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Home > Restaurants > ilili

ilili

236 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10001
nr. 27th St.  See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-683-2929 Send to Phone

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  • Price Range: $$$

    Key to Prices and ratings

    Upscale
    • Almost Perfect
    • Exceptional
    • Generally Excellent
    • Very Good
    • Good
    Cheap Eats
    • Best in Category
    • Excellent
    • Delicious
    • Very Good
    • Noteworthy
    • Very Expensive
    • Expensive
    • Moderate
    • Cheap
  • Reader Rating:

    9.4 out of 10

      |  

    5 Reviews | Write a Review

  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
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Photo by Noah Sheldon

Official Website

ililinyc.com

Hours

Mon-Wed, 11:30am-3pm and 5:30pm-10:30pm; Thu-Fri, 11:30am-3pm and 5:30pm-11pm; Sat, 5:30pm-11pm; Sun, 5:30pm-10:30pm

Nearby Subway Stops

N, R, W at 28th St.

Prices

$11-$26

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

  • Dine at the Bar
  • Lunch
  • Private Dining/Party Space
  • Online Reservation

Alcohol

  • Full Bar

Reservations

Accepted/Not Necessary

Profile

With the rare exception, the venerable Al Bustan among them, Lebanese restaurants in New York tend to come in the guise of the falafel joint—quick and cheap rather than elegant and upscale. The cavernous Ilili aspires to greater things. Chef-owner Philippe Massoud, late of Neyla in Georgetown, has concocted a menu that melds traditional Lebanese and modern Mediterranean flavors, covering territory both predictable (hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouleh) and newfangled (duck shawarma with pomegranate molasses, figs, and green onion). The bi-level space itself is divided into multiple lounges and dining areas, and is meant to be high on atmosphere, with a D.J. spinning weekend nights. — Robin Raisfeld and Rob Patronite

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Recipes at ilili

9.4 "Highly Recommended"
Average Reader Rating
on a Scale of 10		 Write Your Own Review
100% Would you go back?
100% Would you take a date?
40% Would you take kids?
100% Would you go on business?
100% Would you go on a special occasion?
Food: 9.6
Service: 9.0
Décor: 9.4
Value: 8.8

Spectacular food, great restaurant!

evkitty from 10003 | Posted on 4/28/09

Overall Rating: 10 (Highly Recommended)
Food: 10
Service: 10
Décor: 8
Value: 9

The huge space is well designed to appear limitless. Despite the upscale decor (and I admit I found the decorative gold plates a little outre, but they worked stylistically) the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. The Lebanese wine recommended to us was excellent, both on its own merit and as a pairing with the food. We had the prix fixe menu, and while the entrees are small the sides are very large. Everything is excellently prepared and if anything, the service was a bit relaxed. A thoroughly enjoyable meal. We can't wait to go back!

A Must Try...

bradnyc212 from 10003 | Posted on 12/7/08

Overall Rating: 10 (Highly Recommended)
Food: 10
Service: 10
Décor: 10
Value: 10

One word to describe ilili - amazing. I've been to this restaurant several times and each visit I've been equally impressed. I'm Lebanese and a tough critic but I rate the food a 10 (don't tell my mother I said that). As all New Yorkers know, the food is half the experience; the service is always right on. You must try!

Read All 5 Reviews >>

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