Food was awesome. The staff were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I'll definitely be back. The ambiance is amazing. I wasn't able to select that read more

We came here on a whim on a Friday night without a reservation, which is risky in DC waterfront area, luckily their high top tables are all first come first serve and many were available when we arrived. We got the prawns and the duck to start. Both were recommended and tasted great. Best we hit the mixed grill, which was advertised as for two, with a side of rice. All the meat was tender. Highly recommend. read more

ilili DC - Mixed Grill - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Absolutely BEST meal we had in a long time!!!! Hands down exceptional quality, flavorful and value. We ordered from the Prix Fixe Lunch menu, by the recommendation of our knowledgeable server. It was an ideal choice for us considering, we prefer to try a variety of dishes when visiting a restaurant for the first time. We added two additional appetizers, again with some guidance from our server as he recommended balancing the cold and hot mezze selections. Our overall experience was exceptional from the time we entered the restaurant. The staff members were welcoming, the restaurant is bright and inviting... just large enough to feel spacious yet still manage to maintain the intimate dining experience we were seeking for my birthday lunch. If you've never tried them, please do yourself a favor. You won't be disappointed AND do make a reservation. read more

See all

This was a cute little pit stop on my recent jaunt to DC to help a fellow Elite celebrate her birthday. Happy Birthday Sha T. We stopped in for a quick drink and was greeted by the most kindest bartender, Lexie who was awesome. We indulged in a really nice sparkling rose. Since it was just a pit stop before our next spot, the birthday girl was pleasantly surprised with a complimentary baklava dessert, which was really delicious and makes me want to return. Located in the Wharf neighborhood in DC, it is where Lebanese, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions meet. I briefly perused the menu which sparked my interests for my next return. Definitely will be back SYOY read more

ilili DC - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Recently popped in for a pit stop. I sat at the bar where Lexie our bartender had all the information. From her fave dishes to nice wines, she had it covered. I indulged in a nice sparkling rose while here. It was very tasty and a great recommendation. I'd only stopped in for drinks and was pleasantly surprised by the complimentary bday baklava. After reviewing the menu, I'm more than likely to come for a second visit. read more

See all

I started with the Zaytoun and Honey cocktail, which was excellent. A bourbon based drink with olive oil and honey that somehow comes together in a really smooth, elegant way. Later in the evening I had the Mersel Lebanese sparkling rosé which was bright, crisp, and paired beautifully with the seafood. My partner had the Lebanese Almaza pilsner. We initially wanted the Lebanese IPA but it was unfortunately out of stock. We started the meal with the hummus with the lamb confit add-on and the riz. The hummus was silky and rich with great tahini depth, and the lamb confit added a savory slow cooked richness that made it feel more substantial than a typical mezze. There was a generous pour of olive oil which I personally loved, especially with the warm pita. The Lebanese rice (riz) with toasted vermicelli and mixed nuts was simple but really well executed. Nutty, fragrant, and a great companion to the rest of the meal. One of the more interesting dishes was the bone marrow with steak tartare and pomegranate seeds. The tartare itself was excellent and the acidity from the pomegranate worked nicely with it, though the pomegranate did overpower the marrow a bit. Still a creative dish and a fun contrast of textures. For the mains we ordered the hearth baked branzino. The fish was beautifully cooked with crisp skin and flaky, tender meat. Served with mixed greens and tarator sauce, it felt clean and balanced without being heavy. After we had already ordered, we decided to add the beef kebabs and were really glad we did. They were cooked perfectly to order at medium, tender with a nice char, and served with roasted vegetables that complemented the dish well. For dessert we ordered the Ilili Candy Bar and the Mouhalabiyyeh. The Ilili Candy Bar was rich and indulgent with caramel fondant, sesame crunch, and milk chocolate sorbet. The Mouhalabiyyeh was lighter and more delicate with milk custard, orange blossom, citrus notes, and pistachio dust, which was a nice contrast after a full meal. To top it off, the staff surprised me with a birthday baklava with a candle which was a really thoughtful touch. The baklava had crisp layers, plenty of pistachio, and just the right amount of honey sweetness. The room was lively, the plating was beautiful, and the service felt warm and attentive without being overbearing. Ilili delivers Lebanese flavors in a polished and modern way that still feels authentic. A great spot for a celebratory dinner. read more

