Lilo

Awesome experience. Every dish was a symphony of flavors and was delightfully presented. Open kitchen allows you to see the painstaking preparation of each course. Then, a chef brings the dish to you and explains it as well as pouring, dripping, or crushing the final coup de grace of the preparation. Experience a Michelin star meal in an unpretentious but refined atmosphere. It was a wonderful experience that far exceeded my expectations.

A stellar experience from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave. Unparalleled service worthy of a michelin star with the food to back it up! The chef has curated a phenomenal menu that balances courses with intensely bold flavors that challenge the traditional flavors one may typically be exposed to. You will not go wrong coming here

We live nearby and went to Jeune et Jolie before they got their Michelin star, and coincidentally did the same thing at Lilo. Everything was immaculate and impeccable. What makes each course special is that it’s a cohesive experience, making fluid use of their outdoor and indoor spaces. The staff rotates taking the time to explain the dishes, and they’re watching to make sure you have everything you need. We went for my husband’s 39th birthday and it was our favorite dining experience. The menu was seafood-focused, fresh, and flavorful. Every bite is a flavor bomb hitting different, bright notes. Props to the owners for their meaningful naming conventions for all 4 restaurants. We’re already looking forward to the next time. Until then, congrats Lilo team on your star! So well-deserved.

Really well designed space, modern but very cosy and great accoustics. You’re welcomed in a beautiful courtyard before moving indoors where everyone is seated around the kitchen. Happy bustle, contact with the chefs, great music. Food was very nice. Still cannot decide what my favourite dishes were. Fantastic experience. Highly recommend. Non alcoholic pairing was very interesting. Custom brews and almost felt as special as getting wine arrangements, which is a hard thing to accomplish.

Superb! All around a wonderful dining experience. I feel bad spoiling the magic with my photos but I know some people want to see what they're getting into before spending that amount of money. My only minor critique would be that the chairs at the counter are not the most comfortable, but I guess that keeps you upright and attentive. All of the staff are so kind and accommodating the whole way through. They did say that the menu will have slight variations based on ingredient availability and season.

Best restaurant I’ve ever been to, hands down. Been to Michelin restaurants all around the world including Greece and Italy. And 2 weeks prior to coming to Lilo, went to Addison for the first time. LILO, is hands down, the best food I’ve ever had. Why? Bc there’s no gimmick, it’s not trying too hard to be something it’s not. Yes, the presentation is beautiful, but the taste is mindblowingly better. The experience started outside, beautiful courtyard, music at perfect volume. (They brought sound engineer in to create the perfect environment of music without you having to lean in to hear someone talk, who does that?) This may not seem like a big deal, but when you get there you’ll see what I’m saying, it’s perfectly executed. When we were sat, another table was sat maybe 5-10 minutes after us, and the runner accidentally brought our starters to their table after we had already been waiting. Without saying anything, they realized their mistake, and when our starters came out, they brought some free rose champagne which was honestly the perfect touch. No complaining, no excuses, just fixed the problem. Every dish was better than the last, but the dish with caviar was definitely my favorite. The open concept kitchen was fun to watch every chef do their thing then bring their dish to present to you, added that personal touch that they were proud to show you their creation. After dinner you’re escorted to the yard around a bonfire for some hot tea and additional wine if you’d like. Here is where you get your parting gift and menu. It didn’t even occur to me that we hadn’t seen a menu the entire time, and every meal was a surprise. Again, nothing special, just a really nice touch. 100/10 recommend, I’m going again tomorrow it’s that good.

Took my wife here for our 23rd wedding anniversary. And this place was Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Food, service, atmosphere and staff are all amazing. Make your reservation now while you can. This place is destined to be a 2-3 Michelin starred restaurant in no time.

I went into this meal with high expectations and it still blew them out of the water. We were visiting San Diego so Carlsbad was a little out of the way but it was definitely worth the trip, and you can even take the coaster train to get here from San Diego for only $6.50. The team at Lilo was so friendly, welcoming and accommodating. The pacing, the music, the food, the drinks, all perfect. As someone who has dined at Michelin quality restaurants all around the country, this is definitely on that caliper and deserving of at least one star, if not two. We also dined at Addison the three star restaurant in the same area serving the similar food for around the same price and the meal and service at Lilo were significantly better. I definitely recommend the goldilocks pairing as it was the perfect balance of craftfull delicious NA cocktails and fine wines. The amount of food was perfect too, I was very full without feeling bloated. Well worth the trip there and the money for the meal. The Lilo team although new, definitely knows what they are doing and will become a staple in the fine dining scene of the area.

This experience was above and beyond my expectation for a dinner experience. Your RSVP is to a set tasting menu. If there are any food allergies or menu alteration requests, the kitchen contacts you personally a week ahead of your reservation date. Parking is reserved for guests in front of the restaurant. You get started in the beautiful courtyard before being ushered into the main dining area for the restaurant of your meal. Every bite was explained in depth and fantastic. Highly recommend the drink pairing. You finish your experience back in the courtyard with some tea. Well deserving of their Michelin star.

