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PERFECT ANTIPASTO
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About
LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar
Welcome to LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar, a culinary gem nestled at 2915 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC. This inviting haven serves as an ideal retreat for locals and visitors alike, especially those heading to the nearby National Zoo. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and a touch of Italian charm, LiLLiES promises an exceptional dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Step inside and indulge in an array of delightful appetizers that set the stage for your meal. Their Perfect Antipasto combo, featuring mussels, calamari, bruschetta, shrimp, and fresh mozzarella, offers a harmonious blend of flavors. For those seeking lighter fare, the Caprese Salad—boasting fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, mixed greens, and a drizzle of pesto—will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
Vegetarians need not fret; LiLLiES caters beautifully to diverse palates. The Lasagna, brimming with layers of eggplant, zucchini, and rich cheeses, is a comfort food classic that's hard to resist. Meanwhile, the Eggplant Rollatini showcases perfectly baked eggplant stuffed with spinach and ricotta, a dish that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Customer reviews reflect the passion and dedication of the staff, with diners like Linda A. praising the "exceptional services" even when closing time approached. This speaks volumes about the friendly and accommodating nature of the team at LiLLiES, which contributes to the establishment's inviting ambiance. Enya Li, who dined during brunch, emphasized the quality of the food and service alike, noting a standout panini and the lovely outdoor seating—a great spot for soaking in the DC vibe.
Moreover, whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or planning a leisurely meal, the drinks at LiLLiES don't disappoint. With creative cocktails like the refreshing Lemoncello and the spicy Lillies Martini, you're in for a delightful experience with every sip. As Omi McCarthy shared, the imaginative drink menu tantalizes while the breezy environment invites guests to linger a little longer.
In summary, LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination crafted with love. The engaging atmosphere, delicious food offerings, and friendly service make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the vibrant streets of DC. So, grab your friends or family, and head over to indulge in the authentic flavors of Italy; your taste buds will thank you!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ We stopped by to eat right before they were closing and despite this fact, they provided us with such exceptional services. The food was very good and the atmosphere was wonderful. It also is relatively close to the national zoo so that was very helpful as we were hungry after a long day at the zoo. The date salad was incredible. ”
“ We came here for brunch on a Saturday morning, and all the dishes we ordered were so delicious. My kid likes panda pancakes. The panini is the best panini I have ever had. The veggie omelette is perfectly cooked, and the side dish fruit is very fresh. Our waiter is super friendly, he greeted us with warm smiles. After we finished eating, it suddenly started raining, I tried to see if I could borrow an umbrella from the restaurant, and our waiter kindly lent us his own umbrella. So we can still visit the zoo as planned, he made the day! All in all, this restaurant has great food, excellent service and the outdoor seating area is so enjoyable. Highly recommend! ”
“ After a misguided attempt at the DC Zoo, on a Sunday on a holiday weekend in the hot afternoon sun, I made it to the elephant sanctuary and then had to turn around and leave before I had a full blown panic attack, me and my partner stopped at the first place that had a bar. Met by a nice young woman who brought us into the bar with menus for drinks and food. I really wanted to try the blueberry pancakes but I ate lunch already (I don’t generally eat breakfast), so I had several cocktails. Imaginative and some impressive ingredients, the Lemoncello reminded me of my dreams of visiting the Malfi coast and the Lillies martini is similar but spicy (just like I like my cats) definitely got a ginger kick. A bit pricey for me, but so is everything in DC. Also the music was great when I paid attention to it, like alt jazz but mellow. A lifesaver and service was on point, and the bartender, Dan or Den, I’m not good with names, was super friendly and a young person who sat next to us was a very cool kid. I’m old so everyone is young these days. We talked about time travel and metaphysics. We stayed for a couple hours and then it was time for the change to dinner. Which we drank. So there. “Have dessert first” is a thing I didn’t know about until recently but I’m going to do that from now on. ”
“ This place was so cute & the food was pretty good! I got the breakfast panini and my aunt got the chicken hummus wrap (: It’s the perfect place to eat right before heading to the zoo. It’s less than a 5 minute walk! ”
“ Stopped here for an early lunch before visiting the zoo. Nora was our server- efficient and kind. We ordered the quesadillas and an Italian panini- both hearty and delicious! The panini had grilled onions and peppers inside- perfect. The panini was hearty. A nice stop for lunch! Happened to be happy hour all day so drinks (beer,wine and cocktails) were 1/2 off. ”
“ This restaurant and bar is a hidden gem within walking distance of the zoo. Great menu and fantastic service in an upscale environment. We stopped in here for brunch after visiting the zoo. I chose this place because they really cater to the kids with their panda pancakes. (we had too young kids with us). It was not a disappointment, they were a hit and they were delicious. They were also able to make the panda pancakes with the chocolate chip batter so that was a big plus. For brunch, the adults had the classic eggs Benedict, Caesar salad with chicken, eggs Benedict Chesapeake (with a crabcake on ) and a chicken Parmesan sandwich. All the food was outstanding. Really tasty. Overall the menu has a lot of great options, at a little higher price point, but I believe it was worth it Our server (Nbg) was delightful, attentive, and really professional. On top of everything and did a really good job. Overall, I was extremely pleased with our choice. It was great food, in a really nice environment, with great service. I will be back again. ”
“ Got seated immediately upon arrival after a young lady asked inside or out. We came here for the first time after the zoo and since the day was nice we opted for the patio. A waiter came around and asked us if we were ready to order. We got an appetizer (the bruschetta) and two cokes. A little while later we ordered our mains (chicken parm and schnitzel) and some garlic bread. Both appetizers came out at the same time and were very enjoyable. The bruschetta tasted fresh and complimented the garlic bread well. My partners schnitzel arrived first and not too soon my parm did too. Food was very good and the servers were very quick and efficient getting us refills. Thank you to all three of them who helped us. I understand as a server myself that busy patios can be hard to deal with, but they did great. Thank you and we will be back. ”
“ Such a cute restaurant in a great location. Very close to the zoo. If you are looking for amazing Italian dishes this is your place. We ordered the chicken parmesan and herb chicken. Was the best chicken parmesan I have had in a very long time. The herb chicken has the best taste. Sure would love the recipe. Highly recommend you give this hidden gem a try. You won't be disappointed! ”