ilili NoMad: A Modern Lebanese Feast in the Heart of NYC

ilili NoMad Introduce

Located in the vibrant NoMad district, ilili NoMad is a culinary gem that redefines Lebanese and Mediterranean dining. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a sophisticated and immersive experience that transports you to the heart of the Levant. Since its opening, ilili has captivated New Yorkers with its stunning, high-ceilinged dining room, creating an atmosphere that is at once trendy, upscale, and incredibly welcoming. The name "ilili" means "tell me" in Lebanese, and the restaurant encourages a communal dining style, where guests share stories and plates of exquisite food. It is a place where every detail, from the decor to the carefully crafted cocktails, contributes to an unforgettable evening.

ilili’s menu is a celebration of Lebanese cuisine, expertly blending traditional recipes with a modern New York sensibility. The concept of mezze, or small plates, is central to the dining experience, offering a delightful way to sample a variety of flavors. The Cold Mezza selection includes classic dishes like Hummus and Baba Ghannouj, while the Hot Mezza features crowd favorites such as the renowned Brussels Sprouts with grapes, fig jam, and mint yogurt. The menu also boasts a range of Main Plates, including succulent Lamb Chops and the highly praised Mixed Grill, which is a perfect option for sharing. Customers consistently praise the "beautiful presentation and amazing flavors," highlighting the freshness and authenticity of the dishes. The kitchen prides itself on its attention to detail, with many dishes using traditional spices and techniques to create a true depth of flavor.

The restaurant's bar is a destination in its own right, celebrated for its great cocktails and an extensive, well-curated wine list that features Lebanese vintages. This makes ilili a perfect spot for happy hour or a pre-dinner drink. Beyond the food and drinks, the atmosphere is a major draw. The space is both romantic and great for groups, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, from a romantic date night to a festive family gathering. The availability of outdoor seating also adds a seasonal charm to the experience.

ilili NoMad is situated at 236 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA, placing it in one of Manhattan's most fashionable and accessible neighborhoods. The NoMad district, a portmanteau for "North of Madison Square Park," is known for its blend of historic architecture, modern luxury hotels, and a dynamic dining scene. This central location makes ilili easily reachable from many parts of the city.

Accessibility is a key priority at ilili. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their visit without any hassle. While parking in this part of Manhattan can be a challenge, ilili provides options for paid parking lots and paid street parking, offering some convenience for those who choose to drive. For everyone else, its proximity to multiple subway lines makes it a breeze to get to. The location is also perfect for tourists exploring the Flatiron and Gramercy areas, providing a sophisticated dining option in a prime spot.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Experience the full, immersive atmosphere of ilili's dining room. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for brunch, lunch, and dinner, as the restaurant is known to have a wait.
Takeout & Delivery: Enjoy ilili's delicious cuisine from the comfort of your home with convenient takeout and no-contact delivery options. Curbside pickup is also available.
Catering: As a "Catering food and drink supplier," ilili provides catering services, bringing its renowned dishes and hospitality to your special events and gatherings.
Table Service: The staff provides full table service, ensuring a seamless and attentive dining experience.

Features / Highlights

Upscale & Romantic Atmosphere: The decor and ambiance are a major highlight, making it a perfect destination for special occasions and dates.
Exceptional Drinks: ilili is not just a restaurant but also a great cocktail bar and wine bar, offering a superb selection of libations.
Halal Food: For guests who require Halal options, ilili is a trusted choice, with a wide variety of Halal dishes on the menu.
Inclusive & Friendly: The establishment is a gender-neutral restroom-friendly space, as well as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace.
Great for Groups: With its large, welcoming space, ilili is an ideal spot for group gatherings and family-friendly meals, offering high chairs for children.
Reservations Required: While this can be a deterrent for some, it ensures a well-managed and timely seating process, minimizing wait times for those who plan ahead.
Healthy & Vegan Options: The menu offers a wide variety of healthy options, including many vegan and vegetarian dishes, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Outdoor Seating: For a pleasant dining experience during warmer months, the outdoor seating area is a great feature.
Fast Service: Despite its upscale feel and busy nature, many reviews praise the quick and efficient service.

