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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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

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LOVE ilili! I planned two work retreats at a hotel near the Wharf, and both times, we went to ilili. They are so welcoming, and you truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Quick note that it can be a bit loud in there, but the good kind of loud--energetic and warm. read more

Enjoyed ilili's winter restaurant week!! Two appetizers, entree, and dessert for $35. The restaurant is gorgeous and bright. My meal was one of the best I've had in DC. Appetizers- Fattoush Salad and hummus, Entree - Lamb Burger, Dessert - Mouhalabiyeh (milk pudding) Will definitely be returning! read more

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We decided to enjoy lunch at ilili during the winter Restaurant week. ilili was offering a $35 per person prix fixe meal and as my wife enjoyed our experience here before, gave it a try. It was frankly a disappointment. The restaurant wasn't full at 1PM but that was no issue and we chose our table. The ambiance in ilili is wonderful. With all of the windows looking out on the Wharf and the plants inside, it's a really nice feeling. We received the prix fixe menu. There was a nice variety of appetizers, some of our favorites and these we enjoyed a lot. We chose the Baba Ghannouj, Flalafel, Fattoush and Mouhamara. All of these were very tasty, served with their puffed up pita bread. The choice of entrees was limited to a lamb burger, chicken that was prepared on a skewer (Shish Taouk, served on a plate), stuffed vegetarian grape leaves and beef. There were no fish offerings. The grape leaves were mushy. Instead of being somewhat firm, al dente, they were soft. It's clear that they had been cooked a while before and just heated up. The grape leaves was served on a bed of cooked onions. It was mediocre at best. The chicken dish was better, but clearly not to the standard of what we'd had during our previous meals. The dessert, Mouhalabiyyeh was a milk pudding with orange zest. This was light, flavorful and not too sweet. Our server, Massan A was just wonderful. He gets 5* for sure. And he brings the entire experience up a notch. I really like ilili, but I DO NOT recommend the restaurant week experience. read more

The first thing you notice when you walk in is how eye-catching the venue is, but what's waiting for you is EVEN BETTER food! It is better to order at least 4 dishes and share family-style to truly enjoy the menu. All dishes were boldly flavored and potion sized were great! The BATATA HARRA (spicy potatoes) and MOUSSAKA Eggplant were fan favorite at our table. For dessert, you can't go wrong with choosing either the ilili Candy bar or Baklava....in fact, get both!! Overall: Perfect for group dinners and to impress out of town guests. This is where you go if you want to satisfy both your eyes and mouth! read more

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Had brunch at ilili and ordered the Duck shawarma, smoked lamb belly, baba ghannouj, mixed baklava Rosti and a Summer Bliss G&T cocktail. Everything was delicious. I really enjoyed the baba ghannouj and duck shawarma. Duck Shawarma: Pita pillows, pomegranate seeds, fig toum, micro chives Smoked Lamb Belly: pickled thyme chimichurri and lemon Rosti: potato, soft scrambled eggs and zaatar labne Baba Ghannouj: eggplant, tahini, olive oil and pomegranate seeds Summer Bliss G&T: gin, clarified watermelon and basil juice, lime juice Mixed Baklava read more

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Tasty Lebanese cuisine in DC right on the Warf! Such a fun spot with terrific shareable plates. This resturant was absolutely delicious with a very fun and upbeat vibe about it! I loved the ambiance in here and the water fountains in the middle of the resturant were so lovely as well. What we ordered: - Hummus - Labne - Chankleesh - Fattoush Salad - Falafel - Brussel Sprouts - Octopus - Mixed Grill - Knafe Everyone I was with enjoyed their food! My personal favorites were the octopus, falafel, labne and the mixed grille! Ilili also has two locations, one in DC & one in NY. So highly recommend to checking out this spot or their NY location & letting me know what you think!? read more

