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    ilili NoMad

    4.1 (2.9k reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 3:15 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    ILILI NOMAD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - ilili NoMad

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    Duck Shawarma - pretty decent
    Tansy W.

    3.5 rounded up to 4. I thought the duck shawarma, baba ganoush, and fried cheese pastry roll appetizers were pretty good. Though i didn't love the pita - I prefer them softer and chewier and these had a crisp edge to them but my husband liked them softer to each their own. My husband enjoyed the lamb and beef shawarma. The brussel sprouts everyone raves about were decent but nothing amazing - we found the sauce a bit too sweet and agree with reviews there was too much stuff in it. And the cauliflower was odd - just 2 or 3 small pieces sitting in tons of tahini with no pita. The sumac margarita wasn't bad. Overall, I found the food pretty average.

    Cecilia L.

    Overall 4/5 Food 3.75/5 Ambiance 5/5 Service 5/5 Value 2.5/5 Ilili, Lebanese sharing dishes in a fine dining lens I was really excited to try Ilili since my husband has been raving about it. There were definitely some hits, but also quite a few misses for us and overall, portions were very small. We ordered 10 dishes for 6 people and still left hungry, so I'd describe this as more of a Lebanese fine-dining experience rather than family-style. Here's what we tried: Rkaykat bil jibneh 4.5/5: The standout appetizer of the night. The cheese pastry roll was flaky, savory, and delicious Moussaka 3/5: My first time having Lebanese moussaka, I didn't realize it's served cold, and personally, it just wasn't to my taste preference Beef fried kibbeh 3/5: A bit dry for my taste and didn't quite hit the mark Baba ghannou 2.75/5: Not a fan of this hummus, the smoky flavor was too strong for me Mixed grill 4.5/5: The meats were tender and well-cooked, but again, portions were much smaller than expected Hearth-baked loup de mer 4.75/5: Loved this, almost boneless and beautifully cooked with great flavor even without the sauce Phoenician fries 5/5: Some of the best fries I've ever had! We loved them so much we ordered a second round Kebab kerez 3.25/5: The sauce was too sweet and overpowering for my liking Tuna tartare 3/5: Pretty underwhelming and not very flavorful. Overall: beautiful restaurant, creative menu, but expect small portions

    Lamb & Beef Shawarma (6.5/10)
    Meryam A.

    This is a treat spot for Friday night date night vibes! Definitely grab a Resy because it gets busy. We were checked in and seated right away, though the lounge is gorgeous and wouldn't have minded hanging there. The space is beautiful and the staff is super kind and helpful. Apps were the highlight, we got the labneh and baba ganoush were a solid 9/10, simple and really well done with INCREDIBLE pita. It's perfectly fluffy. Mains were more mixed, the mushroom grape leaves (7/10) were okay but the tomato sauce was a bit too acidic and bitter for me and the lamb shawarma wrap (6/10) wasn't my fave because of the charred flavor. It's my personal preferable and missed it for me. Overall, didn't love the food as much as I hoped but the atmosphere and service are great.

    Hummus , Kibbeh naye , pita
    Lisa L.

    Very Modern Middle Eastern Cusine . Quality ingredients and fresh clean food . Servers are well trained on dishes and great service.

    Michelle B.

    Very nice atmosphere! The food was great too. Enjoyed the lamb chops an kibbeh beef tartar the most!!

    Winnie L.

    Had lunch at ilili and we were a party of three. I have dined at ilili in the past for dinner so knew it would be a great option for Lebanese/Mediterranean but this is my first lunch experience. Off the bat, I liked the brighter and inviting lighting. My colleagues thought the space was beautiful too. Our server was warm and gave us several good recommendations. We had a pescatarian and a health conscious diner in my group. I must say, the menu at ilili definitely fit our needs. There were plenty of seafood options as mains and the appetizers were great bites to start our meal with. The grape leaves, mouhamara, and beef fried kibbeh were outstanding. A solid and charming business lunch option for this area.

    Fattoush
    Deena S.

    Ilili was very busy for a Sunday night, which was a good sign -- the energy and ambiance were lively and inviting. We ordered the mouhamara, fattoush, kabis pickles, lamb shawarma, and chicken taouk duo. Everything was beautifully presented and full of flavor. The lamb shawarma was incredibly tender and melted in our mouths, and the chicken tawouk was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. That said, we did have to ask for olive oil and salt for the mouhamara and fattoush, and it took over 10 minutes for them to arrive. Our server, Regina, mentioned that the restaurant was actually overstaffed that evening because it was a bit slower than usual, which made the delay and lack of attentiveness a little surprising. After taking our order, she only came by twice -- once to ask if we wanted anything else, and another time to fold my napkin when I went to the restroom. While she was friendly and offered great recommendations, we were never asked how our food was or if everything was okay, which left the service feeling somewhat disconnected. Overall, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was great, but the service could definitely use more attentiveness and consistency -- especially at a place with Ilili's reputation and price point. Would definitely try again, though!