Contact Information

Address: 236 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

Phone: (212) 683-2929

What is worth choosing

ilili NoMad stands out as a top-tier choice for Lebanese cuisine in New York City, and what makes it truly worth choosing is the combination of its authentic, flavorful food and its exceptional, upscale atmosphere. The reviews highlight the food's "amazing flavors" and "beautiful presentation," which is a testament to the kitchen's dedication to quality. The tabbouleh is a particular standout, with one reviewer calling it "the only place with a perfect tabbouleh," which speaks volumes about the attention to detail. Another diner praised the "grilled octopus and mixed grill" as "absolute must tries," pointing to the quality of their signature dishes.

The fact that the restaurant is a destination for more than just food adds to its appeal. Its "romantic" and "trendy" atmosphere, combined with a great selection of cocktails and wine, makes it perfect for a wide range of occasions. The team behind ilili has successfully cultivated a space that feels special without being stuffy. The staff's friendly and helpful nature, as mentioned in a review, also contributes significantly to the positive dining experience. The inclusive nature of the restaurant, from its Halal offerings to its welcoming environment for various communities, makes it a comfortable and trusted choice for a diverse New York crowd. In a city filled with countless dining options, ilili NoMad distinguishes itself by offering a complete, high-quality experience that combines a rich culinary heritage with modern elegance and hospitality.

ilili NoMad Menu

Cold Mezza
Olives Lebanese Mixed $7.00
green and black olives marinated a la maison
Moussaka $15.00
eggplant / tomato / garlic / onion / olive oil
Labne $14.00
strained yogurt / olive oil / fresh mint / zaatar
Warak Enab Bil Zeit $14.00
grape leaves / rice / tomato oil / parsley oil
Chankleesh $16.00
feta cheese / onions / tomato / zaatar
Kabis Pickles $7.00
Homemade pickled turnip, cauliflower, persian cucumber, and radish.
Baba Ghannouj $15.00
eggplant / tahini / olive oil
Tabbouleh $18.00
parsley / mint / tomatoes / burghul / lemon vinaigrette
Kibbeh Naye ToGo $24.00
steak tartare / burghul / onion / mint / crudités of onions / jalapeno / mint Consuming Raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, seafood, poultry, or eggs, might increase your risk of foodborne illness
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Hummus $15.00
chickpea purée / tahini / lemon / olive oil
Mouhamara $14.00
walnuts / sundried peppers / pomegranate molasses

Add On Items
Extra Pita For Delivery $2.50
Garlic Whip Sumac $3.00
Garlic Whip Trio $6.00
Kabis Pickles Home Made ToGo $9.00
cucumber / shishito / cauliflower / seasonal vegetables
Garlic Whip Fig $3.00
Harissa $2.50
Garlic Whip Plain $3.00
Yogurt Mint Side $3.00
Tahini Side $4.00
$ Crudite $ $7.00
Garlic Whip Aleppo $3.00
Olives Lebanese Mixed $7.00
green and black olives marinated a la maison
Jalapeno Raw $3.00
Yogurt Cucumber Bowl $5.00
$ Lettuce Cups $ $4.00

Ilili Signature Feast For Two
Roasted Chicken Feast $120.00
Whole Roasted Chicken served with: Hummus, Fattoush, Brussels Sprouts, Baklava, Pita Bread, and two ilili Green Lemonades. Generously Serves two. No substitutions
Loup De Mer Feast $130.00
Our Signature Whole Branzino served with Hummus, Fattoush, Brussels Sprouts, Baklava, Pita Bread, and two ilili Green Lemonades. Generously Serves two. No substitutions
Mixed Grill Feast $135.00
Our famous Mixed Grill served with Hummus, Fattoush, Brussels Sprouts, Baklava, Pita Bread, and two ilili Green Lemonades. Generously Serves two. No substitutions. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, seafood, poultry, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Lamb Shank Feast $120.00
1 Lamb Shank with Lebanese Dirty Rice served with: Hummus, Fattoush, Brussels Sprouts, Baklava, Pita Brea, and two ilili Green Lemonades. Generously Serves two. No substitutions
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife

