"We began with pita bread accompanied by labne, which was exceptionally refreshing and light, especially considering the hot and humid weather outside. The beef fried kibbeh was also enjoyable. For our main course, we chose lamb cooked medium rare. While the lamb was delicious, the center was a bit too red and rare for my taste, limiting me to just one bite. My least favorite dish was the warm eggplant. It complemented the lamb nicely but was too sweet for my palate—I could only manage a small portion.
The white coffee was wonderfully refreshing and aromatic, truly heavenly. Dessert is a must-try here. The mouhalabiyeh offered a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and lightness, with pistachio dust adding a delightful crunch. The sorbet, particularly the arak and pear flavor, was absolutely delicious. However, I didn’t care for the fig sorbet as it reminded me too much of baby food.
Overall, dining at ilili is an experience worth having. While it is on the pricier side, the quality justifies the cost. I would wholeheartedly give it a 15 out of 10 recommendation.
As for the bathroom, it was quite unique, resembling a funhouse. Each stall featured sliding doors, and there were numerous mirrors. It had a funky vibe, and I appreciated that there were actual doors instead of the usual gaps at the bottom of stalls where you can see people's feet while they are seated. That's how all bathrooms across the U.S. should be!"