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

The food is good and service excellent. The decor is also super nice. Definitely would return. I guess almost a five but mediterranean food scene in DC is pretty strong, so it does not beat others hands down. Duck grape leaf - amazing but i also love rice. It is still one of the best I havr Octopus - this dish is just ok, compared to the others. I have better octopus that would feel a bit fresher and Mediterranean. Fresher octopus is probably not the issue but lack a bit of zing! Grilled Akawii - this is good and above average. It is generally well balance (though sweet for a bitter person like me) Panna cotta is perfect finish for me. It is perhaps not sweet enough if you have a sweet tooth read more

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This place is super nice. I went here for my mom's birthday, and it was perfect for a special occasion. All the light fixtures, decor, and overall ambiance was super flattering/unique. The food was delicious too--the complementary pita pouches were great. The lamb rack was my favorite. It was hard to get our waitress's attention, but service was decent overall. Awesome location on the Wharf. read more

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Incredible dining experience for my one night in DC. We were there on a Tue night and walked in without reservation around 7. The place was popping. They didn't have a table until 8:15. Rather than looking for plan b and take a cab to another place, we decided to wait and we didn't regret our choice. The interior is so beautiful. Much nicer than the NYC location. We are appetizer people so we loved all the mezze options. Everything we ordered was flavorful and delicious. One thing I wouldn't do next time is order the cauliflower dish if we also get hummus, since there's hummus in the cauliflower dish too. After sharing 6 mezzes among 3 people, we decided to order 1 entree which was the duck shawarma. It's supposedly their popular dish. It was good but I did regret it because I was getting kind of full so I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have had I not eaten all those mezzes and endless pita breads. Confirming again we should just stick to appetizers. Service was on point too. The server was always available and never far away. Food out of the kitchen was paced well. The dessert with a very long name, I'll it call it the milk pudding, was divine! Not too sweet with subtle fragrant orange flavor. I wish Ilili DC could be plopped on NYC. The NYC location looks lovely too but if you are a party of two, you are ushered to a room with a low ceiling without the wow factor of the main dining room. I'll be sure to return to Ilili when I'm back in DC. read more

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Over the years I've visited ilili at least a dozen times and there are many reasons why I continue to come back. Whether you sit at the bar or are seated in the main dining area, the service is always excellent. It seems as though everyone that works here takes pride in their work and creating a great experience for customers. The food is also amazing. I've had a range of dishes that are absolutely delicious and the presentation is always beautiful. This restaurant is perfect for such a great range of occasions as well. It's upscale, so it's nice to dress up for a special occasion or night out with friends. But I've also come here in my sweatpants and hoodie numerous times and ever felt out of place. I love that it can still feel upscale without being overly pretentious. Overall, I've just had nothing but positive experiences here and am just grateful that it's a spot that I can easily walk to in my neighborhood! read more

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One of the best meals I've had in a long time! Cannot say enough how quality the food is, how kind the staff is, and the vibe of this place is great too. The carrots were delicious and flavorful (not pictured), and that yogurt based dip was unreal. All of the meat-based dishes were so tender and flavorful, too. And the mint in the rice really was a nice combination. But I imagine they likely couldn't make a bad dish if they tried. read more

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

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 restaurants. read more

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Amazing Lebanese cuisine restaurant with beautiful decor and excellent service. The soft and fresh complimentary bread goes well with every dish's sauce and of course with the hummus. The lamb shank is a must order but my absolute favorite is the mixed baklava, comes in pistachio and cashew flavors, and both are just the right sweatiness and nuttiness, the best l've ever had! read more

ilili DC - Best baklava I've ever had! A must have! - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ordered food for delivery. The food, what there was of it, was great. I was ready for high prices, but I was completely disappointed with portion sizes. Honestly, don't waste your money. One example, the duck shawarma; it was fantastic, but the portion was laughably small at barely two bites. Save your money for Levantine cuisine elsewhere in DC, which is nearly as good for half the price and 3-4x the portions. read more

ilili DC - Duck shawarma for $25. - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The night was a special occasion. A 50th birthday for my wife. The staff was great and everything turned out well. Even the table location was great. read more

