ilili Restaurant DC

Perfect restaurant for a special occasion dinner. The restaurant itself is gorgeous — great design and attention to detail. Cocktails and food bring flavors you’ve never tasted before. Don’t skip out on desert! Service is top-tier as well. Highly recommend!

Was really looking forward to dining at ilili. Had to make a reservation about a month out, and was ready to have a fantastic evening trying some excellent Lebanese food and wine.

Sadly, from the moment of entry, this notion of a relaxed evening out was tainted. The hostess set the mood on seating us, letting us know we only had 1hr 45 mins at the table.

Other reviewers have griped at the prices, which are indeed high, but I’m not concerned about that. I’m fine with paying good money for a great dining experience. However, the requirement for table turning to “turn and burn” a mass quantity of customers is against the ethos of both fine and Lebanese dining. This isn’t your neighborhood grill, this is a $100/person+ experience with great food and wine. The notion that I as your customer am unable to sit and enjoy your food or wine makes me believe you don’t really understand hospitality or the food and wine you’re serving. If you have to turn my table over 3x/night to make your margins, you might be running your business poorly.

All in all, excellent food and drinks and excellent service, mired by a quantity-over-quality mindset which frankly makes me not want to return.

If you want to spend a lot for some good Lebanese food and be rushed doing it, this is the place for you. If you want to enjoy a full evening out, look elsewhere.

Had dinner here and the food was fantastic. You need to order hummus, it was so creamy and smooth topped with pine nuts….we’re still thinking about the hummus! We wanted to try the mixed grill but we came late so our waiter, Charles recommended the chicken instead and he was right, it was juicy and flavorful. We had the chicken with restaurant’s signature rice and not to forget, fig sauce was so mouthwatering! The restaurant and Charles complimentary us with baklava for the celebration which was also very good! Our waiter, Charles was so friendly, thank you Charles again for making mothers day very special and memorable for us!

Definitely have to go back for the meat platter. I went with the fish. It was alright but my mistake was not going for the actual meat. The venue is nice. Great views, great location to walk around before or after your meal. The service was fantastic, had zero issues, our waiter was great. All the sides were really good. Definitely stop in for a unique blend of flavors.

We came her on opening night and it was incredible. The service was impeccable, very knowledgeable and attentive with recommendations for all palettes. The food was so fresh and flavorful, authentically Lebanese with a few unique twists. The ambiance is so elegant yet comfortable and relaxing. I would highly recommend this spot for a fun and delicious dinner.