ilili Restaurant: A Modern Mediterranean Dining Experience in Washington, DC

Phenomenal experience. Went to grab dinner before heading to a concert. Group of 4 adults. We got hummus as an appetizer, and then the kabob platter for our meal and it was amazing. We ordered sides of potatoes, rice, and Brussels sprouts and we had plenty of food for everyone. Dishes were cooked to perfection. Pita was warm and fresh and delivered often.

Ilili never disappoints. We started with the classic hummus and added pine nuts, creamy, nutty, and the perfect upgrade. The duck shawarma was tender and full of flavor, and our main entrée, the lamb shank with rice and a side of brussels sprouts, was cooked beautifully. Every dish felt intentional and delicious. As always, what truly sets this place apart is the service. It’s not my first time here, and each visit reminds me why I return. The staff is attentive, warm, and genuinely cares about their guests. From the moment we walked in until we stepped out, we felt welcomed and cared for. And the best part after dinner? Walking along The Wharf. The lights, the water, and the peaceful energy make it the perfect romantic finale to dinner. It’s such a beautiful spot for a date. It’s calm, scenic, and the ideal place to enjoy a slow walk together.

We visited for dinner and had a wonderful experience. The service was excellent and the cleanliness was 10/10. A special thank you to Baqdana for her outstanding service and warm hospitality Dish ratings: • Moussaka 10/10 – the best moussaka I’ve ever had • Baba Ghanouj 9/10 • Makanek 8/10 – great for those who enjoy a tangy flavor • Falafel – delicious • Lamb Stuffed Grape Leaves 10/10 • Mixed Grill 8/10 • Knafeh Bil Jibneh 10/10 • ilili Candy Bar 5/10 • Batata Harra 9/10 • Americano – closer to a V60 style coffee Overall, a great experience and we would happily come back again.

We had a wonderful birthday brunch experience at ilili DC at The Wharf, and it was a meal that felt both celebratory and thoughtfully curated. We opted for the prix fixe brunch, which is a great way to explore Lebanese flavors while enjoying a relaxed brunch setting with friends. Our service really stood out. Our first server, Alif (apologies if the spelling is off), was warm, attentive, and did a great job walking us through the menu and pacing the meal. When they went on break, Bokdsnall (again, apologies for misspelling) stepped in and the transition was seamless. Both servers made sure our table was well taken care of, checked in often without hovering, and kept the experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The brunch began with an impressive spread of mezza, perfect for sharing. For mains, we tried two very different but equally memorable dishes. Grandma Marie’s Lebanese French Toast was a standout. Made with chorek brioche, it was soft and rich, topped with poached figs, whipped ricotta labneh, and drizzled with Lebanese syrup. It struck a great balance between sweet and savory and felt indulgent without being overwhelming. The American Lebanese Lamb Burger was another highlight. The ground lamb was juicy and well seasoned, paired with Lebanese pickled cucumber, sauce cocktail, American cheese, and veal bacon. It was hearty, flavorful, and a fun fusion that worked surprisingly well. We wrapped up brunch with baklava for dessert, which was the perfect ending. It was flaky, nutty, and just sweet enough, a classic done right. Overall, ilili DC delivered a memorable dining experience with excellent service, generous portions, and a thoughtful prix fixe menu that showcases Lebanese flavors beautifully. It was a fantastic place to celebrate a birthday, and we left full, happy, and already planning a return visit.

ilili DC is located in a beautiful spot at the Wharf, and the ambiance is truly impressive. The space feels upscale yet cozy, with a small water fountain in the center and elegant hanging décor that adds warmth and character. The overall vibe is inviting and relaxing, and the staff is very welcoming and attentive from the moment you arrive. The food itself tasted excellent. The mixed grill was the standout for me, flavorful, perfectly cooked, and easily a 9/10. However, when it comes to value, the portion sizes feel quite small for the price. Even a simple fresh garden salad Fattoush priced around $20 comes in a modest serving. For an upscale Lebanese restaurant, the experience feels refined, but it is definitely on the expensive side. I was also a bit surprised that there were no complimentary items, which many fine-dining places at this level usually offer. Overall, ilili delivers beautifully on ambiance, service, and food quality, but the pricing may feel high for the portion sizes. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an elegant setting and excellent Lebanese flavors, especially in such a prime Wharf location.

We heard this restaurant offers a great food, so we tried it and believe me it’s worth it. The food was amazingly delicious , Hummes, mixed grills and that meat is so delicious. The atmosphere is so cool. Just a heads up it’s a little pricey so consider that, but the food is really good. Our waitress was lovely and friendly.

We absolutely loved this restaurant! From start to finish everything was amazing. We tried the octopus, hummus, Brussels sprouts, and the fried beef kibbeh — todo estuvo maravilloso. Every dish was full of flavor and well prepared. The octopus could be bigger considering the price but overall it was amazing. The service was excellent and made the whole experience even better. At the end, they surprised us with a dessert for my friend’s birthday, which was such a sweet and thoughtful touch. Highly recommend! And we will definitely be back.

Nestled in the heart of the Wharf, Ilili offers a beautiful waterfront and boardwalk view from its upscale Lebanese dining room. The ambiance is inviting, with warm lighting and décor, attracting a well-dressed clientele in business attire or smart casual. While the Grilled Akkawi and Smoked Beets were a touch salty for my personal taste, my friend found them perfect. The standout Duck Shawarma was amazing, though the portion was modest, and the Lamb Shank was executed flawlessly. We finished beautifully with the Ilili Candy Bar and Mouhalabiyeh desserts. Service throughout was attentive, complementing the excellent meal. Given the overall high-quality experience—despite prices being on the higher end—we are eager to return to explore more of the menu.