Lebanese Cuisine by the Lake in Washington DC - ilili

🥖 Appetizers 1️⃣ Hummus A Mediterranean specialty with chickpea puree mixed with olive oil, perfect for dipping with various vegetables and meats. 2️⃣ Pita Bread/Pocket Bread When it arrives, it’s puffed up like a balloon, but once cut open, it’s a thin, paper-like bread perfect for filling with meat and veggies. A fun and famous Lebanese bread dish. 2️⃣ Bone Marrow This dish stands out with its topping of tuna, which perfectly cuts through the richness of the roasted beef marrow. Excellent when paired with pocket bread! 🥘 Main Courses 🐙 Octopus The octopus is cooked to a perfect, springy texture with a spicy kick. The crispy strips on top are both stress-relieving and texture-enhancing. The mint leaves add a refreshing aroma that lightens the dish. 🦆 Duck Shawarma The name might remind you of an catchy song, but this dish is all about the crispy skin and tender meat of the duck. Served with veggies and mini pocket breads, it’s a must-try for Peking duck lovers. 🍖 Mixed Grill Contains lamb, chicken, beef, and leg of lamb. I only tried the beef and lamb; the lamb had a gamey taste, and my friends found both the lamb and chicken to be dry, with the leg of lamb being very salty. Overall, this dish is not recommended. 🍮 Mouhalabiyeh Think of it as the Mediterranean version of double-layered milk, rich in creaminess, topped with crushed pistachios. My friends all found it delicious. Aside from the mixed grill, which felt like a miss, the rest of the dishes were delightful. Having not been a fan of Mediterranean cuisine in the past, this was a pleasant surprise. The service and restaurant ambiance were also nice, and a walk by the lake after the meal is a great way to end the evening. #dcfood #ilili #washingtonilili #washingtonfood #washingtonrestaurant #westerncuisine #washingtondcfood #washingtontravel #washingtondaterestaurant #washingtondc