ilili NoMad: Authentic Lebanese Cuisine in the Heart of NYC

ilili NoMad Introduce

In a city celebrated for its diverse culinary landscape, finding a restaurant that truly captures the essence of a cuisine can feel like discovering a hidden treasure. In New York, that treasure is ilili NoMad. This renowned Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant has become a standout destination, offering an immersive dining experience that combines authentic flavors with a sophisticated, upscale atmosphere. Located in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood, ilili is a place where every detail, from the decor to the dishes, is meticulously crafted to transport you to the heart of Lebanon.

ilili NoMad is much more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of traditional Lebanese dishes, each one prepared with a level of care and expertise that truly shines through. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or exploring it for the first time, you’ll find something to love here. The focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite, from the perfectly balanced Tabbouleh to the rich and savory Kebabs. Customers consistently rave about the authenticity and depth of flavor, noting that ilili's offerings stand out even among the many excellent dining options in the city.

Beyond the food, the restaurant’s atmosphere is a significant part of its appeal. The space is often described as cozy, romantic, and trendy, making it an ideal setting for any occasion. It’s a versatile spot that can feel intimate for a date night, lively for a group celebration, or welcoming for a solo meal. The service is fast and attentive, with a staff that is knowledgeable about the menu and genuinely committed to ensuring a wonderful experience for every guest. With its beautiful presentation, amazing flavors, and great vibes, ilili NoMad has earned its reputation as one of the best Lebanese restaurants in the United States.

The beverage program at ilili is just as impressive as its food. The restaurant offers a wide selection of drinks, from expertly crafted cocktails to an extensive wine list featuring options that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the food. Whether you prefer a crisp white wine with your mezze or a refreshing cocktail with your main course, you’ll find the perfect pairing. The bar also serves a variety of other beverages, including great coffee and a fine tea selection, making it a complete destination for any part of your day, from a leisurely brunch to a late-night dessert.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located at 236 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, ilili NoMad is nestled in the heart of one of Manhattan's most dynamic neighborhoods. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city. Whether you're a local or a tourist, getting to this premier dining spot is a breeze. The restaurant is situated to be a perfect destination for a pre-theater dinner, a celebratory meal, or a casual lunch break.

ilili NoMad is committed to ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests. The restaurant offers extensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking lot, wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating. This attention to detail ensures that everyone can enjoy the incredible dining experience without any barriers. For those driving, paid street parking is available, and for those with furry friends, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, making it a truly inclusive space.

Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy the full ilili experience with indoor seating and a vibrant atmosphere.
Outdoor Seating: Take advantage of the pleasant weather with comfortable outdoor seating.
Takeout, Delivery, and Curbside Pickup: Enjoy ilili’s delicious cuisine from the comfort of your own home with various convenient options. No-contact delivery is also available for added safety.
Catering: ilili offers catering services, allowing you to bring their authentic Lebanese flavors to your next event or gathering.
Table Service: The restaurant provides attentive table service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience from start to finish.
Reservations: Reservations are accepted and highly recommended for lunch, brunch, and dinner, as the restaurant can have a wait, especially during peak hours.

Features / Highlights

Great Cocktails, Wine, and Coffee: A full bar offering a wide range of beverages, including an extensive wine list and a great coffee selection.
Fast Service: The staff is known for their efficiency and speed, ensuring a timely and pleasant dining experience.
Great Dessert: A must-try dessert menu featuring items like the Knafe Bil Jibneh and the Ilili Candy Bar.
Halal and Healthy Options: The menu includes a variety of healthy and halal food choices, as well as organic, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Cozy, Romantic, and Upscale Atmosphere: A perfect setting for a date night, special occasion, or a relaxed meal with family and friends.
LGBTQ+ Friendly and Transgender Safespace: A welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Good for Kids: The restaurant is family-friendly and provides high chairs for children.
Late-night food: Enjoy delicious meals and small plates late into the evening.

Contact Information

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

Phone: (212) 683-2929

What is worth choosing

Choosing ilili NoMad is a decision to prioritize an exceptional dining experience. This restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a celebration of Lebanese culture and cuisine. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the stunning presentation of each dish to the warm and welcoming service. Patrons consistently highlight the outstanding quality and authentic flavors, with many calling it one of the best Lebanese spots they’ve ever visited. The rich depth of spices in dishes like the Mixed Grill and the freshness of the Tabbouleh are frequently praised, showcasing the kitchen’s dedication to perfection.

The versatility of ilili NoMad is another key reason to choose it. Whether you’re stopping by for a business lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a relaxed brunch, the restaurant caters to every occasion. The extensive menu offers a wide range of options, including various mezze, sandwiches, and main plates, ensuring there is something for every palate. The inclusion of healthy, vegan, and halal options also makes it a fantastic choice for diverse groups. Furthermore, the bar and grill, cocktail bar, and wine bar offerings make it a complete and self-contained destination for an entire evening out. The combination of a top-tier menu, a romantic and trendy atmosphere, and a welcoming crowd makes ilili NoMad a must-visit for anyone in New York looking for an unforgettable Lebanese dining experience. It's not just a meal; it's an event.

ilili NoMad Menu

Lunch Specials & Tastings
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.
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.
Cauliflower Steak Mezze Box $20.00
Grilled spiced cauliflower steak served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, chick pea salad, and pita bread.
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.
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.
Ilili Tasting $27.00
A selection of ilili's best dips, one entree, Lebanese Rice - Add Baklava for an extra $2.

