Lebanon luxe
Ilili 236 Fifth Ave., (212) 683-2929, ililinyc.com
It’s tough to find a cuisine that hasn’t yet been tapped by this city’s wealth of culinary talent, but Phillipe Massoud has discovered one – his native Lebanese. With Ilili, a stylish duplex space warmed with amber light, candles and ebony-finished French oak tables, Massoud has opened New York’s first haute restaurant dedicated to showcasing this country’s richly spiced traditional and modern cuisine.
Must-have meal: Lahmajeen, a Lebanese “pizza” served on pita and topped with chopped lamb, tomato and onion ($8) and duck schwarma with pomegranate molasses, figs and green onion ($15). For dessert try the achta, a modern interpretation of a traditional dessert, made with a milk-based pudding, and served with simple syrup and bananas ($12).
Soundtrack: A mix of contemporary lounge music with modern Lebanese artists like Fairuz. On weekends, a DJ spins dance and techno.
Hours: Mon.-Wed., 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 5:30-11:30 p.m.