I visited this place for the second time, but it didn't quite live up to my high expectations. While I still enjoyed the chicken duo, pita, and falafel, the dips - baba ghannouj and mouhamara were a major letdown. Mouhamara was too dry, and the other was bit okay. The fries were also disappointing - soggy and not well-cooked. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience didn't match the exceptional quality of my first visit.
Yifeng
The lamb and beef meatballs cooked in a sweet and sour cherry source is a little too sweet for a meat dish.
Steven
I really enjoy going to ilili for dinner and have been numerous time so when my relative came into town I decided to take her there. Unfortunately this time the service was horrible. It took us 2.5 hours to dine because apparently something went wrong with our main when they were cooking it and they had to remake it, but there was nothing offered for the mishap. When we were told about the issue we said no problem we totally understand things happen. As the server left he picked up our empty soda glasses and didn't ask if we wanted a refill so we all assumed he was going to get us fresh drinks while we wait. That's not what happened and he didn't even ask if he wanted anything else to drink. After we ate we tried to get the servers attention to clear our plates so we could leave given it was much later than we expected and he would not look our way. At one point we put our napkins on the table and he still did not come by so finally we had to wave him over (even though he was standing 10 feet away). When they cleared the table they knocked over a glass and it shattered all around us. Again we said it's okay things happen. When the bill finally came we were shocked nothing was comped and that nothing (not even a free dessert) was offered for all the delays. In between our starters and main we waited an hour. As much I have liked ilili in the past, I will second guess recommending to people going forward.
David
We chose ilili while visiting New York because we love the cuisine and the restaurant is absolutely beautiful. From the moment you walk in, the space is stunning and sets high expectations. We arrived a bit early and sat at the bar for a drink. The cocktail menu was interesting and the drinks themselves were excellent. The Beirut cocktail in particular was delicious. Unfortunately, the bartender was cold and unfriendly, which made what should have been a welcoming start feel awkward, especially given the price of the cocktails. Once seated, we ran into another issue. When we tried to start with a couple of appetizers before ordering entrees, the server insisted we place our entire order upfront and would not allow us to order as we went. This felt rushed and unnecessary, especially since there were several open tables around us throughout the meal. We ended up ordering more food than we could eat and spending more than we intended. It is a shame, because the food itself was very good. The babaganouj was a standout, rich, smoky, and easily the best I have ever had. The fries were also fantastic and absolutely worth ordering. ilili has everything going for it in terms of space and food, but the unfriendly service and rigid ordering process really took away from the experience. With a stronger focus on hospitality, this could be a place we would love to return to.
Trevor
Food is absolutely fantastic. Range of flavor, and everything top notch. Great vibe, not stuffy.
Prithvi
Celebrated my birthday dinner at ilili Nomad last night and had a wonderful experience. The wine selection was excellent, and overall the food was fantastic. Special shoutout to the Brussels sprouts—they were outstanding. The fish was beautifully prepared as well. A great spot for a special occasion.
Patricia
Always a favorite when spending time in in NYC. Small plates never disappoint and the decor simply says - you are somewhere special!
Victoria
Todo súper bien solo que el Mesero que me atendió me sugirió un plato demasiado grande y fue imposible comer todo Fue una lástima
ElizabethD
Excellent food and ambience, great for sharing food amongst friends! my only complaint - after being there twice- is that the wait staff pushes a little too much food on you with their suggestions. Both times I could have easily ordered 2-3 fewer dishes and been more than satisfied!
Charbel
We've been to Ilili countless times, but mostly over dinner. The food was outstanding, as usual, and our guests were really delighted and impressed. Because it was lunch, the place was also quiet. What a relief from the noise and hustle and bustle of the evening service! Service was OK, maybe because the don't have many waiters over lunch, plus it's Thanksgiving week, with many people off. Anyhow Ilili is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in the world, and anyone who hasn't been there needs to go to taste Lebanese haute cuisine. Yes, it's a bit more expensive than elsewhere, but it's worth it.
Exquisite food in a beautifully designed interior. For a quintessential NY trendy, up-market, dining experience, this is an excellent option. The Duck Shawarma was a particular highlight but nearly everything we had was marvelously prepared. A must try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
silver surfer
The menu at ililil offers a twist on Lebanese food. I ordered a fattoush salad which was far too sour for me (it came with a vinegarette and sumac). When I gave some feedback I was told that this was due to the sumac. Other dishes seemed less authentic.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
NAJI
Ilili was and always stay the best lebanese fusion food in the city of Manhattan. Excellent service , great delicious food and variety 😋 in the nenue Their cocktails are superb which pair beautiful with their ambiance ... Love this place always since they opened...
zeina awedikian
Food was excellent and very authentic. Atmosphere lively and decor is beautiful. Also the service was super good. Would definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Millu
I booked a birthday dinner for 10 well in advance, but we waited over 40 minutes to be seated and didn't receive our food until around 10 PM despite an 8:30 reservation. Service was slow and inattentive, and several dishes (like the falafel and chicken) were very dry. Unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing, and I wouldn't recommend based on this visit.