Lunch Sides
Riz $11.00
lebanese rice / toasted vermicelli / mixed nuts
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Hindbeh / Dandelion $14.00
dandelion greens / pine nuts / caramelized onions
Shoestring Phoenician Fries $14.00
house cut / sumac / aleppo toum

Main Plates
Lamb Chops $52.00
seared w/ zaatar salsa verde / herb roasted tomatoes Consuming raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, seafood, poultry, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Beef Kebab Mezze Box $30.00
Grilled tender loin kebab served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, grilled shishito peppers, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pita bread.
Chicken Taouk $27.00
chicken breast / sumac
Mixed Grill $82.00
chicken shish taouk / beef kebab / kafta / lamb chops /seasonal grilled vegetables / garlic whip trio Consuming raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, seafood, poultry, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Mushroom Grape Leaves $32.00
Mushroom Stuffed Grape Leaves / Tomato Yakne / Pickled Shishito Peppers
Salmon À La Plancha Mezze Box $30.00
Grilled salmon filet served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, grilled shishito peppers, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pita bread.
Kafta Mezze Box $22.00
Grilled kafta skewers (spiced ground beef & lamb ) served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, grilled shishito peppers, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pita bread.
Ilili Tasting $27.00
A selection of ilili's best dips, one entree, Lebanese Rice - Add Baklava for an extra $2.
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Cauliflower Steak Mezze Box $20.00
Grilled spiced cauliflower steak served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, chick pea salad, and pita bread.
Chicken Taouk Mezze Box $24.00
Grilled chicken taouk served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, grilled shishito peppers, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pita bread.

Cold Mezza
Olives Lebanese Mixed $7.00
green and black olives marinated a la maison
Kabis Pickles $7.00
Homemade pickled turnip, cauliflower, persian cucumber, and radish.
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Warak Enab Bil Zeit $14.00
grape leaves / rice / tomato oil / parsley oil
Moussaka $15.00
eggplant / tomato / garlic / onion / olive oil
Kibbeh Naye ToGo $24.00
steak tartare / burghul / onion / mint / crudités of onions / jalapeno / mint Consuming Raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, seafood, poultry, or eggs, might increase your risk of foodborne illness
Tabbouleh $18.00
parsley / mint / tomatoes / burghul / lemon vinaigrette
Fattoush $18.00
lebanese garden salad / toasted pita / sumac lemon vinaigrette
Chankleesh $16.00
feta cheese / onions / tomato / zaatar
Mouhamara $14.00
walnuts / sundried peppers / pomegranate molasses
Heirloom Tomato Salad $22.00
Heirloom Tomatoes, Watermelon Feta, Micro Mint, Shallots, Dry Black Olives, Cucumbers, Evoo
Hummus $15.00
chickpea purée / tahini / lemon / olive oil
Labne $14.00
strained yogurt / olive oil / fresh mint / zaatar
Baba Ghannouj $15.00
eggplant / tahini / olive oil

Dessert
Knafe Bil Jibneh (Serves Two) $21.00
inverted sweet cheese tart / sesame pita pillows / orange blossom syrup
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Ilili Candy Bar $15.00
caramel fondant / sesame crunch / chocolate ice cream (no ice cream for delivery or take out)
Basque Cheesecake $14.00
Mixed Baklava $12.00
home made the traditional way: pistachio / cashew

Drinks Delivery
Sprite $3.75
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Still Water $5.00
Still Water with Electrolytes 16 Oz Bottle
Sparkling Water $5.00
Sparkling Water with Electrolytes 16 oz Bottle
Half Tea And Lemon Sparkling Water $3.75
Green Lemonade $8.00
cucumber / ginger / mint / 16 oz bottle
Pink Lemonade Sparkling Water $3.75
Strawberry Sparking Water $3.75
Mango Passion Fruit Punch $8.00
mango / passion fruit / 16 oz bottle
Pineapple Sparkling Water $3.75
CocaCola $3.75
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that america loves.
Mango Orange Sparkling Water $3.75
Ginger Ale $3.75

