ilili Mediterranean Restaurant

Ilili is by far one of my favorite restaurants in the city.  The ambiance is perfect and the food is absolutely authentic and delicious.  The chef is Lebanese and I have taken my friends from Beirut here and they agree!

They have a large bar and lounge area so it is perfect to meet for drinks.  They also have a great happy hour with specials on food and drinks.  While it is not on the happy hour menu, you must try the not-so-bloody Bloody Mary.  They strain the tomato juice so you get all the flavor without the thickness.  The bites on the menu are all delicious, however my favorites are the cheese rolls and mini falafel.

It's best to go with a large group and order Lebanese style.  Everything is so tasty, you will want to order multiple dishes and share.  And no matter what, you must order the brussels sprouts. Once you do, you will be addicted.

They opened Ilili Box just North of The Flatiron Building and you can get a select number of their menu items as take-out.  Thankfully, the brussels sprouts made the cut!

RAYMI Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar

If you are looking for a great restaurant near The Flatiron Building, I highly recommend Raymi.  A friend discovered this place as it is convenient both to Penn Station and the subway I needed to take to get to Brooklyn.

Their signature cocktail is the pisco sour and it is amazing.  The bartenders are very friendly and they get quite artistic with the bitters as a finishing touch.

Their menu features some small plates which are perfect pairings for the cocktails.  Those pisco sours go down very easily so adding some food into the mix is key.  The corn empanadas are delicious.  There is a full ceviche bar.  

We love this place so much and keep coming back so we have pretty much tried everything on the menu and have all been pleased.  They even often a vegetarian dish, which is flavorful and delicious.  Definitely ask about the specials and they change up the vegetable sides often. Although we haven't tried it, there is a whole suckling pig on the menu.  You will have to plan ahead as it requires a 72-hour pre-reservation.  The staff is great and knows the menu so you will get good tips if you ask.

If visiting Peru is on your bucket list, this is a great place to whet your appetite.