It doesn't seem right to crack the pita shell of the Fatoush salad. The go to appetizer at the glorious Lili Oceanfront Restaurant, like much of the menu, is so aesthetically pleasing that a twinge of guilt arrives when altering the state of the culinary work of art.
However, there is no remorse after the initial taste of the delicious Syrian garden salad with olive oil and tangy pomegranate molasses.
It's a great way to start a meal at a bistro, which is a breath of fresh air along the Asbury Park boardwalk.
Lili, the stylish, multi-level Coastal Mediterranean restaurant is a welcome addition in the space, which was once occupied by Stella Marina. When many foodies think of the finest restaurants in Asbury Park, they conjure images of establishments on Cookman Avenue or Bangs Avenue. However, Lili is proving that fine cuisine and the oceanfront are not mutually exclusive.
Lili, which opened in July, is already making waves among discerning arbiters of taste. The
variety and quality of the menu is undeniable. The only issue is what to order since there are so many tantalizing choices.
The hummus classic and the baba ghanouj are absolute must experiences. The former is a creamy mix of savory chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice and garlic topped with olive oil, herbs, spices and pine nuts. The latter is a terrific combination of creamy roasted eggplant, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and garlic.
The fare is driven by a fusion of flavors that is fantastic thanks to owner Alan Dakhlallah. "I'm very excited to be in Asbury Park," Dakhlallah said. "I want to make something special here. I want it to be something different."
Mission accomplished out of the gate. Asbury Park has plenty of bars, venues and Italian restaurants. However, true classic Mediterranean restaurants are in short supply. When Mediterranean bistros are bandied about, it's of fresh and bright open spaces, preferably on the beach.
Dakhlallah understands that as he has transformed the drab walls and space of Stella Marina into a sunny and lively culinary destination. "It was important for us to be at the beach," Dakhlallah said. "One of the reasons we took Stella Marina is because of the view. It's beautiful here. We have a rooftop at the boardwalk. This is an amazing place."
The goal for Dakhlallah is for diners to escape via food and due to all the location offers. "I want people to feel like they're on vacation in a place like Turkey or Spain or Lebanon when they come here," Dakhlallah said. "The place here was brown and dark when we got it. We've made it blue and white and put flowers and trees on the rooftop. You feel like you're in the Mediterranean and you're actually in New Jersey."
Dakhlallah, 41, is from Syria and grew up on Staten Island. "When I was a kid I said, 'One day I'll own a restaurant," Karp said.
Well, Dakhlallah's dream was realized in 2016 when he opened his first restaurant, "Laila Restaurant and Lounge," in Staten Island. "Serena Bistro and Lounge " followed in New York's under the radar borough. " "Laila Bayridge," which opened in Brooklyn, is restaurant number three for Dakhlallah.
"It's been great being in this business," Dakhlallah said. "I love it."
Dakhlallah still lives in Staten Island. "I love that Staten Island feels like a small town," Dakhlallah said. "It's a great place."
The first trip to Asbury Park was in 2024 for Dakhlallah. "I loved it here immediately," Dakhlallah said. "I love the art, the beach, all of it. I love the vibe of this city. When Stella Marina opened, we bought it."
The views are tremendous. From the second floor party room and the roof, diners can gaze at the beach or the casino. The crystal chandeliers and red velvet curtains create a welcome old school effect.
Lili is a stylish, comfortable bistro that looks fantastic. But Lili's is about the food, which is tremendous.
The Branzino is a can't miss dish. It's a European sea bass, broiled or fried, served with lemon, olive oil, asparagus, and rice pilaf. The Tunisian octopus is delectable. Broiled octopus is served over stewed carrots, potatoes and chickpeas in harissa tomato sauce. It rests in a fine bed of couscous.
Diners are remiss if they don't indulge in a kebab at a Mediterranean restaurant. Lili doesn't disappoint. The Kufta kabab, served spicy or mild, features ground meat seasoned with Turkish spices served over pita, accompanied by fresh herbs, sumac onion, tomato salad, fries and garlic sauce.
The saganaki, fried flaming cheese with figs and lemon honey is always fun.
There's a number of great pizza shops in the neighborhood but who else is serving falafel pizza? Yes, hummus works on pizza. The same goes for mussels. The Cozze Arragiattu, which features mussels in a spicy pizza sauce with mozzarella and grated pecorino is a winner. The spicy fig and prosciutto is a nice new spin on an old school pie. Mission figs, prosciutto, arugala, fresh mozzarella, basil and hot honey make for an exceptional amalgam.
The pizzas and sandwiches are baked in a brick oven. The crabcake Mediterranean features crab, baby romaine, Jersey tomato, anchovies and dill aioli on a Brioche roll.
Lili has the bases covered with the menu. As summer fades into the rearview, Dakhlallah has solid offseason plans. "I want to this to be a place to go even during winter," Dakhlallah said. "A lot of places are closed on the Boardwalk during winter but I want this restaurant to be alive. I'm going to bring different themes, such as Christmas and Valentine's to the restaurant. I want this to be a vibrant place. We've only be opened for a short time but so far, so good."
When I was a kid I said, 'One day I'll own a restaurant,'
I want people to feel like they're on vacation in a place like Turkey or Spain or Lebanon when they come here,