I visited this place for the second time, but it didn't quite live up to my high expectations. While I still enjoyed the chicken duo, pita, and falafel, the dips - baba ghannouj and mouhamara were a major letdown. Mouhamara was too dry, and the other was bit okay. The fries were also disappointing - soggy and not well-cooked. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience didn't match the exceptional quality of my first visit.
The lamb and beef meatballs cooked in a sweet and sour cherry source is a little too sweet for a meat dish.
I really enjoy going to ilili for dinner and have been numerous time so when my relative came into town I decided to take her there. Unfortunately this time the service was horrible. It took us 2.5 hours to dine because apparently something went wrong with our main when they were cooking it and they had to remake it, but there was nothing offered for the mishap. When we were told about the issue we said no problem we totally understand things happen. As the server left he picked up our empty soda glasses and didn't ask if we wanted a refill so we all assumed he was going to get us fresh drinks while we wait. That's not what happened and he didn't even ask if he wanted anything else to drink. After we ate we tried to get the servers attention to clear our plates so we could leave given it was much later than we expected and he would not look our way. At one point we put our napkins on the table and he still did not come by so finally we had to wave him over (even though he was standing 10 feet away). When they cleared the table they knocked over a glass and it shattered all around us. Again we said it's okay things happen. When the bill finally came we were shocked nothing was comped and that nothing (not even a free dessert) was offered for all the delays. In between our starters and main we waited an hour. As much I have liked ilili in the past, I will second guess recommending to people going forward.
We chose ilili while visiting New York because we love the cuisine and the restaurant is absolutely beautiful. From the moment you walk in, the space is stunning and sets high expectations. We arrived a bit early and sat at the bar for a drink. The cocktail menu was interesting and the drinks themselves were excellent. The Beirut cocktail in particular was delicious. Unfortunately, the bartender was cold and unfriendly, which made what should have been a welcoming start feel awkward, especially given the price of the cocktails. Once seated, we ran into another issue. When we tried to start with a couple of appetizers before ordering entrees, the server insisted we place our entire order upfront and would not allow us to order as we went. This felt rushed and unnecessary, especially since there were several open tables around us throughout the meal. We ended up ordering more food than we could eat and spending more than we intended. It is a shame, because the food itself was very good. The babaganouj was a standout, rich, smoky, and easily the best I have ever had. The fries were also fantastic and absolutely worth ordering. ilili has everything going for it in terms of space and food, but the unfriendly service and rigid ordering process really took away from the experience. With a stronger focus on hospitality, this could be a place we would love to return to.
Food is absolutely fantastic. Range of flavor, and everything top notch. Great vibe, not stuffy.
Celebrated my birthday dinner at ilili Nomad last night and had a wonderful experience. The wine selection was excellent, and overall the food was fantastic. Special shoutout to the Brussels sprouts—they were outstanding. The fish was beautifully prepared as well. A great spot for a special occasion.
Always a favorite when spending time in in NYC. Small plates never disappoint and the decor simply says - you are somewhere special!
Todo súper bien solo que el Mesero que me atendió me sugirió un plato demasiado grande y fue imposible comer todo Fue una lástima
Excellent food and ambience, great for sharing food amongst friends! my only complaint - after being there twice- is that the wait staff pushes a little too much food on you with their suggestions. Both times I could have easily ordered 2-3 fewer dishes and been more than satisfied!
We've been to Ilili countless times, but mostly over dinner. The food was outstanding, as usual, and our guests were really delighted and impressed. Because it was lunch, the place was also quiet. What a relief from the noise and hustle and bustle of the evening service! Service was OK, maybe because the don't have many waiters over lunch, plus it's Thanksgiving week, with many people off. Anyhow Ilili is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in the world, and anyone who hasn't been there needs to go to taste Lebanese haute cuisine. Yes, it's a bit more expensive than elsewhere, but it's worth it.
Restaurantji Recommends
Exquisite food in a beautifully designed interior. For a quintessential NY trendy, up-market, dining experience, this is an excellent option. The Duck Shawarma was a particular highlight but nearly everything we had was marvelously prepared. A must try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The menu at ililil offers a twist on Lebanese food. I ordered a fattoush salad which was far too sour for me (it came with a vinegarette and sumac). When I gave some feedback I was told that this was due to the sumac. Other dishes seemed less authentic.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Ilili was and always stay the best lebanese fusion food in the city of Manhattan. Excellent service , great delicious food and variety 😋 in the nenue Their cocktails are superb which pair beautiful with their ambiance ... Love this place always since they opened...
Food was excellent and very authentic. Atmosphere lively and decor is beautiful. Also the service was super good. Would definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I booked a birthday dinner for 10 well in advance, but we waited over 40 minutes to be seated and didn't receive our food until around 10 PM despite an 8:30 reservation. Service was slow and inattentive, and several dishes (like the falafel and chicken) were very dry. Unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing, and I wouldn't recommend based on this visit.
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