Snag a Reservation at Ilili, Now Open Near Insignia on M
With basket-like bamboo chandeliers hanging overhead and full-grown trees sprouting in the middle of the dining room, it’s no wonder why ilili books reservations up to a month in advance. A spot at its table is in high demand, which is why reservations are strongly recommended if you decide to dine in. After all, the Mediterranean cuisine is just as enticing as the space itself.
Since opening its doors in the past few months, ilili’s D.C. location has been dishing out the same modern international cuisine that made its sister branches famous. The menu focuses largely on small plates, AKA mezze, of both the hot and cold variety. Start by sharing some of the labne with salmon roe and zaatar seasoning alongside fresh baba ghannouj with pomegranate seeds and hummus with blue crab falafel. Incorporate a few of the hot tapas, too, perhaps the bone marrow with beef tartare and the Brussels sprouts with fig jam and mint yogurt. If you still have room for more after the meze, the entree list offers upscale options such as pan-seared scallops, semolina gnocchi, and wagyu beef kebabs.