Boxes inside of boxes inside more boxes. That’s the phrase I’d use to describe the decor of ilili, which is a ravishing, Escher-like jumble of wooden squares set along the walls of a huge room with cathedral-height ceilings. That complexity also marks the food, with each forkful unlocking another taste or texture. Lebanese in origin, the food is sophisticated and surprising, whether you’re digging into a plate of musky chicken livers cut by a brightly tart tamarind syrup and sided by creamy yogurt, or tasting one of the traditional spreads, which here, take the usual hummus and baba ganoush to another level. Do know, however, that most of the mezes (appetizers) are the same portion size as the main dishes and yet cost half as much. So make a meal of those and leave feeling satisfied, rather than broke.
New York City
Travel Guide
New York City› Restaurant
ilili Restaurant
236 Fifth Ave (at 28th St.)
Our Rating
Neighborhood
The Flatiron District, Union Square & Gramercy Park
Hours
Mon–Wed noon–3pm and 5:30–10:30 pm; Thurs–Fri noon–3pm and 5:30pm–11:30pm; Sat noon–11:30pm; Sun noon–10:30pm
Transportation
Subway: N, R to 28th St
Phone
646/683-2929
Prices
Average meals: $26–$40
Cuisine Type
Lebanese
Web site
ilili Restaurant
![2 star(s) 2 star rating](/assets/rating/fromm-rating-2star.png)
Map
236 Fifth Ave New York CityNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.