See all

It's an upscale restaurant that serves Lebanese food. The prices are higher than most. Most diners were dressed up. The lighting and decoration were inviting. The food was amazing, we enjoyed everything we ordered. The service was attentive. We would definitely come back to try other dishes. read more

See all

Yelp works.... Found this place while we were planning our trip to DC and chose it based on the reviews. There is just too much good things to say about this place. Yeah maybe a little pricey but for my 56th birthday dinner well worth it... probably well worth it any other day of the year as well. Everything was fantastic. From the locale, decorations, cocktails, staff and to the food. Not sure there is anything bad here. A must stop if in this area. read more

See all

The food is excellent and the service was fantastic. Highly recommend this restaurant! It's a bit louder than expected but the food and service more than made up! Great for a family or date night. read more

See all

Just tried ilili on my last trip to DC. It's a lovely space and the food options are great. We did a few shared plates for a group of five and that worked well. The prices were also really affordable although we blew the bill on their great wine list! The wait staff was warm and accommodating and willing to weigh in on our selections. The bread! This was easy walking distance from our hotel and I would go back in a second. read more

Our family was visiting DC and picked this amazing restaurant for our last evening there. Every dish from the mezze to dessert was so flavorful. The service was impeccable as well. We also loved the ambience and can't beat the location at the Wharf. My two teenagers said it was their favorite restaurant of all time--and that says a lot coming from these two critics of everything! I see there is one in NYC too closer to where we live so we must try that location too! read more

Best restaurant I've eaten in 2025 goes to ilili! Ilili is refined modern restaurant focused on middle eastern / Lebanese dishes in the wharf. Though the price points are a bit on the higher end, the flavors and quality were outstanding. I was apprehensive at first due to many mediocre restaurants at the wharf, but this one is the best place I've eaten all year. Our favorite dishes were the hummus baba ghannouj, followed by the mixed grill platter (BEST QUALITY STEAK!), and king prawns. I would skip the hindbeh (dandelion greens). Can't wait to come back here! read more

See all

What a wonderful dinner experience! All the dishes we ordered tasted great! I enjoyed the mezza (cold and hot) over the large shareable entrees. The dishes like the moussaka, brussel sprouts, brussel sprouts, and other spreads were so so good. A few of us ordered cocktails and they were all delicious - especially the Zaytoun & honey and Arak Sour. The space is beautiful and makes for a great night to celebrate a special occasion and eat family style in a big group, and impress people from out of town. read more

See all

My wife and I decided on ilili for our anniversary and it was spectacular. We opted in for the Lamb Hummus, Tabbouleh, Deep Fried Kibbeh, Brussel Sprouts, and King Prawns. The Brussels were a surprise, Lamb hummus and fresh hot pita were tasty. The beef kibbeh and meatballs weren't showstoppers and would probably order something different. The drinks were great especially my wife's ( Zaytoun & Honey) The vibe is classy, upscale vibe. Service was exceptional, they brought out an unexpected Baklava on the house! It even had a custom message. Definitely coming back soon read more

See all

Amazing, authentic Lebanese food. This is such an astounding restaurant. The interior is amazing. There is so much attention to detail with the design. The food is also spectacular. Some of the best Lebanese food I've ever had. I'm the service was very well done. They were attempted to our needs, and refilled water at a great rate read more

See all

Hands down one of the best restaurants in the DC area for Lebanese food! I came twice for dinner & brunch with a friend. Each time service was impeccable! Staff there are so friendly and helpful, making your dining experience feel high quality. For dinner definitely recommend splitting the Mixed Grill and ordering a few hot and cold mezzas like we did. The Hummus with Lamb Confit (this is a non-negotiable), Batata Harra, Tabouleh and Fattoush are all amazing mezza options. Brunch is only $39 and you get two mezza, an entree and dessert which is a great price. The restaurant itself is also so beautiful to main the great food. Can't rave about this place enough! read more

