ilili DC — Restaurant in Washington

I’m the type of customer who usually leaves a review only when a restaurant is either exceptionally good or extremely disappointing. Unfortunately, my visit to this restaurant was a mix of both.

My fiancé and I are both graduate students, and we wanted to do something special for Valentine’s Day. Since we’re on a tight budget, we don’t go out often, so we saved up to make this night memorable.

When we made the reservation, we were already aware of the fixed-price Valentine’s Day menu and even set aside a little extra for drinks.

Upon arriving, the atmosphere was incredible. The romantic decor—roses, heart-shaped decorations, and rose petals everywhere—was stunning. The front desk staff was warm and welcoming, even offering to take our coats.

The drinks and food were fantastic. It was a multi-course meal, and we opted for their special cocktails, which were delicious. The only minor issues were that the greens and carrots on the entrée sides were slightly bitter, and the lamb was a bit dry, but overall, the food was excellent.

The reason I’m giving only two stars is the way we were treated during dinner and especially when we were leaving. We were one of the younger couples in the restaurant, and to be honest, we didn’t receive the same level of attention as the other diners. While our server was polite, we were noticeably overlooked. Other tables seemed to have engaging conversations with their servers and received extra attention, while we were mostly ignored. While this wasn’t a deal-breaker, it was still disheartening.

The real issue came at the end of the meal. When we received the bill, the tablet presented tip options, starting at $100. Given the service we received and the budget we had saved for the night, tipping $100 was simply not feasible. We were only able to leave a $20 tip.

As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry for over five years, I understand that receiving a lower tip can be frustrating. However, I would never confront a customer about it. My fiancé and I have traveled extensively and dined at many restaurants, including the one where I work. A common practice at quality establishments is that a manager or someone in charge checks in during dessert to ask about the dining experience and gather feedback.

In this restaurant’s case, however, things took a completely unprofessional turn. After I returned the tablet, I noticed a sour expression on our server’s face. He then went to speak with the manager. As we were leaving, the manager pulled me aside, showed me the tablet, and asked why we tipped only $20—disguising it as curiosity about our thoughts on the service. I explained that we are college students with a limited budget and that was all we could afford. Instead of understanding, his expression grew even more judgmental. He pressed me again about why we tipped so little. At that moment, all we wanted to do was get out of there.

My fiancé and I may not be wealthy, but we don’t let that stop us from enjoying life when we can. However, that does not give this restaurant the right to treat us with disrespect simply because we couldn’t afford a larger tip.

The staff and management should be ashamed of themselves. Thanks to them, our Valentine’s Day left a bitter taste in our mouths, leaving us with a terrible impression of what should have been a...

I recently ate at this new restaurant on the DC Warf and it was an amazing experience. I booked about 3 weeks in advance. It was only the second week of it being opened. I happened to see it on ig that they were opening soon. The booking process was simple. I will add make sure you receive an email and check your spam. A friend of mine said his went there for some reason. I was called the day prior to confirm my reservations.

Getting there: I would suggest taking a Uber/lyft in as it was extremely busy down there. My friend who lives on the other side of DC had a very difficult time parking.

Check in: The staff was friendly and the inside was amazing. We were there a little early so we got drinks. Before that we went to the restroom. The bathroom is co-ed with closed in stalls with doors. There are 2 sinks with all in one. Very high tech has soap, water and air dryer all in one. There is a floor to ceiling mirror as well in the entrance.

Bar: They had a robust drink menu with signature drinks. I apologize I don’t remember the name of the drinks at the moment. I’ll update that part but I did get pictures lol. But they had seating at the bar and individual tables as well. The staff was very well versed in the menu as well.

Table: we were seated in the back near the window. The tables were mirrors. The waitresses were very prompt. They give you fresh pita bread. The ambiance was great, the have a super cute fountain in the middle. The lights are massive bird like cages. The windows in the back of the restaurant open up and so does the ceiling. It was very beautiful, it reminded me of when I lived in Turkey, very Mediterranean.

Food: So the food on the menu is meant to be shared. They have individual servings but it’s a lot of food. I would recommend at least 2 but if it’s just you don’t order too much you will be full. We ended ordering

Forest mushroom hummus-amazing! Roasted Brussel sprouts- has walnuts, grapes and feta.- Also very good Falafel with lemon tahini- you get 4 pieces sauce is on the side Mixed girl- come with lamb chops, steak, grilled chicken, kofta (lamb/beef). It comes with dipping sauce not pictured but the garlic is so good.

Recommendation. Putting something on the back door that leads to the warf. Many people came to that door trying to come in and I believe it an only an exit. That part was distracting.

Our reservation was at 8:45 we didn’t leave till about 11 and weren’t rushed at all.

Cost: 2 people, with orders of 4 drinks, and food we paid $220 or $110 per person

Will I come back yes! Book fast they are already booked 3 weeks out my friends...

This was my first time dining at ilili DC, and from the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the elegance and thoughtful design of the space. The ambiance strikes a beautiful balance—open and airy yet intimate—thanks to cascading vine plants, custom wooden chandeliers, and a mix of recessed lighting that plays well against the patterned tile floors and vibrant seating.

This visit was for a one-time collaboration tasting menu between ilili DC and Tiger Fork, and while it was my introduction to ilili, it certainly won’t be my last. The 13-course tasting was a showcase of creativity, bold flavors, and artistic plating. Service was seamless—our server was attentive and knowledgeable, and the support staff ensured our table remained pristine throughout the meal. The team worked in perfect harmony, which elevated the overall experience.

Several standouts emerged across the various menu sections. Among the three starting snacks, the smashed cucumbers edged out the manakeesh, which, while flavorful, may have lost some impact due to the caviar not being chilled enough before serving.

In the Mezza portion, the hummus with lump crab was a clear highlight. The silky texture of the hummus, enhanced by high-quality olive oil and a nostalgic sprinkle of Old Bay, paid homage to DC’s regional flavor. The mouhamara followed closely with its bold, earthy profile.

From the vegetarian selections, the tabbouleh was bright and refreshing, while the spicy grilled Asian greens brought an exciting roulette of heat—each bite offering a different experience.

On the meat-forward side, the shish barak dumplings were a true star. Delicate wrappers held perfectly tender filling, bathed in rich, flavorful sauces and plated with finesse.

The dish of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the Loup de Mer—a whole roasted branzino that was as stunning in flavor as it was in presentation. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the combination of roasted tomatoes, olive ezme, and kinsk created a bold, transportive flavor profile that stood out as a collaborative triumph between the two kitchens.

I look forward to returning and exploring the core menu at ilili DC, but this collaborative tasting was a memorable first impression—one that showcased the talent, vision, and synergy of two remarkable DC...