The weather was good enough to sit in ilili’s outside private unit with our windows and doors open.

I started with their delicious and perfectly balanced Miss American Rye ($18) made from Deadwood Rye, Clear Creek Pear Eau de Vie, sweet vermouth, Valdespino Fino Sherry and orange bitters garnished with orange peel. I’d go back from that!

We hadn’t seen each other as my friend had moved to Florida like many New Yorkers and was in town as they were selling their NYC apartment. We had lots to catch up on.

To start, don’t miss their hummus — the chickpea purée blended with tahini and lemon juice drizzled with olive oil and garnished with pomegranate arils ($13), served with puffy pita.

Also tasty is the crispy polenta-crusted calamari (squid) served with a caper and dill tartr sauce ($18). 

We then shared two a bit too sweet dishes for me. The crispy Brussels sprouts in fig jam came with sliced red grapes and walnuts ($18), while the lamb & beef meatballs (kebab kerez) came in a cast-iron dish in a sweet cherry sauce  topped with shredded phyllo ($19). I prefer my meatballs less dense and more tender.

I do recommend a visit to ilili.

ilili Restaurant
Gramercy/Flatiron
236 5th Ave, New York, NY
(212) 683-2929
ililinyc.com