When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
ilili NoMad
Why ilili NoMad is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
ilili NoMad is a celebrated Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant located in the vibrant Flatiron District of New York City, offering an inviting atmosphere ideal for meeting up with friends. Known for its rich and modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, ilili provides a memorable dining experience with a diverse menu featuring delicious mezze, main dishes, and a Lebanese Journey tasting menu served nightly. The restaurant's chic yet comfortable ambience makes it a perfect spot to gather and share stories over flavorful dishes crafted with passion and cultural heritage. Additionally, ilili offers relaxing bar and lounge areas where guests can enjoy seasonal or signature cocktails and Lebanese wines, enhancing the social experience. With attentive service, halal-certified dishes, and flexible dining hours including lunch, brunch, and dinner, ilili NoMad stands out as a great place for both casual and special occasions in New York City.
Here's what people think of ilili NoMad
As of recent, ilili NoMad holds a 4.5-star rating based on 4022 reviews.
Reviews of ilili NoMad generally praise its authentic Middle Eastern flavors presented with contemporary creativity, with many guests highlighting the exceptional taste and variety of dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, and black iron shrimp. Positive reviews frequently commend the friendly and attentive service, the excellence of each course served during visits, and the comfortable, welcoming environment that complements the culinary offerings. The restaurant's halal certification is also noted positively among patrons who seek such options. Conversely, some negative feedback focuses on minor aspects such as the comfort of the furniture, with a few guests finding the chairs and tables less sturdy or lounge-like than preferred, and some reservations about the digital payment process. Despite these small critiques, the overall impression remains highly favorable, with many guests expressing intent to return. The consensus is that ilili NoMad delivers a fantastic dining experience that beautifully balances tradition with innovation, making it a beloved destination for lovers of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tarek Matar
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!
Sumi I
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!
Faina Gordover
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.
Rick Vattimo
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.
Sammy Jallad
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!
How to reach ilili NoMad
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Why ilili NoMad may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at ilili NoMad with your friends?
Choosing the perfect spot for a gathering with friends or family is essential for a memorable experience, and ilili NoMad delivers on all fronts. This upscale Mediterranean restaurant, nestled in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood of New York City, offers an exceptional combination of delicious food, inviting ambiance, and superb service that makes it an ideal venue for group meetups. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, catching up after a long time, or just enjoying a weekend night out, ilili NoMad presents a setting where conversations flow easily over plates of fresh, flavorful dishes. The restaurant’s sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, characterized by high ceilings, moody lighting, and elegant design elements, creates an environment conducive to both lively discussions and intimate moments. Moreover, with a rating of 4.5 based on over 4,000 reviews, ilili NoMad has proven its consistency in pleasing patrons, especially groups that appreciate a blend of taste and style. Its menu, offering a variety of Mediterranean small plates and hearty mains, supports sharing and sampling, enhancing the communal spirit of any gathering. If you want a place that elevates your social experience with exceptional cuisine and ambiance, ilili NoMad is a top contender.
What activities and dining options make ilili NoMad perfect for group meetups?
ilili NoMad excels in providing a dining experience centered around shared plates, which naturally encourages interaction and bonding among friends and family. The menu is designed with a tapas-style approach, prompting groups to order multiple small plates and share a variety of flavors together. From vibrant starters such as Mouhamara (a roasted red pepper and walnut spread) to creamy classic hummus often highlighted as a must-try, the breadth of offerings suits diverse taste preferences, including several vegetarian options. This communal dining style fosters a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere where everyone can sample different dishes and enjoy lively conversations between bites. The generous portion sizes mean that groups leave feeling satisfied without rushing through the meal. Beyond just the food, ilili NoMad’s space features large tables and comfortable seating arrangements that accommodate groups efficiently, making it easy to socialize without feeling cramped. The ambiance — clean, chic, and subtle, with layers of pale-toned woods, glass, and mirrors — adds to a feeling of togetherness while maintaining a stylish backdrop. These features, combined with attentive service that is both friendly and helpful, enhance the group dining experience, creating a place where sharing is the heart of the visit.