This chic restaurant delivers a cool vibe from the moment you step inside. The waitress and busser were attentive without hovering. The food however stole the spotlight. Unbelievably complicated flavors came together in perfect harmony to melt in my mouth, and who can argue with fresh bread. If you haven't had the pleasure of eating at Ilili, I highly recommend you try. read more

ilili DC - Pomegranate Tuna poke. - Lebanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I am glad I got to finally try this place. I liked all the food that I ordered. The drinks were all really good too! I loved the hummus too. I would go back and try some more things! The service was okay. I didn't feel like our server was the friendliest, but all in all I loved the experience. read more

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

Went for Saturday's brunch with a friend - we noticed the brunch menu is very limited - you can pic 2 options from the starters, and 1 from the main menu (4 available) unfortunately we ordered something we believed to be amazing, by the server's description, and we told them we don't eat spicy food, well the food was very spicy. We sent it back, and asked for a spoon of yogurt to help calming down our palate. We were charged for the spicy food we sent back, and for the spoon of yogurt. Brunch was expensive for what it offered. The raw kibbeh was really good, other than that, food was mediocre. Not worth the hype. Parking garage nearby is very expansive. $10 per hr. On weekends read more

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I live in Morgantown WV and I visit Ilili on a monthly basis. The service, the food, the atmosphere all come together to make a remarkable experience. I have been here several times and had the pleasure of experiencing a different server each time and I receive the same top notch attention no matter who I have had. I can't wait to return! read more

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It's rare that I go somewhere and enjoy every dish I order (especially when it's this many), but every item here was outstanding. The flavors to everything and all the sauces were on point. Humus Brussel sprouts - crispy and perfectly complemented with grapes Smoked pumpkin - beautiful presentation and very tasty Octopus - if we didn't order so much, I would have ordered another Hamachi crudo Bone marrow - always love me some bone marrow Duck shawarma - loved how fig toum and pomegranate seeds go with the delicious meat Lamb shank - amazingly tender with a mouthwatering sauce. Loved the rice too! Mixed grill - Kafta and the chicken were my favorites on here; so many spices and so much taste. The trio of spreads were excellent Scallops - cooked perfectly Lamb stuffed grape leaves - surprisingly better than I was expecting Finished the meal with knafe, sorbet, and baklava. The knafe was wonderful but too rich to have more than a few bites. The raspberry sorbet was the best of the flavors but I enjoyed them all. Everyone else seemed to like the baklava the most. -The ambiance and decor here is magnificent -Outstanding service read more

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Illi DC at The Wharf was such a great experience for us. We ordered the lamb meatballs, the chicken, and the feta dip, and everything was incredibly fresh and full of flavor. You can tell the kitchen really cares about what they're putting out because every dish hit exactly how it should.The service was just as impressive. The wine connoisseur was polite, helpful, and never pushy, and the entire staff was so accommodating with my boys. My son ordered a Shirley Temple, and honestly, it might be the best one we've ever had. Everyone was attentive the whole night without feeling overbearing, which made the evening feel really smooth and enjoyable.We were there for my husband's birthday, and he absolutely loved it. The ambiance is great -- the decor gives you this subtle feeling like you've stepped out of DC for a bit. It's stylish, relaxed, and perfect for a night out.We'll definitely be back. Illi DC really delivered on food, service, and atmosphere. read more

We came in on a Monday evening and were seated within 10 minutes. They do offer reservations which I appreciate, but require a credit card to do so (which I don't appreciate). We started with the Too Hot to Handle and the Levant Manhattan. The THTH was overflowing with ice and was gone within minutes. Such an odd presentation and barely any drink for $19. Wasn't thrilled with that. On to the pros! This food is hands down some of the best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food I've had ever. We got an order of the hummus, Mekanek, Kebab Kevaz and the carrots. Everything was absolutely superb! The hummus could have used a little salt but other than that, delicious. Our waiter was friendly and very efficient. Would return here again and likely skip the alcohol. The food and ambiance is what makes this place unique! read more

