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Lili’s Restaurant and Bar

Savannah is different. I don’t think many of you would disagree. A good many of us here consider “different” to be good, others kinda smile and nod when the topic of “different” comes up. I’m told all the time by people in the food and beverage industry how different things are in Charleston, for example. There are a thousand reasons why our food scenes are different from one another and this isn’t yet another diatribe on Savannah’s growing food scene. Been there, done that, even have the t-shirt. No, there’s an interesting little story going on out on Wilmington Island and it hasn’t taken long for the locals to notice.

Lili's“We wanted to give residents here good food that they’d enjoy”,  says Mir Ali, Chef and Owner of Lili’s Restaurant and Bar on the Island. Lili’s shot out of the cannon on November 17th and hasn’t looked back. I would go so far to say that it’s the best food on Wilmington Island. Certainly the most progressive menu on the island and the dishes we tried were all excellent. But seriously, Duck Hash or Tandori Chicken and Waffles for Brunch? Beef Cheeks and Pasta or Coconut Curried Tofu for dinner?  Not the kind of menu I’d personally expect to fly in Savannah’s meat and potatoes suburb, and I’m not alone. But to this point, we’ve been proven wrong. I frankly think that is fantastic. “I live here on Wilmington Island”, Ali tells me. “I knew there was a need for the foods we are doing. I did take a chance, but I also know that Savannah’s palate is growing.”

The old school crowd may remember Mir from his time in the kitchen at George’s on Tybee Island. I lived in Savannah during its heyday and I remember it well. I never ate at George’s but I knew it was (before Sundae Café came along) Tybee Island’s best restaurant. Some crowned it best in Savannah. Point being, George’s was popular and Mir was there for quite some time. He knows what his customers want and enjoy. He carried that philosophy over to North Beach Grill. That’s where he was until he discovered this location on Johnny Mercer Blvd. “I kept driving by it on my way to and from North Beach”, he says. “It gave me some time to think. Is this what I want to do?” One thing led to another, the loans fell in place and he’s up and running. More importantly, the island is noticing. Word spreads very quickly on the island. “I had no idea we’d be this popular this quickly”, he says. “Especially at the time of the year that we opened. But it has exceeded my expectations.”  How so? We were at Lili’s for Brunch recently and there were a handful of reservations on the books that morning. The majority of them before noon. Doors opened at 11:00am. By 11:40am the 38 seats were nearly full and the patio area outside was near capacity as well. Most of that traffic walk-in. I will go ahead and say it now, if you are planning to visit during a peak time, weekend dinner or maybe brunch, I’d go ahead and make a reservation. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Six days a week. They are closed on Mondays.

Lili's Tandori Chicken and WafflesThe best part for Mir and his staff? They just opened. As of this writing it hasn’t even been 60 days and already the success and word of mouth are making their way around. There really hasn’t been time to experiment with specials, seasonal offerings, or anything like that. Lili’s, which is named for Mir’s 14-year-old daughter, is just getting out on the track and warming up for what could be a great run on Wilmington Island. The pieces are certainly in place. It’s his first time as Chef/Owner of a restaurant so he knows, but it’s hardly his first trip around the block. “There are a lot more things to think about”, he says. “Payroll, food costs, staffing. But I’ve always been conscientious of those things, so it’s been an easy transition.”

If you’re on the island, you probably already know. If you aren’t? This one is worth the drive. I have no doubt you will Eat It and Like It.

See you on TV.

Jesse

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3 thoughts on “Lili’s Restaurant and Bar”

  1. Lillies is Delicious! I tried their bbq hash this Sunday! I love it! But the reservations thing is true. By the end of our meal their reservation crowd was coming in and they had all tables full!

  2. A friend and I went in for my Bday…was a Saturday eve and, luckily, we had reservations! Packed! (Too cold for patio seating.)
    I have always been a huge fan of Mir’s and as usual, he did not disappoint! Everything we had was outstanding….and being a Tuna addict, the sesame seared Tuna was my starter choice, and was perfect! As was everything we tried. Can’t wait to go back!

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