See all

This is probably the best Lebanese restaurant in the DC area. It has a beautiful ambience, a very extensive and varied menu (which includes numerous classic Lebanese dishes), and the service is great. My daughter has some food allergies and our server helped guide us through the menu as to what she could safely eat and made sure that certain modifications were made. We definitely will be back. read more

Lovely restaurant to set the right mood for a night out with friends, family, or a significant other. We stopped randomly to grab a quick bite. At first, the menu was a bit daunting as we are not familiar with the portions or meal names/descriptions, but one of the younger waiters was able to best explain to us. For someone who likes many ingredients, I really enjoyed the food! The flavor was abundant and prominent in working together. The cherry on top were the big pieces of bread (not sure of the name) which was for the table. The brussel sprouts stood out the most. read more

ilili DC - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wow! This restaurant has been on my list of restaurants to go to and this did not disappoint! Definitely a restaurant to go with multiple people so you can split dishes. The interior is beautiful and love the decor. The service was amazing! Our server was so kind, attentive, and provided excellent instructions. The food was delicious! The lamb was the shining star! Hands down my favorite food to eat. All of the dips were so fresh and loved that there was unlimited bread. Cannot wait to go back! read more

ilili DC - Meat platter - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Able to snag the last table on a Saturday to try out the brunch prefix menu and it surely didn't disappoint! Our waiter was amazing and really made sure there were gluten free options (someone in our party has a gluten intolerance). The service all in all was spectacular! There was so much food included in the prefix menu (two appetizers, one main and one dessert)-- everyone should definitely share the appetizers. Everything was absolutely delicious (we didn't even think about taking pictures, oops). The cocktails were also delicious, but definitely on the pricier side ($19 per cocktail). There's a good amount of searing, but definitely would recommend getting a reservation if you can. We just got super lucky when we walked in and were able to snag a table. read more

ilili DC - Cocktails - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came here with my son while on vacation after seeing one of his favorite YouTubers give the restaurant a great review. We arrived around 7:10 PM and were told by the hostess that we could be seated around 7:45 PM. I thought, "Great, that works." What happened next was confusing. Instead of taking my name and adding me to a waitlist like most restaurants do, the hostess simply told us to come back at 7:45. I asked how I would know when our table was ready, and she said we would need a reservation. I explained that I was fine waiting until 7:45, and then she informed me that I would need to put a credit card on file just to be added to the list. That struck me as very unusual. She then explained there would be a $20 per-person no-show fee. Again, this seemed excessive considering we were physically standing there in the restaurant and were visiting from out of town. Nevertheless, I provided my card, gave my name and phone number, and we received a text right at 7:45 that our table was ready. Once seated, the experience improved significantly. The ambiance was nice, our waitress was excellent, and the food was delicious. We ordered the lamb hummus, mixed grill, and rice, and everything was very good. Unfortunately, the interaction at the front desk left a lasting impression. The hostess working the front desk around 7:10 PM, who wore her hair in a long ponytail, was the person who assisted us. Her communication and demeanor came across as dismissive and unwelcoming, which negatively impacted our experience before we were even seated. As a person of color, the interaction did not sit well with me, and I couldn't help but notice that her attitude became noticeably friendlier after I provided a credit card. I would have given this restaurant 4 stars based on the food, service, and atmosphere alone. However, the front-of-house experience was such a turnoff that it significantly impacted my overall impression. If we hadn't specifically planned to visit this restaurant while on vacation, I likely would have left. Please train your staff to communicate policies more clearly and professionally. If a credit card is required for walk-ins, that policy should be clearly explained from the start. As it was presented, it felt unnecessary and absurd. Would I return? Absolutely not. read more

The ambiance here is unbeatable! It's a little pricey, but definitely recommend for a special event - I went for my birthday dinner and had a great time! The food is delicious and the staff is kind. read more

See all

Hubby brought me here for my birthday! Beautiful space and right in the center of the wharf. Service was pretty good and the food didn't disappoint. The halibut was delicious and the lamb was cooked perfectly. The table side kunafa was a must. I will say as a middle easterner, the food was decent. Nothing that really stood out but everything was good. read more