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

I had tried Ilili in New York City, so I was excited to try the location in DC. However, I left feeling a little underwhelmed after a dinner here. I ordered the mixed kebab with the smoked beets. The smoked beets were a little too acidic and didn't feel fully balanced. The mixed kebab had chicken, kofta, lamb and beef. The chicken was extremely well cooked, but I felt underwhelmed by the kofta and the beef was slightly overcooked. I will say the servers were very attentive especially for a Friday night and the restaurant is beautiful and well decorated. read more

It's hard to put into words in describing how delicious the food was there. I'm writing this review a couple months after the fact, but we tried just about every vegetarian item on the menu and the flavors were perfection. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the decor was beautiful, and the staff was super friendly. We were seated right away at the peak of the dinner rush. I would 100% recommend and look forward to going back.. read more

Fantastic meal - our 2nd time - everything is as delicious - Kibbeh, duck shawarma, meat platter, carrots, beets, salad, shrimp. Ignacio B the sommelier is so smart and personable and suggested a beautiful white and red from Spain. read more

Have been wanting to come here for a while now and finally got to try before going to a concert at the Anthem. The inside is beautifully decorated and offers a nice view of the Wharf so you can people watch. My friend and I ordered the mouhamara, labne, fattoush, kebab kerez, and duck shawarma. Everything also comes w/ unlimited warm pita. The labne, fattoush, and duck were all great and I would order again. The mouhamara was a bit too chunky for my liking but still decent. The kebab however...My friend and I are by no means picky eaters but this was the first time we've ordered a dish at a restaurant and couldn't finish it. The pomegranate sauce was nice but the meat was extremely game-y. We both normally really like lamb but the taste was so off-putting that the sauce couldn't save it and we stopped eating it pretty quickly. The only way I can describe it is it tasted like cow manure smells. I don't know if this was an off-day and the meat isn't normally this bad of quality but I would never order that again and suggest you don't either. Wait staff was nice and frequently refilled our water. Not sure if this is intentional, I did notice they took a long time with the meat dishes and didn't bring them out until we were done with the dips and salad which we picked at for a while. Overall the meal was alright and a good spot for pre-show but I think there are better Lebanese restaurants in the city. read more

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I came for brunch on Sunday with my family to celebrate my birthday. We did the brunch special and I picked the fattoush, hummus, lamb burger and the orange blossom pudding. Everything was delicious and they gave me a complimentary ice cream for my birthday. We had a reservation which I recommend having or else it is a longer wait. I recommend this place for large groups and birthdays too! read more

ililil deserves every star! I found this spot on TikTok, which can be hit or miss, but it was a win. The decor is stunning; the green accents add a beautiful touch. We ordered a mix of hot and cold mezzo--two of each--and everything was delicious. I can't recall all the names, but we finished it all! Our waiter, an older gentleman, provided excellent service and even treated us to dessert on the house for our celebration. I can see this place being perfect for all occasions. A nice date dinner. A get together with friends. After work with coworkers. read more

Went for restaurant week and can't say enough positive things. The restaurant itself is gorgeous and perfect for a beautiful brunch but would also be great at dinner time. The service is attentive but not overbearing. Your needs are fully met and our water glasses stayed full. The food itself was phenomenal and perfect for sharing. Some foods were just meh to us (like the falafel and shakshuka) but the French toast and dips blew us away. We will 1000% be back to try more things from the menu read more

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Other than the headache of the Wharf, this is an amazing restaurant! The ambiance is beautiful and the team is very friendly. Food is very easy to share and it gives you the opportunity to try many items without getting full. Tapas style. Really worth a trip, not only amazing food but you will have a great time in the area. read more