ilili NoMad — Restaurant in New York

Ambiance: the restaurant is clean, the lighting is dim. I think this was a problem for some visually challenged individuals because I saw at least two people use their phone flashlights to look at the menu. Tables are small and uncomfortably close together. A guy next to us was getting into his chair and his rear end almost knocked our water off our table. I get that space is limited in NYC, but as a sit down restaurant it’s a little too close. Especially given the fact that the restaurant wasn’t full, I’m confused as to why everyone was seated next to each other.

Service: As a part of the pre-fixe menu some items of food were not brought out together which to lead to some confusion (see below). The server was apologetic (we did not say anything) and brought us an extra side. Our water was refilled frequently and our table cleaning/turndown was quick between each meal.

Food: as mentioned we got the Iftar pre-fixe menu so I’ll detail each element separately:

Meal 1: two dates, nothing special just medjool dates that you’d get from the store. Lentil soup so they brought out one bowl of lentil soup with one spoon which was really confusing because soup isn’t easily divided between two people. It was average, lentil soup is pretty hard to mess up so I’d imagine you could make a similar quality one at home by just googling any recipe. Also not served with lemon wedges. Anyways the server brought out a second bowl 15 minutes later which was supposed to be brought out with the first one. Jelab juice: they didn’t bring this out until the second meal, but it’s technically a part of the first one. Very refreshing, sweet mix with hints of rose and pine nut.

Meal 2: honestly the best one. Hummus was authentic and well textured, the pomegranate seeds in the baba ghannoush was a welcomed surprise. The tabbouli and fattoush were below average.

Meal 3: this was an assortment of different meats, but the flavor profile of each didn’t really differ that much. It felt like eating the same thing each time. The meat was tender but nothing special. The Phoenician fries and sauce were good, but I didn’t come to this place to eat French fries.

The server brought us a tray of fatayer because of the soup situation. Essentially deep fried dough rolls filled with cheese. Felt more appropriate for a county fair and tasted like oil.

Meal 4: lamb shank, the main entree. The meat was very tender, juicy, and flavorful. Though it is a fairly small shank even for just two people. The meat was buried under a mountain of vegetables. There are far better lamb shanks for less money all throughout the city (with more meat).

Mint tea: this was literally a single mint leaf in a cup of boiling water. I get that mint tea at its core is just that, but it tasted like hot water. (See image)

Meal 5: honestly just wanted to leave at this point. But the clotted cream was like a delicious hybrid between ice cream and kunafe. The mouhalabiyyeh tasted like flavorless flan.

Conclusion: I have no idea who the Iftar menu is designed for. We told the restaurant a week in advance we planned on breaking our fast here and they told us they would accommodate us by serving dates and water on arrival. We waited about 20 minutes for both of those, which kinda defeats the point. We spent $95 per person and the menu takes about 2 and half hours to complete. There is no space to pray. In general, the menu choices are strange. It’s not authentic Lebanese food, and twist seems to be more about saving money than trying to present a creative dish. There are far too many better, cheaper Lebanese and fusion restaurants in NYC to spend an evening here. Overall this is an...

Title: ilili Restaurant: A Taste of Beirut in the Heart of New York

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:

ilili Restaurant, nestled in the vibrant city of New York, is a Lebanese culinary gem that transports you to the bustling streets of Beirut. This five-star establishment offers an exceptional dining experience, with its authentic flavors, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service.

The highlight of ilili Restaurant is undoubtedly its food. Each dish is expertly crafted, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Lebanese cuisine. From traditional mezze platters bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors to succulent grilled meats and aromatic rice dishes, ilili Restaurant captures the essence of Beirut's culinary scene. The attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients truly make every bite a delightful journey to the streets of Lebanon.

The atmosphere at ilili Restaurant adds to the overall experience, earning it a well-deserved five-star rating. The warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with the tasteful decor, creates a cozy and elegant setting that is perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, ilili Restaurant provides a welcoming and comfortable environment that enhances the dining experience.

The service at ilili Restaurant is top-notch, further contributing to its five-star rating. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing exceptional hospitality. From the moment you step foot inside, you are greeted with warm smiles and a genuine desire to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. The attentive service, combined with the staff's expertise in guiding you through the menu, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit.

Located at 236 5th Avenue, ilili Restaurant is conveniently situated in the heart of New York. Whether you're a local or a visitor to the city, this Lebanese restaurant is easily accessible, making it a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of Beirut. The central location also allows for exploration of the vibrant surroundings, adding to the overall experience of dining at ilili Restaurant.

In conclusion, ilili Restaurant is a culinary haven in New York that brings the flavors of Beirut to life. With its authentic Lebanese cuisine, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service, this establishment offers a dining experience that is truly exceptional. Whether you're a fan of Lebanese cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, ilili Restaurant is a must-visit destination that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Beirut.

So, if you're in search of an unforgettable Lebanese dining experience in New York, look no further than ilili Restaurant. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Beirut as you savor the delectable flavors, soak in the inviting atmosphere, and enjoy the impeccable service...

Subject: Unacceptable and Disrespectful Experience at Ilili Restaurant- Mr. Phillip Massoud

Dear Mr. Massoud,

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the experience my party and I had at your NYC restaurant during what was supposed to be a memorable birthday celebration. This was my fourth time dining at Ilili, having chosen your restaurant because of the positive experiences I've had in the past. Unfortunately, this visit left me appalled, disappointed, and questioning whether I will ever return.

From the moment we arrived, the service was subpar. Our waitress was disengaged, barely checking in throughout the meal. Simple requests like bringing out bread and appetizers were significantly delayed. While I initially tried to overlook these issues, the situation only worsened as the night progressed.

The final straw came when the manager approached us and, without any courtesy, told us they needed the table back because the restaurant was busy. This happened after only an hour and twenty minutes. We had already finished our meal and were simply waiting for my daughter to return from the bathroom. Instead of allowing us a few moments to enjoy the occasion, we were essentially pushed out the door. To say I was furious is an understatement. This is absolutely not how you treat guests, let alone repeat customers who have chosen your restaurant for significant celebrations.

What made the situation even more upsetting was the behavior of both the server and hostess leading up to this. They stared at us, rolled their eyes, and clearly wanted us gone long before the manager rudely asked us to leave. This blatant unprofessionalism made us feel unwelcome and disrespected. It’s one thing to have a busy night; it’s another to make paying customers feel like they are being hurried out the door as an inconvenience.

To add insult to injury, this poor treatment came with a bill of $250. For that price, I expect not only good food (which was delayed, by the way) but also professional and respectful service—neither of which we received. The lack of basic hospitality, especially on a special occasion like my birthday, is simply inexcusable.

It’s shocking that a restaurant with the reputation Ilili holds would allow such disrespectful treatment of its guests. After this dreadful experience, it is clear that the quality of service has declined significantly. I am beyond disappointed and will not be returning. Moreover, I will be sharing this experience with others to ensure they are aware of the poor treatment they might face at your...