    Hummus
    Karson O.

    Overall: I went here for dinner with my girlfriend on a friday night. Reservations can be a little tough to get, so we almost got stuck outside but luckily were able to move to the bar. The place feels upscale and the food and drinks were definitely higher quality. Food was all good but not perfect. I'd definitely go back, but it isn't on my must-try list. Food: 4 Drink: 4 Service: 3 Value: 3 Atmosphere: 4 Food: The pita was some of the best I've ever had - definitely a must to order one of the dips. We also got the grilled octopus - it was a little cold and tough, but the flavor was good. We also order the the Chicken Taouk Duo dish. Flavor was good, but it was a little bit dry and tough. Finally, we had the duck shawarma. Flavor was great, but the construction of the dish didn't distribute the ingredients so each bit was just a bunch of one thing. Overall tasty food, but had a few things left to be desired. Drinks: I got the Beirut to Manhattan, which I found pretty mediocre. The flavors were all very muted. My fiancé got the Aleppo and Smoke, which she said was great. We land somewhere in the middle of the two. Service: Service was fine but not spectacular. The bartender was understandably busy so was a little bit slow to take our orders. But other that that things were fine. Value: Things were slightly pricy, with drinks costing $20-25, apps costing $15-25, and most entrees going in at $35+. Atmosphere: We started with a seat outside - this was terrible, right on 5th Ave. Definitely sit inside. We were lucky and were able to move to the bar, which was much nicer. Everything was upscale and it was fun to watch the bartender work.

    Betsy S.

    I can't believe ilili (which means "Tell Me") has been a NoMad staple for 18 years and I'm just now discovering it! Located right on 5th and 26th, this spot is an absolute stunner. The atmosphere is beautiful--sophisticated yet warm--making it perfect for a date or a special night out. If you're visiting in December like I did, make a reservation. It is a very busy time of year, and the place was buzzing! Their philosophy is all about sharing, so we ordered a spread to split. Here is the breakdown: I paired my meal with a Sauvignon Blanc, which was crisp and cut through the richness of the dishes perfectly. We had some great dishes- Labne: A must-order. The strained yogurt with olive oil, fresh mint, and za'atar was incredibly fresh and delicious. Mouhamara: Made with walnuts, sun-dried peppers, and pomegranate molasses. To be honest, this wasn't my personal favorite of the night, but it was still an interesting flavor profile. Brussels Sprouts: These were very good! The combination of grapes, fig jam, walnuts, and mint yogurt is genius. Kebab en Kerez: The star of the show. Lamb and beef meatballs with cherry sauce, kataifi, and micro chives. That cherry sauce really did it for me--very, very delicious.Lamb Shank: Served with Lebanese dirty rice and roasted seasonal vegetables. The "old world jus" and mixed nuts added a great texture. The service was top-notch--attentive without being overbearing. I highly recommend checking this place out if you haven't yet. I'll definitely be back! I loved meeting up with friends I hadn't seen for a long time!

    Family style to try a bit of everything.
    Vanessa B.

    The food was good, the restaurant is a little louder than the ambience would indicate they'd like. The staff was kind, but often made mistakes - they took plates before people were finished, charged us for the wrong bill and overall it was a bit expensive for what it was. I had a nice time with friends and the food was good, but I won't be rushing to return.

    Regina Z.

    Came here with a group of 5 people during the evening. I recommend reserving a table because when we arrived to the restaurant, it was packed. We still had to wait at the lounge area for our table, but the lounge is very nice. The vibe is great, the lights were dim, and place was clean. My friends and I were very impressed with the food we ordered. Although it is a bit on the pricey side, the food were delicious! We ordered 2 dips, fries, and mixed grilled. The dips and fries were amazing! The mixed grill was very flavorful and the meats were cooked nicely. I usually don't eat lamb but the lamb here was very good and tender. The servers were very attentive and kept refilling our water glass. I plan to come to this restaurant again.

    Chicken Taouk Mezze Box
    Asher J.

    One of my staple haunts in nyc for years now. But did the lunch today and had the single skewer chicken Taouk. It was sooooo beautifully presented, and what a filing nutritious meal it proved to be. Came with pita, and their perfectly delectable hummus. Love love love their garlic cream. Normally I'd have their passion fruit infused martini but since I get pickled on one cocktail I decided to shy away from it. Otherwise highly recommend their martini. Quick service and great ambiance. I prefer the table side of the restaurant to the bar side personally - albeit I have been seated everywhere in this spot and still never found the food quality or promptness of service to waiver. Def recommend!

    Shawarma and Mixed Grill
    Christopher C.

