Ilis

All 123 rated mentions, most helpful first

  • To me, Ilis is a really nice addition to the culinary scene. The food and creativity is probably at a three star level, and it really only lacks the polish in its service and all the little 'extras' that you typically get at those places.

    H3

  • Ilis’ walnut and caviar ice cream is insanely wonderful. I frequently think caviar is overused to make dishes more expensive and instagrammable, but the flavor and texture combo was perfection

    H3

  • replying to u/kahwa: I still want to go but I’m waiting for the hype to die down. They dumped a lot of money into that space and staff, so I imagine they need huge margins. Lots of bad reviews, which I consider unwarranted, are online. They are just getting started so paying X and expecting Y is not realistic. I think they will be an amazing restaurant long term, just too hyped right now to keep up with value.

    I went and it was just not good especially at their price point.

    H3

  • We had a great meal, Maybe it took a few months for the restaurant to find it's groove? We also did the wine pairing which I thought was really well done, and took some risks.

    H3

  • If you’re looking for vibes in Brooklyn, try Fandi Mata, Mao Mao, or Ilis.

    H2

  • replying to u/vagrantwastrel: For new 1 stars: Corima, Ilis, Foxface Natural, Sushi Sho, Noksu, and Cosme because it’s absurd they’ve never gotten one when Oxomoco (which I like) has had one for years. Cafe Carmellini, Luthun, Koloman, and Claud I could all see getting one even though I don’t really think any of them will Potential 2 stars: Blanca at either 1 or 2. Cesar and new Chefs Table at Brooklyn Fare also in the 1 or 2 category depending on how much they factor in Cesar Ramirez’ history. I think Bom deserves 2 also Atomix couldn’t be better than it is and should be 3, but I’ve thought that for years. And maybe Blue Hill Stone Barns? I haven’t been in years but thought it was potential 3 star material before it was included in the guide

    Ilis does not deserve any stars IMO. Overprice and really lacking in any solid flavors. Their presentation is cool... but that does not make up for overall average food.

    H2

  • replying to u/infinitevendor: ILIS

    It’s absolutely incredible and only has room to grow. We had a few service hiccups but the food was so good, imo on par with Atomix as the best in the city. Drinks were also superb!

    H2

  • replying to u/ThatParanoidPenguin: Damn this is disappointing… was looking to try to snag a solo seat the bar but just realized it wasn’t open today… Been sad I wasn’t able to go to Noma but I guess this won’t solve it lol, oh well

    I thought it was quite good and a lot of fun. It was definitely acid forward, but not unpleasantly so, nor necessarily unbalanced.

    H2

  • Good if you’re a $50-75 a head spot that would otherwise get lost in a sea of mediocre mid-range spots. Pretty crushing if you’re charging prices on par with Le Bernardin and diners are rightfully expecting something spectacular.

    H2

  • They’re trying some funky things and not every dish is a home run, but I think it’s a cool place to try for the experience.

    H2

  • The cheaper tasting menu at Ilis + wine pairing clocks in at like $235pp before tax/tip, so you could do that and tip a bit more generously to hit $260pp.

    H2

  • I went recently with much excitement. It was really really not good, quite a bit of style over substance (space and dishes look beautiful).

    H2

  • replying to u/CatPillar: What did you think of ILIS overall? Reviews so far seem super mixed 

    We were super impressed but we did a la carte at the bar. But we couldn’t believe how polished everything was for only being open a month or so when we went

    H2

  • everything feels like a prototype or an unfinished idea. I was baffled by all the positive press they were getting but Pete Wells' most recent review gets the point across quite well it's all showmanship to mask that none of it is really all that special.

    H2

  • It's a more beautiful space, but I found the food to be bland and not that exciting, like a worse version of Blue Hill.

    H2

  • replying to u/kahwa: Bummer about 63… Sushi On Me, NARO, Foul Witch, Venhue Haven’t tried: Ilis (but seems overhyped), Luthun

    the meal was easily among the best I’ve had

    H2

  • She said the wine pairings were wonderful and the food was...gross.

    H2

  • Had arguably one of the worst meals of my life at iLis , the prenteniousness of the food while lacking in flavor or skill to make it even edible was shocking

    H2

  • I quite enjoyed (but also wasn’t paying). Thought it was as good or better than Mich star places I’d been to. Very inventive with their presentation and a fun long meal.

    H2

  • It’s honestly one of my favorite meals in NYC, super inventive and the trout there is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten

    H2

  • replying to u/Glittering_Lab6422: The culinary approach reminded me of a quality restaurant in Japan made up of intentional ingredients and condiments like homemade oils, salts and citrus. I personally appreciated the meal and would go back. 

    And I’m sorry but this place, based on my experience, would’ve been panned anywhere in Japan, chefs have insane technique and skill foundation there and customers are discerning enough to not tolerate this… this is all based on the opinion that it was severely style over substance

    H2

  • I went and enjoyed it a lot. It wasn't the best meal I've ever had from a technique/taste perspective, but it was fun and interesting and I liked interacting with all the different people.

    H2

  • replying to u/egg4day: I’ve been to all except Le Bernadin in the past year There are a lot of comments touting Jungsik but personally I can’t say the service there was great and the vibes felt a little sterile. If you’re trying to go for the wow factor and it must be 3 stars, Per Se or EMP have impeccable service with attention to detail Masa is fantastic, but they don’t allow photos and I’d imagine you might want to take some for the memories None of these restaurants really blew me away with their food though. As someone that goes to a lot of fine dining restaurants, I’d recommend the 2 stars instead of the tired 3 star giants. Aska is my personal favorite—in terms of service, delicious food, and wow factor. I would also recommend ILIS, bōm, Saga, or Atera over CTBF.

    Interesting, I thought ILIS was comically bad, try hard, over the top for the sake of it with a weak foundation of food.

    H2

  • ILIS was a shit show from the very beginning - relying on name recognition of Noma, hiring people for senior roles who nobody else would hire, spending unnecessarily on furniture that would only make sense if they had a three michelin star product, confusing and misleading menus, venting their gigantic wood fire to a low roof and alienating the neighbors... I'm genuinely surprised they didn't close a year ago.

    H2