"Ilili is a massive Lebanese restaurant based in NYC’s Flatiron District, currently negotiating terms to rent a glass-enclosed building at The Wharf in Washington D.C. The restaurant, known for its grandiose New York flagship with an amber-glowing dining room, is targeting a June opening. Ilili was hailed as one of NYC’s most ambitious Middle Eastern restaurants by the New York Times upon its opening in 2007. Eater NY highlights memorable dishes such as Brussels sprouts with grapes, fig jam, walnuts, and mint yogurt, mekanek-spiced lamb sausages, and ultra-smooth steak tartare called kibbeh naye eeirutieh. During the pandemic, Ilili pivoted to offer chef kits and maintains a presence at Canal Street Market food hall." - Tierney Plumb