Ilili lebanese grill and mezze — Restaurant in London

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this Lebanese gem that not only delivered an exceptional culinary journey but also offered a delightful shisha experience. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was enchanted by the warm and inviting ambiance, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

First and foremost, the food here is an absolute revelation. Every dish exuded authenticity and made a lasting impression on my taste buds. From the aromatic mezze platter bursting with vibrant flavors to the perfectly grilled meats that were tender and juicy, every bite transported me to the heart of Lebanon. The quality of the ingredients was evident, and the skilled chefs perfected the art of blending spices and herbs to create a symphony of tastes that left me craving for more.

What truly sets this restaurant apart is their shisha offering. The designated shisha lounge provided a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, making it an idyllic spot to unwind and enjoy. The extensive selection of shisha flavors added to the charm, with each puff offering a new indulgence. The experienced staff ensured that the shisha was expertly prepared and kept me captivated throughout the evening.

The staff members deserve special mention for their exceptional service. They were attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering insightful recommendations that elevated the overall dining experience. Their passion for Lebanese cuisine and shisha culture truly shone through, making me feel like an esteemed guest throughout the entire visit.

The attention to detail in every aspect of this restaurant was astounding. From the beautifully decorated interior that effortlessly captured the essence of Lebanese culture to the soothing background music, everything contributed to an immersive and authentic atmosphere. It was evident that the restaurant aimed to create a complete and unforgettable experience for all its patrons—a mission they carried out with excellence.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this Lebanese restaurant that masterfully combines delectable cuisine and an enticing shisha lounge. The flawless execution, exceptional flavors, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embark on a culinary journey through Lebanon. Whether you're a food lover, shisha enthusiast, or just seeking a remarkable time, this restaurant will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. Prepare to be enchanted from the moment you step inside - gastronomic...

Here is the reason for my 1-star review of their service.

On August 21, 2025, my friend, her husband, their 1-year-old child, and I (three adults and a baby) walked into this restaurant. We weren’t very hungry and simply wanted to enjoy a light meal. Seeing their 4.8-star rating, we thought it would be worth walking almost 25 minutes one way, even with a toddler, just to try their food.

We sat down and made ourselves comfortable. When it came time to order, we asked for a full chicken as our main course. Before we could even finish speaking, the server interrupted, questioning, “One main course for three adults?” I explained politely that we weren’t very hungry, and that a whole chicken would be enough, especially since we also planned to order starters, bread, and drinks. Still, they were insistent that we had to order another main course.

The server walked away and came back shortly after, saying the chef was not willing to prepare food for us and asked us to leave. Shocked, I personally went to speak with the chef, telling him how much I wanted to try their food. He refused, saying we could only take food away, not dine in—even though nearly 80% of the restaurant was empty. It was raining outside, and with a 1-year-old child, takeaway was simply not an option. Despite explaining this, they showed no empathy, and we were asked to leave.

We have been living in London for over six years now, and never—not once—have we faced such humiliation or such unkind treatment in any restaurant across the UK. Not only did they lose us as customers, but also the many friends we would have happily recommended them to.

We walked away feeling humiliated, unwelcome, and deeply disappointed. A truly disheartening and very...

Having read the many excellent reviews, my wife and I were looking forward to a light meal before going to the Oval to watch the Hundred. We were sat immediately. When we placed our order for the shared mixed meze plate we were asked what do we want for our mains. We said that the meze would probably be enough for us but we would order more if we wanted after the starter. The response was 'We are very busy so you will have a long wait'. This was obviously untrue...there were only three other tables occupied the whole time we were there. It was clearly an attempt to make us buy more - upselling is fine but lying about how long a wait is going to be is not. My wife ordered a soft drink and I asked for tap water. The soft drink arrived quickly but the tap water never arrived. The food arrived and was okay if a little salty. Despite not being very busy (3/4 of tables were empty) there was no further visit to our table by waiting staff - usually I would expect a cursory 'Everything okay?' visit as a minimum. When my wife went to the toilet there was no paper ...she did tell the server as she walked past him on the way back....however when I went to the toilet (it is one unisex cubicle) five minutes later there was still no paper. Throughout our meal there was the intermittent bleep of what we presume was a low battery in a smoke alarm. At the end of the meal we were in a little bit of a rush to get to the cricket match so went to the counter to pay. We were handed the machine to wave our card over which we did but only after did we realise we had been overcharged by a few pounds. Overall a very...