Cold Mezza
Baba Ghannouj $15.00
eggplant / tahini / olive oil
Chankleesh $16.00
feta cheese / onions / tomato / zaatar
Hummus $15.00
chickpea purée / tahini / lemon / olive oil
Kabis Pickles $7.00
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
Labne $14.00
strained yogurt / olive oil / fresh mint / zaatar
Mouhamara $14.00
walnuts / sundried peppers / pomegranate molasses
Moussaka $15.00
eggplant / tomato / garlic / onion / olive oil
Olives Lebanese Mixed $7.00
green and black olives marinated a la maison
Tabbouleh $18.00
parsley / mint / tomatoes / burghul / lemon vinaigrette
Warak Enab Bil Zeit $14.00
grape leaves / rice / tomato oil / parsley oil
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife

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

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

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

Main Plates
Chicken Taouk $27.00
chicken breast / sumac
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.
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
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife

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

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

Drinks Delivery
Still Water $5.00
Still Water with Electrolytes 16 Oz Bottle
Sparkling Water $5.00
Sparkling Water with Electrolytes 16 oz Bottle
Green Lemonade $8.00
cucumber / ginger / mint / 16 oz bottle
Mango Passion Fruit Punch $8.00
mango / passion fruit / 16 oz bottle
CocaCola $3.75
Ginger Ale $3.75
Sprite $3.75
Half Tea And Lemon Sparkling Water $3.75
Mango Orange Sparkling Water $3.75
Pineapple Sparkling Water $3.75
Pink Lemonade Sparkling Water $3.75
Strawberry Sparking Water $3.75

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

Dinner Specials & Feasts
Chicken Taouk Mezze Box $28.00
Grilled chicken taouk served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, grilled shishito peppers, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pita bread.
Beef Kebab Mezze Box $34.00
Grilled tender loin kebab served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, grilled shishito peppers, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pita bread.
Kafta Mezze Box $26.00
Grilled kafta skewers (spiced ground beef & lamb ) served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, grilled shishito peppers, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pita bread.
Salmon À La Plancha Mezze Box $34.00
Grilled salmon filet served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, grilled shishito peppers, roasted cherry tomatoes, and pita bread.
Cauliflower Steak Mezze Box $24.00
Grilled spiced cauliflower steak served with Lebanese rice, hummus, cherry tomato salad, chick pea salad, and pita bread.
Ilili Tasting $36.00
A selection of ilili's best dips, one entree, Lebanese Rice - Add Baklava for an extra $2.
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.
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
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
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

Cold Mezza
Baba Ghannouj $15.00
eggplant / tahini / olive oil
Chankleesh $16.00
feta cheese / onions / tomato / zaatar
Fattoush $18.00
lebanese garden salad / toasted pita / sumac lemon vinaigrette
Hummus $15.00
chickpea purée / tahini / lemon / olive oil
Kabis Pickles $7.00
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
Labne $14.00
strained yogurt / olive oil / fresh mint / zaatar
Mouhamara $14.00
walnuts / sundried peppers / pomegranate molasses
Moussaka $15.00
eggplant / tomato / garlic / onion / olive oil
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife
Olives Lebanese Mixed $7.00
green and black olives marinated a la maison
Tabbouleh $18.00
parsley / mint / tomatoes / burghul / lemon vinaigrette
Warak Enab Bil Zeit $14.00
grape leaves / rice / tomato oil / parsley oil
Heirloom Tomato Salad $22.00
Heirloom Tomatoes, Watermelon Feta, Micro Mint, Shallots, Dry Black Olives, Cucumbers, Evoo

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

Main Plates
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.
Chicken Taouk $27.00
chicken breast / sumac
Halibut $42.00
Halibut, corn, beets, heavy cream, turmeric, salt, artichokes, rainbow beets, garlic, lemon juice, evoo, dry mint
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.
Mushroom Grape Leaves $32.00
Mushroom Stuffed Grape Leaves / Tomato Yakne / Pickled Shishito Peppers
Warak Enab Stuffed Grape Leaves $34.00
lamb confit / rice / mint yogurt
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife

Signature Dishes
Hearth Baked Loup De Mer $85.00
seasonal grilled vegetables / tarator sauce
Lamb Shank $78.00
lebanese dirty rice / roasted seasonal vegetable / old world jus / mixed nuts
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.
Whole Organic Chicken $70.00
seasonal grilled vegetables / house pickled kabis / sumac garlic whip
Napkins & Utensils $0.00
paper napkin / fork / spoon / knife

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

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 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 4038 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
We went during restaurant week. The vibe was great, and the food overall was nice. We weren’t a huge fan of lamb and I didn’t really enjoy the entrees, but the appetizers were amazing (especially the eggplant). The dessert cheesecake had a strong cheese flavor, which I liked, but the mouhalabiyyeh was just okay
August 29 · Doah Kwon
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