As Jonathan Gold once said, “the first responsibility of any great restaurant is to keep you in the bubble”. That’s exactly how I would describe my first experience at ilili restaurant on 5th avenue in New York City. They focus on traditional Lebanese cuisine. From the smartly constructed rooms: one with high ceilings and big family style round tables, second with private self-focused dining and the lounge area for the roaring happy hours, you are welcomed instantly into a world of tasty smells where hunger grows proportionally to the food arriving at your table. Even if you decide to stay at the bar for a few cocktails, you will eventually end up having some food, I can promise you that.