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ilili - Midtown
Master Critic Review
ilili - Midtown
8.4
ilili Midtown translates the well-known Lebanese restaurant’s formula into a sleek, art-deco-inflected space designed for both corporate events and refined lunches. Mezza-style spreads, mixed grills, and composed plates handle everything from one-on-one meetings to larger team tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus with Croquette Falafel & Crab, Mixed Grill, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern Lebanese mezza and grills in a purpose-built Midtown business dining room.
Who should go: Clients open to shareable Middle Eastern flavors and mezza
When to visit: Weekday lunch; early dinner for post-office meetings
What to order: Mezza spread, hummus with falafel, mixed grill or lamb chops
Insider tip: Ask about semi-private spaces for presentations or board lunches.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby paid garages on 55th–57th Streets. Street parking is limited and tough during business hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished enough for client lunches. Blazers welcome, jeans acceptable if clean and dark.
Noise level: Moderate. Active lunch energy but still suitable for business conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Moderate demand; 15–30 minutes if you walk in early, longer after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Reservations recommended for prime corporate hours, but walk-ins often seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—mezza, dips, salads, and several mains work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Moderate—several mezza and salads are vegan, but mains skew limited.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-friendly dishes; staff is accustomed to accommodating gluten-avoidant guests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim, polished interiors and shareable mezza encourage easy pacing. It feels elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at lunch before 12:15pm or after 1:30pm. Evenings vary—early walk-ins fare better, but peak hours require planning.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably for older kids (8+). The menu skews sophisticated and the room caters more to business groups than families; no kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Polished mezza spreads and impressive group-friendly plating in a space built for corporate lunches and executive dinners.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual Lebanese street food, very quiet dining, or a budget-friendly meal—this is a polished Midtown operation with prices to match.