Lilya's Restaurant & Grill Cafe Gourmand

- 548 Lincoln Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306

Lilya's Restaurant & Grill Cafe Gourmand stands out as a unique and essential dining destination in the New York region, particularly for those seeking authentic, high-quality Armenian, Georgian, and broader Eastern European cuisine. Located on Staten Island, this establishment proudly identifies as women-owned and operates with a mission to bring a rich tapestry of international flavors—including Russian and Mediterranean influences—to the local New York community. It's a place where hearty, ancient recipes meet modern style, creating an atmosphere that is at once cozy, trendy, and family-friendly.

The culinary philosophy at Lilya's centers on simple, natural ingredients used to create both complex, traditional dishes and beloved comfort food. Patrons consistently praise the "delicious food and fantastic service," with one enthusiastic customer claiming it has the "Best Armenian barbecue in the entire tristate and that’s a fact!" The restaurant’s extensive, varied menu—from classic soups and vibrant salads to specialty entrees and a wide array of shish kebabs—ensures there is a flavorful option for every palate, making it a place to return to again and again to try new delights.

Lilya's Restaurant & Grill Cafe Gourmand is conveniently situated on Staten Island at 548 Lincoln Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306. This address positions it as an accessible spot for Staten Island residents, while its reputation makes it a worthwhile destination for those traveling from other boroughs. As one reviewer noted, the authentic taste and fantastic service qualify it as WORTH THE TRIP—even recommending taking the scenic route via the Staten Island ferry if coming from Manhattan!

The venue is designed with guest comfort and accessibility in mind, providing crucial features for all patrons:

• Accessibility: The restaurant features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
• Parking: Guests arriving by car benefit from available Free street parking nearby, a notable convenience in the NYC area.
• Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as a great blend of Casual and Cozy, with a distinctly Trendy feel, perfect for groups, families, and solo diners alike. It is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes families.

Lilya's offers a comprehensive suite of dining and event services, catering to nearly every customer need, from a quick meal to a large private celebration. This dedication to service flexibility is a key part of their appeal.

• Full Dining Availability: The restaurant offers a wide range of Dining options, including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert. It is also Popular for solo dining.
• Reservations and Planning: They Accepts reservations for standard dining and highly recommend Brunch reservations, ensuring guests can plan their visit easily. They also specialize in Catering for private events.
• Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Lilya's provides Takeout, traditional Delivery, and No-contact delivery options, making their authentic cuisine available wherever you are.
• Event Hosting and Amenities: The venue is ideal for private dining and events, offering a main hall and a VIP room, which can accommodate parties up to 100 people combined, with full Table service. Amenities include a Bar onsite, Wi-Fi, and a Gender-neutral restroom.
• Family-Friendly Services: They are Good for kids, provide High chairs, and offer a dedicated Kids' menu featuring items like Mac and Cheese, Chicken Tenders, and Kids Shish Kebab.
• Late-Night Service: The restaurant is known to offer Late-night food, catering to those who dine later in the evening.
• Pet Policy: They accommodate Dogs allowed outside, a thoughtful feature for New York pet owners.

The experience at Lilya's is defined by several standout features that distinguish it as a premier Eastern European and Armenian restaurant in the Tristate area. The highlights go beyond just food, encompassing atmosphere and variety.

• Authentic Armenian BBQ and Shish Kebabs: The most celebrated feature is the Shish Kebab selection. Reviewers confirm it is the "Best Armenian barbecue in the entire tristate." The range includes Lamb Chops Shish Kebab, Iberico Pork Shish Kebab, Beef Shish Kebab, and specialized Chicken Lula-Kebab, all prepared on a natural char grill.
• Diverse and Rare European Specialty Menu: The menu serves as a culinary tour, featuring dishes often hard to find, such as Armenian Ishli Kufta / Kibbeh, Uzbek Pilaf, Georgian Khachapuri (both Imeruli and Acharuli styles), and various authentic soups like Ukrainian Borscht and Russian Solyanka.
• Live Music and Entertainment: A significant highlight is the Live music offered on weekends. This feature enhances the lively atmosphere, with guests noting the music is such that "you wanted to dance," making it an excellent spot for celebrations and a memorable night out.
• Extensive Beverage Program: The restaurant offers a full range of Offerings, including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, complemented by a Great tea selection and specialty European bottled drinks like Jermuk and Borjomi.
• Dietary and Health-Conscious Options: Lilya's caters to various preferences with Organic dishes, Vegetarian options, Halal food, and a fresh Salad bar, ensuring high-quality choices for every diner.
• Great Tea Selection: The commitment to a comprehensive dining experience is highlighted by their "Great tea selection," which is a notable feature in a coffee-centric dining landscape.
• Fast Service: Despite the complexity of the cuisine, the service is described as "excellent" and Fast service is highlighted as a key attribute, ensuring timely meals.

For reservations, private event inquiries, or to place a takeout order, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 548 Lincoln Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306
• Phone: (718) 351-7575
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-351-7575

Choosing Lilya's Restaurant & Grill Cafe Gourmand is choosing an authentic, multi-sensory Eastern European cultural experience. It is worth choosing for the sheer breadth and depth of its menu, offering a true taste of home for those who grew up with this cuisine and a delightful discovery for New Yorkers new to it. The large menu and big variety ensure that repeat visits are a must to truly explore the culinary landscape they offer.

For those making the journey, the primary recommendation is to indulge in the BBQ Shish Kebabs. The Lamb Chops, Beef, or the specialty Iberico Pork are the items that draw the most praise and are the local specialty worth traveling for. For appetizers, try the traditional Georgian Khachapuri (especially the boat-shaped Acharuli with an egg) or the hearty Pelmeni veal/beef dumplings. Finally, don't miss the Desserts—a standout feature that should be saved room for, with options like Armenian Baklava and Napoleon. With its combination of excellent service, a cozy-trendy ambiance, and truly authentic flavors—complete with Live music on weekends—Lilya's is more than a restaurant; it’s an event.

Lilya's Restaurant & Grill Cafe Gourmand

548 Lincoln Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306, USA