    Absolute hit-- did to-go and got an unbelievable amount of extra pita for $2 (worth it in my mind) the shawarma was great and the mixed grill was hearty and filling-- always get more dip! Cheers!

    The American Lebanese Burger

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    ilili NoMad Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - ilili NoMad

    Is this restaurant halal?

    While the whole menu is not halal, we do offer multiple items on our menu for both mezze and entree that are halal. We recommend making a reservation in advance and noting that you dine halal. If unable to secure a reservation in advance, do let… Read more

    Is the restaurant loud.? Couple older people in our group

    I'm 77..... it was ok for me.

    Are there halal options?

    yea

    Do you take walk ins or is it reservation only?

    They take walk-ins but be prepared to wait. Which honestly is an amazing time in its own. Their waiting area is so fabulously decorated and you can grab drinks in that space. It's a very tastefully created space.

    Can I order items on the dinner menu if I go there for lunch on the weekends?

    Can i wear a hat or sneakers in the restaurant? :) thankssss

    Does this restaurant have outdoor dining in the winter? Does this include space heaters, etc.?

    Yes. It was not covered when I was there but they had heaters I believe!

    Does this place serve halal meat?

    Hello Naeela, Thanks for reaching out to ilili. We do not serve halal meat at the restaurant,… Read more

    Is the dress code for this restaurant?

    It's casual, but look good. I wouldn't wear ratty shoes or clothes.

    Does this place have belly dancers?

    No 😢

    Do they have high chairs for kids?

    Yes they do

    Is this restaurant halal?

    No, its not halal, but they don't serve pork

    View All 15 Questions

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    Salma - Kafta Kabab Sandwich, French fries

    Salma

    4.5(247 reviews)
    1.0 miEast Village
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    Salma in NYC was somewhere I was excited to try, and I'm so happy to write about how much I enjoyed…read moreit. The decor makes it feel like you're dining in someone's home, which immediately sets a cozy, welcoming tone. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and attentive, adding to the overall experience. The vibe was very jovial when we went, with nearly every table enjoying wine [but it's important to note that Salma is BYOB, so don't expect to see alcohol on the menu]. We started with the muhammara, which was absolutely incredible. The pita wasn't anything special, but it didn't matter at all; it was simply a vehicle to get more muhammara into my mouth, which I was more than happy with. For mains, we ordered the filet mignon sandwich, the kafta kabob sandwich, and a side of seasoned fries, and everything was delicious. Overall, a wonderful, chill dining experience with great food and an inviting atmosphere. Absolutely recommend if you're in the area, and if you're not, I recommend anyway!

    Went for a cute solo lunch and grabbed the Kafta Kebab. It was fine, nothing crazy. Left about a…read more20% tip, but later noticed they rounded my credit card charge up to the next dollar amount after the tip (which added almost a full dollar). It's not about the money, it's the principle--I signed off on one total, but they decided to charge a higher one. left a bad taste in my mouth, not sure I'd go back.

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    Salma - Interior dining room

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    Exterior

    Hen House NYC - Childhood Crispy Rice (~$18): with shish taouk

    Hen House NYC

    4.6(105 reviews)
    1.2 miEast Village

    My friends and I arrived fairly early on Friday to dine in for brunch/lunch. We were greeted warmly…read moreby the cashier who told us to sit. The seating area is fairly small, which surprised me. We ordered the crispy garlic rice, the Piri Piri chicken sandwich, and the famous knefeh and chicken pancake. The server was so nice, she offered us a sample of the seasonal lemonade, which had rose water and turmeric. It did take a little bit of time for all the food to come out. We chit-chatted while we shared the garlic rice (a little crunchy, very mild) and the chicken sandwich. The PiriPiri sandwich came with a huge piece of fried chicken that was spiced and fried well. The chicken was juicy and not super dry. The little bit of pickled cabbage helped keep things from becoming too greasy. After a bit of wait, the pancake was served. It was such a fun experience with the crunchy kadayif noodles and the cheese hidden underneath a super fluffy pancake. The salty and cheesy flavors of the pancake went well with the rose maple syrup. The spice from the chicken added another note to the dish that made it such a great combo of flavor. I could not stop picking at this huge pancake. It's definitely meant to be eaten by at least two, if not three. If we had known, we probably wouldn't have ordered the other chicken sandwich. Overall the contrast in the chicken and knafeh pancake alone was enough to want me to visit again. The textural crunch, the melted pull of the cheese, the sweet syrup against salty and spicy flavors of the chicken. Not only was the whole presentation beautiful, but the dish itself tasted amazing. I would visit Hen House again for the experience.

    All I had heard about Hen House was their cozy, innovative dishes and was excited to go. They're…read moreknown for their falafel and other creative flavors and I went with the staple shawarma plate. It was served with lackluster presentation, standard ingredients, and lack of creative flair I was expecting and heard about. I wouldn't count Hen House out, but believe this was a one-off, standard, experience.

