Lebanese-Mediterranean restaurant group ilili, led by executive chef and owner Philippe Massoud, has debuted its second New York location in Midtown Manhattan.
The 5,630-square-foot space, designed by Nasser Nakib Architect, interprets Lebanon’s natural landscape through materiality, spatial flow, and architectural form.
Guests enter through a serene bar and lounge area that serves as a transitional threshold from Midtown’s energy, leading into a warm, enveloping main dining room. A flexible private dining room functions as both an intimate gathering space and a full event venue.
ilili pulls from the Lebanese landscape
The concept draws directly from Lebanon’s geography of pine forests, terraced mountains, and coastal horizons.
Vertical elements throughout the space reference the scale and rhythm of native pine trees, while the symbolism of local birds, representing migration and movement, informed decisions around circulation, openness, and light treatment. These natural influences are abstracted into sculptural forms, organic lines, and layered textures that ground the space.
Earth-toned stone and wood surfaces establish the material palette, paired with polished metallic accents and botanical motifs embedded within textiles and finishes. Mediterranean craftsmanship unifies the interior, weaving together influences from Lebanon, the Levant, France, and Italy.
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