was dry and flavorless. The flavored butters that came with were good but not enough to make the platter worth the high pricepoint.
The ambiance was good and the service average. I don't think I would come back as nothing really stood out to me, leaving me wanting to revisit and introduce a friend to this place.

Truly an “Authentic” Lebanese experience; portions are small and costly and you end up getting food poisoned by the end of it.

Don't leave this place without trying their life changing baba ganoush! Service was wonderful and even we did not made a reservation we sat and ate and the lobby and it was perfect and cozy

Ilili will forever hold a special place in my heart!

My fiancé brought me to Ilili after her proposed for a surprise engagement dinner. The restaurant printed beautiful personalized menus congratulating us, and seated us at the exact table where we had our first date. The service, food, and drinks, were all incredible. When he asked for bill they refused to let us pay and told us they wanted to have a memorable experience. We would have returned anyway because the food is amazing but now we will be coming back even more because it holds such a special place in our hearts. 10/10
…. PS our first date went so well because they make an amazing espresso martini:)

By far one of the best restaurant experiences that I’ve had in NYC this year! Came here with about 6 people and ordered a wide array of dishes. Everything was delicious but what really stood out were the eggplant dishes plus the dips - I’d definitely get these if you’re looking for some options. The drinks were also great but not the star. Service was perfect though the food took a while to come out. Looking forward to coming back soon sometime in the near future!

A restaurant that I think took more than its standard. The food was good, especially the cherry kebab, but the service was in a hurry, as if they wanted us to finish the food quickly.

Loved it. Great service, wine, food, dessert, and atmosphere. I appreciated the service because our waitress attended to me and my companion and never rushed us; she was a delight. I will certainly be back. P. S. This was my first time experiencing Lebanese cuisine.

Super delicious food, clean, fantastic service.
Big thanks to Andro for his kindness and great hospitality

Don’t order tabouleh. Order everything else. Too expensive for the food. Food was ok. Kibbeh neyeh was good but too small. Mixed grills was good