TLDR
Unique Scandinavian plates & craft cocktails. Noteworthy roast chicken. Mixed recent reviews on value & impact.
Details
ILIS, a Scandinavian-inspired restaurant in Brooklyn, offers a unique dining experience with its inventive plates and exceptional cocktails [1]. Originally recommended for its food, vibe, and price point [2], it also gained attention for its noteworthy roast chicken during a Sunday Supper series [3]. However, recent feedback indicates a decline, with some patrons citing issues with value, dietary restrictions, and community impact, leading to a nearly empty dining room on a Friday night [4].
Food Overview
ILIS is recognized for its unique Scandinavian techniques, particularly with seafood and game meats, and exceptional cocktails [1]. A standout dish mentioned is the rotisserie-roasted heirloom chicken served during their Sunday Supper series [2]. However, some patrons have reported negative experiences regarding dietary restrictions and perceived value for money, noting the food as good but not exceptional [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The rotisserie-roasted heirloom chicken from the Sunday Supper series is highlighted as a must-try dish [1]."
Caveats
One reviewer reported a negative experience regarding dietary restrictions, perceived shady upselling, and a high bill for food they considered good but not great. They also observed that the restaurant was nearly empty on a Friday night [1]. Another commenter suggested the business model was poor and negatively impacted the neighborhood [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About ILIS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"Ilis is recommended for its interesting ambiance and fresh takes on cuisine, contrasting with more generic establishments."
PositiveFrom post: Looking To Treat Ourselves To A High End Dinner
"The original poster mentioned they really enjoyed their experience at Ilis."
PositiveFrom post: Greenpoints Ilis Announces Closure Citing
"The commenter expressed a negative view on Ilis, stating that 'neighborhoods don't need $600 menus' and implying it was a frivolous expense."
NegativeFrom post: Greenpoints Ilis Announces Closure Citing
"This commenter believes Ilis caused significant illegal smoke problems for neighbors and did not address them, concluding that the business model was poor and should fail."
NegativeFrom post: Greenpoints Ilis Announces Closure Citing
"The commenter and their wife had a negative experience at Ilis, citing issues with dietary restrictions, perceived shady upselling, and a very high bill for what they considered good-but-not-great food. They noted the restaurant was nearly empty on a Friday night."
NegativeFrom post: Greenpoints Ilis Announces Closure Citing
"The commenter had a positive experience with an amazing Valentine's meal at Ilis last year and expressed hope that the restaurant would find another space. They also conveyed sadness for other tenants affected by the closure."
PositiveFrom post: The Unemployment Dining Tour
"Commenter listed Illis as a restaurant to visit."
NeutralFrom post: Trying To Curate A Unique Birthday Experience
"The commenter suggested Ilis as a potential venue for a birthday dinner, recommending to request a $200 per person prix fixe menu."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Recs 150pp Winetip Not Casual Not
"This user added Ilis to their previous recommendations, after learning the user was willing to consider Brooklyn."
PositiveFrom post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat
"Ilis is recommended for a fun experience with unique Scandinavian plates featuring seafood or game meat, and exceptional cocktails."
PositiveFrom post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat
"Ilis is recommended for its unique Scandinavian technique plates and cocktails."
PositiveFrom post: Fellow Nyers Help Me
"Ilis in Greenpoint is recommended as it meets the criteria for good food, vibe, and price point, suggesting it's a good option for those willing to dine in Brooklyn."
PositiveFrom post: Most Expensive Roast 12 Chicken Dish In Nyc
"ILIS in Brooklyn offered a $75 half chicken with pickles and soup in January, and it may still be available."
Neutral