See all

Everything about this place is great, the food, atmosphere and service. My only complaint is their cocktail choices, they had a pumpkin espresso martini in April... we got the hummus, riz, brussels and mixed platter. We got the hummus with Lamb, didn't make much of a difference, preferred the regular. read more

See all

The ilili Restaurant is a great place to take a date or impress some visiting friends in the DC area. Both the location and ambiance was wonderful. Parking is convenient and underground public parking will cost you but very close by, and secure. This stand-alone restaurant is beautiful inside, the food is really tasty and with a touch of class in presentation. The meat platters and baked bread were particularly memorable. The Wharf is a happening location that has many restaurants and even a large venue for shows at the Anthem. Many sights to see nearby and even a boat taxi/ride to view nearby landmarks. Walking around the surrounding area was really a nice treat after a nice meal! read more

See all

My mother and I thoroughly enjoyed our time dining here! The ambiance was vibrant and high energy, the decor was beautiful, the staff was friendly and welcoming, and each dish we had was so delicious! read more

See all

Everything was grilled to perfection, even the chicken which is hard to pull off. All the dips were fresh and smooth. The brussel sprouts a little sweet yet interesting with halved grapes. The lamb burger was juicy with a well paired salad. Service was cordial. The atmosphere was cozy. read more

See all

Had been on the list for a while, and Ilili did not disappoint! The restaurant itself is beautiful and in a great location. I don't think they have outdoor seating, so that may be the one thing missing (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). We went on a Monday evening right after work and it was pretty slow when we got there but picked up all evening. The service was attentive and speedy overall. As for the food, everything hit the mark. Fresh pita, crab falafel hummus was something new/delicious, grape leaves, tuna, beef, lamb. The plates were on the pricey side, and mostly small plates, so your best bet is to get a bunch of stuff and share and try a bit of everything. Drinks were great too! Highly recommend the espresso martini-style cocktail. Highly recommend to check this place out this summer. read more

See all

I've been looking for an opportunity to try ilili for a while. It is a popular dining spot on the Wharf and I pass by often as I walk my dog. Peering in, the dishes have always looked amazing. So when I had a friend come into town we made a reservation. I should mention that if you want to dine here they get packed so reservations are highly recommended. The place is beautifully decorated in the Mediterranean style and is cozy. There's a bar at the entrance with a limited number of seats but seems to have a high turnover from people waiting for their tables. So if you're a single diner you might be able to walk in. The food is excellent as one might imagine from the popularity. We were overwhelmed by the description of everything on the menu because it all sounded delicious. We ultimately went with the mixed grill which offered a bit of everything, and it didn't disappoint. Not only was every selection amazingly flavorful, but between that and a serving of baba ganoush we were absolutely stuffed. Ilili is a fun, vibrant, and delicious choice on the Wharf. Pricy, like every spot in the area. But worth it, unlike many spots in the area. read more

ilili DC - Mixed Grill - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is one of those places that looks really pretty but food sucks. It is way overpriced for underwhelming dishes. I have to give a shout out to the duck Shawarma though because that was really good. Everything else was lacking. The most disappointing was the Lamb rack. That one was so bland I almost didn't want to finish it but it was also $52. It tasted like they cooked it with no seasoning and put teriyaki sauce on it. I like that they gave a lot of pita. The service was good. Servers were friendly. Would only recommend coming here for drinks. The Aphrodite was delicious. Food is not worth the price. I'm not sure how this place has 4.4 stars on yelp. read more

See all

You are a wonderful experience here. The restaurant is very well run. You can see this by the systems and the hospitality that the service staff have. He had a light dinner and the tapas were quite fulfilling. I love the Alamaza lager which comes from Lebanon and they have some pretty good cocktails. The restaurant is well done. Very hospitable and the food tasted very well. It's probably on the higher side but well worth the money. read more