Add On Items
Tahini Side $4.00
Harissa $2.50
Yogurt Mint Side $3.00
Yogurt Cucumber Bowl $5.00
Garlic Whip Plain $3.00
Extra Pita For Delivery $2.50
Garlic Whip Trio $6.00
Garlic Whip Aleppo $3.00
Olives Lebanese Mixed $7.00
green and black olives marinated a la maison
Kabis Pickles $7.00
Garlic Whip Fig $3.00
$ Crudite $ $7.00
Garlic Whip Sumac $3.00
Jalapeno Raw $3.00

Salads
Fattoush $18.00
lebanese garden salad / toasted pita / sumac lemon vinaigrette
Lebanese Caesar $18.00
romaine salad / lemon / garlic / pistachio / toasted pita
Heirloom Tomato Salad $22.00
Heirloom Tomatoes, Watermelon Feta, Micro Mint, Shallots, Dry Black Olives, Cucumbers, Evoo
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife

Ilili Tasting
Ilili Tasting $27.00
A selection of ilili's best dips, one entree, Lebanese Rice - Add Baklava for an extra $2.

Signature Dishes
Lamb Shank $78.00
lebanese dirty rice / roasted seasonal vegetable / old world jus / mixed nuts
Whole Organic Chicken $70.00
seasonal grilled vegetables / house pickled kabis / sumac garlic whip
Mixed Grill $82.00
chicken shish taouk / beef kebab / kafta / lamb chops /seasonal grilled vegetables / garlic whip trio Consuming raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, seafood, poultry, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Hearth Baked Loup De Mer $85.00
seasonal grilled vegetables / tarator sauce

Main Plates
Kafta $26.00
spiced ground beef & lamb / sumac garlic whip / seasonal grilled vegetables
Lamb Chops $52.00
seared w/ zaatar salsa verde / herb roasted tomatoes Consuming raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, seafood, poultry, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Beef Kebab $36.00
grilled beef tenderloin / toum / seasonal grilled vegetables Consuming raw or undercooked meats, shellfish, seafood, poultry, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Halibut $42.00
Halibut, corn, beets, heavy cream, turmeric, salt, artichokes, rainbow beets, garlic, lemon juice, evoo, dry mint
Warak Enab Stuffed Grape Leaves $34.00
lamb confit / rice / mint yogurt
Chicken Taouk $27.00
chicken breast / sumac
Ilili Tasting $36.00
A selection of ilili's best dips, one entree, Lebanese Rice - Add Baklava for an extra $2.
Mushroom Grape Leaves $32.00
Mushroom Stuffed Grape Leaves / Tomato Yakne / Pickled Shishito Peppers

Sandwiches
Roast Beef Sandwich $25.00
Kashkaval, Sauerkraut, Grain Mustard and Smoked paprika on Sourdough
Falafel Burger $20.00
tomato / cucumber / parsley / mint / tahini / pickled beets
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
The American Lebanese Burger $25.00
lamb patty / Lebanese pickled cucumber / sauce cocktail / American cheese / veal bacon
Lamb & Beef Shawarma $24.00
roasted lamb & beef / oven baked tomatoes / sumac parsley onion / tahini sauce
Shish Taouk Sandwich $24.00
grilled chicken kebab / toum / kabiss
Duck Shawarma $24.00
caramelized duck & chicken / fig toum / lettuce / scallions / pomegranate seeds
Coral Beach Hotel Club $23.00
Grilled Chicken Breast, Crispy Basterma, Fried Egg on Brioche

Hot Mezza
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Fried Kibbeh $17.00
spiced beef / onion / pine nuts / yogurt
Kebab Kerez $19.00
lamb & beef meatballs / cherry sauce / kataifi / micro chives
Hindbeh / Dandelion $14.00
dandelion greens / pine nuts / caramelized onions
Falafel $14.00
fried chickpea & fava bean croquettes
Brussels Sprouts $18.00
grapes / fig jam / walnuts / mint yogurt
Riz $11.00
lebanese rice / toasted vermicelli / mixed nuts
Rkaykat Bil Jibneh $15.00
cheese rolls / kashkaval / feta / fresh mint

