Lilly’s Ferry, located at 10 S. Front Street, is now open in Old City, Philadelphia.
Owner Anas Hamad, who is originally from Jerusalem, came to the United States when he was 14 years old with his family. Since moving to the United States, Hamad has made himself a home in the city of Philadelphia after moving here in 2020 from Maryland. When he moved to Philadelphia, Hamad did not feel like he had the food he loved to indulge in at home in the city, leading him to buy the former Victoria’s Freehouse and transform it into Lilly’s Ferry.
Lilly, the four-year-old daughter of Hamad, was the inspiration behind the name. “I took her to visit the restaurant for the first time,” said Hamad in a statement. “She saw a ferry and pointed it out and the name stuck from that moment on. I always wanted to name my business after her, but the ferry was a last-minute addition that I had to use as the moment was adorable.”
The menu features classic Middle Eastern dishes such as Hummus ($12), Chicken Shawarma ($15), Falafel ($11), Tahini Salad ($12), and Baklava ($9). In order to create the perfect menu, Hamad brought in chef from Dubai to ensure each dish has the authenticity that Lilly’s Ferry aims to bring to their customers.
Additionally, the menu features specials such as Vegan Tiki Marsala ($23), Chicken & Chips ($16), Sheppard’s Pie ($24), and Chicken Pot Pie ($23). Family Combo options are also available for 8 people ($151), 4 people ($91), 2 people ($51) or a single person ($29). The combo’s include Kufta Kebabs, Beef Sate Patty and Lamb Chops and a side of Hummus, Salad, Pickles, and Rice.
The beverage menu, created by Bar Manager Christopher Zografos, was made to bring a Philly feel to the Middle Eastern cuisine, as Middle Eastern countries do not typically consume alcohol. Specialty cocktails are $15 each and will be rotated seasonally. Lilly’s Spring and Summer cocktails include Ferry Trip (Gin, Elderflower Liquor, Cucumber-Lemon Zest Syrup, Lime Juice), Passion Daiquiri (Rum, Fruit Liquor, Pineapple- Passionfruit Juice, Lime Juice, Cranberry Juice, Dark Rum), Pineapple Tea Party (Citrus Vodka, Ginger Orange Turmeric Syrup, Pineapple Mango Tea, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice), Baila Con El Diablo (Tequila, Crème de Cassis, Orange Curacao, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer), Jack Sparrow (Rum, Coffee Liquor, Chocolate Bitters, Vanilla), and We Like To Party (Pisco, Citrus Mix, Grapefruit Bitters, Angostura Bitters, Egg White)
Lilly’s Ferry is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m.- midnight, Friday from 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.- 2 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 10:30 p.m.