How does ilili NoMad’s atmosphere contribute to a successful group gathering?
The atmosphere at ilili NoMad is a crucial element that sets it apart for group gatherings. The restaurant embraces a luxurious yet approachable aesthetic with high ceilings and carefully curated moody lighting, which contributes to a warm and intimate environment without feeling stuffy or formal. The design integrates natural wood tones, glass, and mirrored surfaces, resembling a beautiful wooden puzzle box, offering a unique visual appeal that guests often remark on. This ambiance strikes a balance — it’s sophisticated enough for a celebratory or upscale meeting yet casual enough to keep the mood relaxed and fun. For larger groups, the spacious layout ensures comfort and ease of movement, which is often a challenge in busy city venues. Moreover, the consistently positive mention of cleanliness and well-maintained interiors reassures guests of a hygienic and fresh dining setting. For groups looking to enjoy both the aesthetics and practical comfort of their meetup, ilili NoMad delivers a seamless blend that supports long conversations and memorable moments.
Why is the service at ilili NoMad ideal for hosting friends and family?
Exceptional service is fundamental to a successful group dining experience, and ilili NoMad is repeatedly praised for its attentive and knowledgeable staff. Reviews emphasize how the waiters are friendly, approachable, and genuinely helpful in guiding guests through the menu, which is a valuable asset for groups meeting who may want recommendations or have dietary preferences. The staff’s attentiveness ensures that large orders, timing of courses, and special requests are managed smoothly, allowing guests to focus on enjoying each other’s company rather than logistical hassles. Families and groups with varying food restrictions, like gluten intolerance or vegetarian preferences, find that the staff’s understanding and flexibility enhance the overall experience. The combination of prompt service without feeling rushed supports a relaxed meal pace, which is essential for social meals that extend over hours rather than minutes. This high level of service complements the food and atmosphere, completing a trifecta that makes ilili NoMad not just a restaurant but a destination designed for meaningful social gatherings.
What makes the food and drink options at ilili NoMad stand out for groups?
The menu at ilili NoMad is a rich celebration of Lebanese and broader Mediterranean cuisine, thoughtfully crafted to excite the palate of every diner, particularly groups seeking variety and quality. The restaurant offers a mix of classic dishes—like silky, smooth hummus and perfectly grilled lamb chops—as well as creative, upscale twists such as lobster-topped hummus and tuna tartare with spicy harissa, allowing groups to explore familiar favorites and new tastes in one setting. This diversity encourages communal dining where sharing plates becomes an integral and enjoyable part of the experience. Smaller dishes including roasted eggplant, brussels sprouts, and a variety of vegetable-based plates cater well to vegetarians without compromising flavor or presentation. For dessert, unique offerings like the cheese kenafie dessert provide a sweet finish that often sparks conversation. While the restaurant is known to be on the pricier side, patrons consistently highlight the exceptional quality of ingredients and the careful preparation that justify the cost, especially when splitting dishes among friends or family. Additionally, the drink menu complements the food with a selection of wines and cocktails designed to pair beautifully with the spices and flavors of the cuisine. This thoughtful food and beverage curation makes ilili NoMad a perfect venue for group dining where variety, quality, and enjoyment come together.
How does ilili NoMad accommodate special occasions and larger groups?
ilili NoMad is well-equipped to handle special occasions and large group gatherings, making it an excellent choice beyond casual meetups. The spacious interior features seating arrangements that can be adapted to accommodate families or friend groups comfortably, allowing everyone to share in the festive spirit without feeling isolated. The restaurant’s elegant yet welcoming design elevates celebrations, providing a refined backdrop suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, or professional gatherings. Staff at ilili are experienced in delivering impeccable service for such events, ensuring that timing, special requests, and dietary considerations are managed seamlessly. The availability of shareable plates means that menus can be flexible, accommodating differing tastes and appetites easily. Moreover, the reputation and positive reviews from thousands of patrons attest to ilili NoMad’s consistency in delivering quality experiences, even during busy times. For anyone seeking a venue that combines excellent food, stylish ambiance, and excellent service to mark memorable moments together, ilili NoMad stands out as one of New York City’s premier options.