Hot Mezza
Warm Eggplant $16.00
tomato / micro citrus / tamarind molasses
Beiruti Taco $20.00
kafta / pita / harissa / tomato / mayo / romaine
Beef Shawarma $22.00
Beef & Lamb Shawarmas with tomato, sumac, onion, and tahini
Brussels Sprouts $18.00
grapes / fig jam / walnuts / mint yogurt
Arnabeet Mekle $16.00
cauliflower / tahini labne / chili / mint
King Prawns $26.00
Prawns, harissa butter, lemon juice, garlic, tomato, shallots, chili pepper, parsley, pomegranate molasses, aleppo, Lebanese spice
Kibbeh Bi Laban (In Yogurt) $24.00
yogurt / kouzbara / mint
Duck Shawarma $22.00
Duck magret & chicken Shawarmas with fig jam, green onion, and garlic whip
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Atayef & Veal Bacon $21.00
fig jam / pickles / hot peppers
Kebab Kerez $19.00
lamb & beef meatballs / cherry sauce / kataifi / micro chives
Fried Kibbeh $17.00
spiced beef / onion / pine nuts / yogurt
Riz $11.00
lebanese rice / toasted vermicelli / mixed nuts
Phoenician Fries $14.00
house cut / sumac / aleppo toum
Mekanek $18.00
sautéed lamb sausage / lemon / pine nuts
Hindbeh / Dandelion $14.00
dandelion greens / pine nuts / caramelized onions
Rkaykat Bil Jibneh $15.00
cheese rolls / kashkaval / feta / fresh mint
Falafel $14.00
fried chickpea & fava bean croquettes

ilili NoMad Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Halal food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

ilili NoMad Photos

ilili NoMad Location

ilili NoMad

New York New York County New York 5th Avenue

236 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

ilili NoMad Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 4023 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

One of the best Lebanese restaurants I’ve had! Beautiful presentation and amazing flavors. I’ve tried many Lebanese spots across the US, but this is the only place with a perfect tabbouleh! Fresh, balanced, and authentic. The grape leaves were delicious too, but strangely both dishes weren’t listed on the menu (thankfully we asked the waiter, who was super friendly and helpful). Great vibes, great food, highly recommend!
August 21 · Tarek Matar
Already looking forward to my next visit! The Lebanese cuisine was bursting with flavor and beautifully prepared. The grilled octopus and mixed grill are absolute must tries. You can really taste the depth of spices in the beef shish and chicken kebab everything was incredibly fresh. The drinks were crisp and refreshing, rounding out a fantastic meal. Highly recommended!
August 24 · Sumi I
Came here for Restaurant Week and it’s a perfect choice! $60 dinner with pretty generous portions! The ambiance is gorgeous and mysterious, look at that stunning wall draping from floor to ceiling! Service was good, our server would check in just often enough so we could also thoroughly enjoy the meal and friendly company. The food was so delicious, and the chilled Lebanese wine was very refreshing and really hit the spot on such a humid and musty day. The sommelier who came to our table to describe the flavors/notes was very engaging, helpful, and personable.
July 31 · Faina Gordover
Great looking, lively space with a great bar and plenty of room in the dining rooms, but it gets crowded. Nice wine list, both by the glass at the bar as well as bottles in the dining room with a knowledgeable Somm. Lebanese wines are featured as well as a nice selection of French wines. Large menu and everything our group had was excellent. Tuna tartare and the lamb chops really stood out for me. Nice dessert selection. Happening place right now and it seems for good reason.
July 17 · Rick Vattimo
5 Stars — An Unforgettable Dinner at ilili!Had an absolutely amazing dinner with my family at ilili in Manhattan! From start to finish, everything was a 10 out of 10 — the food, the service, the atmosphere — truly flawless.A special shoutout to our incredible server Chris, and to Ali, who kindly (and hilariously) saved me from confidently walking straight into the employee back room — I was so sure that door led to the bathroom. Thank you both for making the night even more memorable!We ordered a delicious spread: the kibbeh, hummus, baba ghanouj, fresh warm bread, cheese rakakat, and the mixed grill plate — everything was bursting with flavor. Don’t skip the kibbeh nayyeh or the array of toum options — they’re next level.Highly recommend ilili for anyone looking for a top-tier dining experience with unforgettable Lebanese flavors and warm, attentive service. Will definitely be back!
April 19 · Sammy Jallad