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ILILI RESTAURANT

Updated

Phone: (212) 683-2929

Address: 236 5 AVENUE 10001

TLDR

Incredible Lebanese & Mediterranean cuisine near Flatiron. Vibrant atmosphere, great for celebrations & everyday dining.

Reddit Sentiment for ILILI RESTAURANT(based on 60 Reddit opinions)

68% Positive28% Neutral3% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

lebanese 26middle eastern 21mediterranean 7lebanese 5middle eastern 4mediterranean 3View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Details

This Mediterranean gem in Flatiron offers an exquisite Lebanese dining experience, perfect for a variety of occasions from casual lunches to significant celebrations. With a reputation for incredible flavors and a vibrant atmosphere, it's a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant boasts a beautiful setting and a menu that caters to diverse palates, making it a standout choice in the NYC dining scene.

Food Overview

This restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine, with many recommending it as one of the best in the city. Popular dishes include mezze, kabobs, baklava, and knafe. The lamb tartare (kibbi nayyi) is particularly highlighted as sublime. While most feedback is positive, one mention of a past Hep A exposure warrants caution.

Highlights / Recommended

"Dishes frequently recommended include mezze, kabobs, baklava, and knafeh. The lamb tartare (kibbi nayyi) is particularly lauded as 'sublime'."

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean food, beautiful ambiance, and suitability for special occasions. Some minor concerns were raised about noise levels and a past Hepatitis A exposure, but positive feedback on the food and overall experience dominates.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About ILILI RESTAURANT

Multiple users confidently recommend this restaurant as a top choice for Middle Eastern and Lebanese cuisine, with one highlighting it as a 'fancier' option.
This restaurant is suggested as a good option for dining with children, with specific mention of enjoying mezze and kabobs.
A user specifically calls out this restaurant for its incredible Lebanese food.
The lamb tartare (kibbi nayyi) is described as 'sublime,' making it a highly recommended dish for tartare lovers.
This restaurant is mentioned as a place that offers popular Middle Eastern desserts like baklava and knafeh.
Recommended for its Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, the restaurant is noted for its large space and shareable items. However, a user warns it can be very loud and mentions a past Hep A exposure.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Ilili Nomad Vs Midtown

"The original poster expressed excitement to try ilili after receiving a recommendation."

Positive
May 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Ilili Nomad Vs Midtown

"This user has only visited the original ilili location in Nomad and highly recommends it. They later clarified they were referring to the Nomad location, not Midtown."

Positive
May 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Nomadflatironktown Restaurant W A Few

"A brief reaction of concern to the Hep A exposure news."

Neutral
Apr 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Nomadflatironktown Restaurant W A Few

"A warning is shared about a past Hep A exposure at ilili, which has caused some to avoid it."

Negative
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Nomadflatironktown Restaurant W A Few

"ilili can be very loud, especially outside of lunchtime."

Negative
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Nomadflatironktown Restaurant W A Few

"The food at ilili is very good and meets all the specified requirements."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Nomadflatironktown Restaurant W A Few

"This restaurant is suggested as a good spot with Lebanese/Pan-Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a large space, nice tables for groups, and shareable menu items. It's also accessible with no steps."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Last Minute Celebratory Dinner In Lower Manhattan

"ilili was recommended."

Positive
Sep 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Food In Chelseahells Kitchen

"This user listed Ilili among several recommendations."

Positive
Sep 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant For A Special Occasion With Gluten

"This commenter stated that Ilili has a special occasion vibe and that a friend with celiac had no issues dining there."

Positive
Sep 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant For A Special Occasion With Gluten

"The commenter suggested Ilili, noting that it offers many labeled gluten-free options and is a nice restaurant, though potentially less expensive than the user's budget."

Positive
Sep 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What

"The user recommends Ilili."

Positive
Sep 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What

"The user recommends Ilili."

Positive
Sep 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Birthday Dinner Help

"This restaurant was listed as a potential dining suggestion."

Positive
Sep 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Halal Sit Down Restaurants

"Ilili was mentioned as a halal-meat restaurant with excellent food, described as being a bit more high-end. The user noted that they believe it serves alcohol."

Positive
Sep 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Good Food Near Madison Square Park For Lunchdinner

"The user included Ilili among several restaurants they like."

Positive
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Good Food Near Madison Square Park For Lunchdinner

"The user suggested Ilili as a place to try in the vicinity."

Positive
Sep 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Date Night Restaurant Ideas

"Recommends Ilili for Lebanese cuisine, noting it offers small plates and some entrees, with a good vibe."

Positive
Sep 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Recs For Work Dinners

"This commenter suggested Ilili, noting that it has large tables suitable for groups, potentially negating the need for a private room."

Neutral
Sep 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Good For Vegans And Non Vegans In

"Ilili is recommended as a restaurant that adheres to the user's preferences for upscale dining with entrees under $35, and avoiding Italian and Chinese cuisines. It falls into the Mediterranean and Asian fusion categories."

Positive
Aug 18, 2025View Comment →