Ilili in NYC

The triumph of Ilili in NYC — which means “tell me” in colloquial Arabic — has roots closely entwined with chef Philippe Massoud’s family tree. His mission, to bring traditional Lebanese cuisine to NoMad, was no small undertaking, but with nearly three generations of family-run hospitality businesses in his veins, the chef and CEO, along with his brother and partner Alexander, has created a warm and inviting restaurant with a menu that encourages guests to taste, share, and celebrate.

Lebanese favorites, including fattoush, hummus, and tabbouleh, elevate well-known ingredients to new levels of taste. Homemade pita bread with just a hint of cinnamon (a common spice in savory dishes from the region) is both addictive and transforming. Kebab Kerez, a lamb and beef meatball appetizer — or mezza — with a cherry sauce kataifi and micro chives is a stellar dish, and the brussels sprouts with grapes, fig jam, walnuts and mint yogurt is a showstopper. The team from NOMAD Magazine recommends trying them all.

The bar is expansive and well-stocked with a number of Lebanese wines, each unique and flavorful and chosen to pair well with the full range of authentic dishes on the menu. No stranger to the inner workings of the hospitality industry, Massoud, whose family owned a hotel in Beirut, attended Cornell University’s School of Hotel Management and completed his degree in hotel, resort, and restaurant development at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The atmosphere he’s created at Ilili speaks to both his cultural roots and his evolving take on modern cuisine. The wait staff is attentive, the dining hall regal, and the food sublime, making Ilili the ideal spot for a business lunch, a celebratory dinner, and everything in-between.

The NoMad location, Fifth Avenue between 27th and 28th, is open seven days a week; reservations can be made on their site.