See all

I just left Illi, and I need to process what just happened to my tastebuds. This isn't your typical neighborhood Mediterranean joint; this is where they bring the culture and the culinary expertise. First impression: spacious and beautifully interior designed. Seriously. For once, you don't feel like you're dining with the folks at the next table dissecting their 401k options. The room is large with ample seating, so it feels relaxed but still polished. It's the kind of spot where I felt right at home--grown, decent, but still ready to enjoy some serious flavor. We started with the Mixed Grill. This platter was stacked: chicken shish taouk, beef kebab, kafta, and lamb chops. All perfectly executed. The real MVPs, though, were the accoutrements. That toum duo (that garlic sauce is potent!) paired with the bright Lebanese salsa verde made every bite complex. It was a symphony, not just a starter. We also grabbed the Lamb Shank. This thing was on some other frequency. It sat atop Lebanese dirty rice, drenched in an old world jus that had serious depth. It was plenty of food - enough to feed six people comfortably. If you don't order this, you're genuinely missing out on what this kitchen is capable of. For my entrée, I went with the Lamb Burger. Look, I know, a burger at a Mediterranean spot? But trust me on this. It wasn't just a lamb patty; it was an architecturally sound creation featuring ramp cucumber labne, sharp goat cheese, and a killer harissa mayo. It was rich, tangy, spicy, and creamy all at once. I usually have a note or two--a dry spot, an under-seasoned element--but honestly? No notes. This was flawless execution from top to bottom. Illi is operating on a different level. It's the kind of place where the portions are generous, the quality is undeniable, and you leave feeling like you made an investment in your meal/experience, not just spent money. If you're looking for authentic flavor without the pretension, pull up. This place is the real deal. Five stars. Go eat. read more

See all

Amazing - been here twice, several years apart. Both times we got the mixed grill. Delicious, but we think the portions shrank with inflation rising. The bread is the best Lebanese bread you can get in the DMV. The interior is gorgeous and service is on point. Great for special occasions. read more

Amazing service, beautiful ambiance, and fresh food! Went here after we got engaged to celebrate and it was the perfect spot! We want to come back to try their tasting menu as we weren't that hungry when we went! read more

ilili DC - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We went to dinner for my birthday and it was absolutely amazing! Our server saul did an astonishing job with food and drink recommendations and even had a complimentary dessert and candle ready. The place itself was beautiful, with great lighting and room for conversations! Will definitely be back again, even for just the service! read more

ilili DC - Hummus with Lamb Shank along with the aphrodite cocktail! - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Beautiful space, food is really delicious and service is good. My favorite is a seasonal item - heirloom tomatoes with olive oil ice cream. Their babaganoush had good texture. Love their brussel sprouts with grapes ! The meat in the mix grill was cooked well - the steak and lamb chops being my favorite. The scallops were over seasoned but had a great sear. The fluffy pillows of pita are fresh and warm - great for scooping up all the saucy goodness. This restaurant gets very busy but worth the wait - highly recommend getting a reservation ahead of time. Would make for a great date night! read more

See all

Been here once with my girls and it did not disappoint! I love the attention to detail in the decor, it really feels like you're transported into a different space when you dine here. Our server was so kind and helpful, and the food was pretty solid. Genuinely no complaints and I would definitely go back. read more

See all

i was brought here as a surprise for valentines and anniversary! pretty theme and great service and the food!!!! wow. i can't pick a favorite because i loved everything and i was constantly surprised by how much i enjoyed certain ingredients and how the flavors played off of each other. if i HAD to choose, i would say the salad and the mezza dishes really, really stood out. i'm so glad i came! read more

See all

Gorgeous spot right by the wharf. Best lamb burger I've ever had. Smoky delicious old fashioneds, great service, & I love the tapas style of everything. Modern Lebanese cuisine for the win! read more

See all

Had a great light dinner at Ilili DC yesterday July 4th. Trying to escape the heat before the fireworks started. We ordered hummus with lamb, which was fantastic and came with homemade pita bread. We had the octopus grilled in a harissa sauce and really enjoyed the blue fin tuna which was sashimi style with a light citrus sauce and jalapeño. They have an expansive wine list and I had a tasty Lebanese pilsner. We will be back to try a full dinner. The inside is beautiful and our server was knowledgeable and very attentive! A must try in the Wharf. read more