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    Hen House NYC - Inside

    Inside

    Hen House NYC - Lamb Shawarma Platter with Batata Harra

    Lamb Shawarma Platter with Batata Harra

    Hen House NYC - The catering that gets done by Hen house is some of the best in the city. Custom menus, bbq kits and more.

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    The catering that gets done by Hen house is some of the best in the city. Custom menus, bbq kits and more.

    Fattoush

    Fattoush

    4.2(17 reviews)
    1.0 miEast Village

    Fattoush is one of those rare restaurants where you can truly taste the care, love, and integrity…read morein every dish. Every ingredient feels intentional and high quality. The fig hummus is something special. Smooth, perfectly balanced with tahini, and unlike anything I've had before. My brother called it the best hummus he's ever had, and honestly I licked the plate clean! The falafel plate deserves its own moment. Warm, crispy on the outside, perfectly moist on the inside, and just the right amount of richness. Paired with the sauce, fresh salad, and rice, it was easily one of the most memorable meals I've had this year. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and thoughtfully put together. Truly some of the best falafel I've ever had. What really took the experience to another level was the service. After we paid, our waitress noticed I had blisters from breaking in new shoes and brought me two bandaids without me even asking. That kind of attention to detail is rare, if I could give 6 stars I would! They are also incredibly accommodating with dietary needs. When the waitress heard my brother was gluten free, she immediately brought out a new plate with double salad instead of rice. Fattoush goes above and beyond in every way. An unforgettable meal and experience. I cannot recommend it enough. I will absolutely be back to try more. Also a beautiful & quiet place to sit with friends or family. We made some very special memories here and laughed into the night.

    Note- Same listing as https://www.yelp.com/biz/fattoush-by-salma-new-york (asked for a merge)…read more Recommended- Muhammara, moutabal, warak eneb, msakaa Good- Fattoush, kebbeh, falafel Decent- hummus, tabbouleh, shawarma Bad- The rest of the grilled meats I was at this Lebanese restaurant with a large group a while back, having previously been to their alright original location, Salma, which is around the corner. The space inside this one is a bit nicer, with there also being more room, but the lighting is much darker, so the photos came out pretty poorly. The seating arrangement was a bit cramped, but we made do. As with their other location, the mezze are much better than the grilled platters, with the meats being overcooked and dry, so I would stick with their hot or cold appetizers. On an unrelated note, I do find it a bit odd/humorous that the menu goes back and forth between the Arabic and French spelling for their namesake salad, being either fattoush or fattouch. We started with the Mixed Appetizer Plate, a selection of hummus, kebbeh, fattouch, warak enab, falafel, and msakaa for $38.50. The warak eneb, or grape leaves, were particularly tasty, with the msakaa, or moussaka, being good as well. The namesake fattoush was good from all the pita, though maybe a bit too overdressed for my liking, as it was a tad sour. The kebbeh/kibbeh were decent, and the hummus was OK. It was a perfectly good mixed plate and plenty large for the price, with this especially being the case in the East Village. Along with the mixed appetizer plate, we got a few other mezze, which were either of better quality or similar to the warak/msakaa. Best was their take on Muhammara for $16, a dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, garlic, pomegranate molasses, and lemon. It was nice and thick and well-spiced with a good amount of red pepper and just enough sweet and sour flavor from the molasses. I would recommend it heavily. Also very tasty and cheaper was the $10.50 Moutabal, or fresh eggplant grilled over charcoal, lightly mashed with tahini and freshly squeezed lemon juice, and topped with EVOO. This was delicious, with it being thick and smoky. Alright, the Tabbouleh, a mix of parsley, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil, was for $14.50. It was fine, though a bit lightly flavored even compared to other spots. If you are going to get a salad, stick with their namesake fattoush. We otherwise got the Family Mixed Grill, consisting of two shish tawouk, two lamb kabobs, two kofta, two lamb chops, shawarma, fattoush, and rice for $139.50. As mentioned, and similar to the one around the corner, the meat was overcooked and dry and lacking spice. The lamb kabobs were chewy, the shish tawouk was dry, and the kofta was both burnt on the outside and dry in the middle. The lamb chops were overcooked as well, but probably had the best flavor. The only saving grace was the shawarma, which was slightly dry but at least had some decent enough flavor, making it by far the best by being just average. This was terrible overall and not remotely worth it. It's hard to rate this spot. I certainly preferred it over my previous meal around the corner, but the meats are still pretty terrible. The fact that they charge $140 for that is a joke, even with the portion size. Stick with their mezze/appetizers to have a good time, and if you have to get meat, the shawarma is decent. I prefer the nearby Zesty, but this is still decent. Upper 2/Low 3.

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    Fattoush
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    ilili NoMad - mediterranean - Updated June 2026

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