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Welcome to ilili DC, where Lebanese, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions come to life in the vibrant Wharf neighborhood of Washington D.C. Discover a menu inspired by time-honored Mediterranean recipes and crafted with passion, showcasing an extensive selection of mezze and larger plates designed for sharing and savoring. From fresh, innovative ingredients to authentic flavors, every dish reflects the warmth and richness of Lebanese hospitality. Surrounded by elegant decor and warm lighting, ilili DC provides the perfect setting for gatherings of all sizes, from intimate dinners to grand celebrations. Join us to connect, relax, and indulge in the unforgettable flavors of the Middle East.
Choice destination with a stylish vibe serving Lebanese cuisine including meat & seafood entrees.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 918-7766
Website: https://www.ililirestaurants.com/location/ilili-dc/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: sevenrooms.com
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Lebanese & Mediterranean Restaurant at The Wharf – ilili DC
Welcome to ilili DC, where Lebanese, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions come to life in the vibrant Wharf neighborhood of Washington D.C. …
ilili | Authentic Lebanese Mediterranean Food
ilili means “tell me.” · Our menu is always evolving · We’re now in NYC & DC. · Bring ilili to you. · Host with us. · Email Signup · Reservations.
Menu | ilili Restaurant in Washington, DC
See the menu for ilili in Washington, DC. We are open for brunch, lunch and dinner and offer dine-in, outdoor seating, pickup and delivery.
Reviews
Erika A.
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.
… moreThe 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.
Maira Z
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.
… moreThe 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.
Ibra L
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.
… moreSuhaa Mutlaq
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.
… moreThe 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.
Kait Watts
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.
… moreRachel Barker
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.
… moreErika Montes
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.
… moreAs 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.
Monika
Was really hoping to like this a a lot more based on the reviews but the food was rather disappointing. The ambience and service is great so would rate that much higher but the overall 3 is more for the food. We tried a bunch of tapas style small plates and other than the carrots, nothing really stood out. The felafel was alright, as were the beef kibbeh. The prawns was pretty good but the dessert (milk pudding) was quite the let down. The service and ambience were good. After all of that, didn’t feel like it was worth the price tag.
… moreSherrine M. Thompson
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.
… moreOur 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.
Major Foodie PhD
A Familiar Flame, Slightly Dimmed
Ilili DC, the Washington sibling of the beloved New York original, remains a polished ode to modern Lebanese cuisine—warm wood tones, Levantine accents, and a menu built for sharing. A rain-driven water leak rerouted us from our assigned table to the bar, an improvisation handled graciously enough. We’ve eaten here—and at the New York location—often; this time, the DC menu felt slimmer.
A glass of Château Ksara dry white set a crisp tone. The lamb-stuffed grape leaves, a longtime favorite, arrived tender and pleasant, if unexpectedly muted, rescued by an extra spoonful of their excellent sauce. A simple bowl of rice did its quiet job. The mixed grill, accompanied by vegetables and three garlic-forward spreads, delivered flavor in bursts: some meats juicy and satisfying, others edging dry; the vegetables plainly cooked, more backdrop than partner. Service was warm and knowledgeable, though a touch eager at the end—plates cleared and the check presented before the evening had quite concluded.
Ilili still knows its way around fire and spice. This visit, however, felt like a rehearsal rather than a performance—comforting, but missing a final flourish.
… moreIlili DC, the Washington sibling of the beloved New York original, remains a polished ode to modern Lebanese cuisine—warm wood tones, Levantine accents, and a menu built for sharing. A rain-driven water leak rerouted us from our assigned table to the bar, an improvisation handled graciously enough. We’ve eaten here—and at the New York location—often; this time, the DC menu felt slimmer.
A glass of Château Ksara dry white set a crisp tone. The lamb-stuffed grape leaves, a longtime favorite, arrived tender and pleasant, if unexpectedly muted, rescued by an extra spoonful of their excellent sauce. A simple bowl of rice did its quiet job. The mixed grill, accompanied by vegetables and three garlic-forward spreads, delivered flavor in bursts: some meats juicy and satisfying, others edging dry; the vegetables plainly cooked, more backdrop than partner. Service was warm and knowledgeable, though a touch eager at the end—plates cleared and the check presented before the evening had quite concluded.
Ilili still knows its way around fire and spice. This visit, however, felt like a rehearsal rather than a performance—comforting, but missing a final flourish.