Definitely Michelin level consideration and the service was top notch which distinguishes itself from the majority of San Diego dining these days. Make reservations well in advance as the Michelin word is out and luckily we were booked before that happened. This is not a drop in place. And there's no dine at the bar option. Also, this is a 3 hour experience, so know that. The restaurant sign is not very visible and we passed it twice from the street. But parking was easy in their lot right in front of the entry once we found it. Keep your eyes peeled! Lovely little outdoor area for pre dinner orientation and cocktails, and after dinner tea service with fire pits . I loved the attentiveness to service and it was just perfect...not aloof at all but not preening. 5/5. The appetizers were absolutely amazing and the courtyard setting with them was just perfect. Loved the special touch with the beverage chef talking to you about her creations and your options! The littleneck clam app with green strawberries was prob my favorite. But the amuses all were perfect. So much was good but here's the surprise hit for me. I was sure I'd hate then orgeat ice cream topped with caviar and smoked celery root but...I'm its biggest fan now. The ice cream was just perfect and unctuous and had that hit of citrus and the caviar was... Not fishy, maybe vaguely but mostly added umami with the salt and ocean brine and the celery root grounded it. Wow. This was otherworldly! My only negatives were ( I and the others i was with all agreed) the wagyu beef was too chewy. But...We all said the main ingredients were perfect in each course but the sauces/accoutrements way overpowered the stars. Big time. Their star ingredients are just perfect like the lobster or the crab or the turbot (we loved this!) but the accoutrements just were screaming instead of letting those flavors of the star ingredient shine in its beauty. I found myself shaking off these amazing sauces to taste the even more amazing proteins. These seem like easily adjustable tweaks.... The music all night long especially inside...(the best music selection I've heard in a restaurant to date!)...was just honestly too loud. Loved the vibe but when I can't hear what the chef is directly telling me at my table about the dish they've specially prepped and are serving right in front of me because music is blasting... We all said the same thing. Four of us paid almost $2000 for 4 meals at 260 each and pairings (NA, mixed or A) are all small sized (thankfully!) but costly. The NA pairing was delicious but small and $110! The cocktails are beautiful but very groovy and small and run around $30 each. Also they run on the sweet side. You finish back where you started in the outdoor firepit area with a calming tea service. It was a lovely experience so here's a great San Diego Michelin night dinner. The whole experience was just wonderful. Props to the staff who truly made it feel special and made it delicious. In future, If they had a bar seating option with a limited menu, I'd be in way more often. I just don't have the patience unfortunately,for extended dining no matter how beautiful

Lilo has a beautiful space and an interesting concept, but overall, the experience fell a bit flat for me. The service could have been better, for a spot positioning itself as upscale, the attentiveness just wasn't there. They do have a small lot for patrons only, which is nice. I had the non-alcoholic drink pairing for my dinner and while the flavors were creative, they started to blend together..everything tasted a bit too similar. I'd probably go for the alcoholic cocktails next time. Before the main courses, they serve a few bites on the patio, but they were pretty basic and not particularly memorable which made me worry about the rest of the meal. The steak course that came as part of the menu was unfortunately on the chewy side, which was disappointing given the expectation for wagyu. Desserts could have been better too, nothing really stood out. At the end of the day, this is one of those meals that reminds me the San Diego food scene still has a long way to go compared to LA.

We live nearby and went to Jeune et Jolie before they got their Michelin star, and coincidentally did the same thing at Lilo. Everything was immaculate and impeccable. What makes each course special is that it's a cohesive experience, making fluid use of their outdoor and indoor spaces. The staff rotates taking the time to explain the dishes, and they're watching to make sure you have everything you need. We went for my husband's 39th birthday and it was our favorite dining experience. The menu was seafood-focused, fresh, and flavorful. Every bite is a flavor bomb hitting different, bright notes. Props to the owners for their meaningful naming conventions for all 4 restaurants. We're already looking forward to the next time. Until then, congrats Lilo team on your star! So well-deserved.

Incredible fine dining experience without the stuffiness. Starting out in the patio, then into the dining area and back out to the patio to enjoy desserts and tea was very immersive and well thought out to enjoy San Diego's great weather. Loved how the restaurant felt very elegant yet casual at the same time. The food and presentation of it was obviously top notch and well deserving of its recently awarded Michelin 1 star. I personally felt Lilo was short changed a star or 2, but an incredible accomplishment for a restaurant opened for just 2 months! Service was impeccable and loved how every dish's final preparation was explained and completed in front of you. Some of my favorites from the night were the Big Eye Tuna and Wagyu Beef Tartare (nice play on the surf and turf theme), Rock Crab (loved the citrus flavor and crab meat wrapped in Kohlrabi), N25 Kaluga Caviar (mixture of Orgeat ice cream and caviar created an explosion of flavors), and Masami Ranch Wagyu Ribeaye (the smoked and grilled Unagi was a perfect mix with the Wagyu that created an amazing savory taste). However, my absolute favorite of the night was the Wild Brittany Turbot that was cooked to perfection and mixed well with the Yuzu oil. I love anything Yuzu!!! The wife and I are already planning on our next dinner date at this amazing restaurant!

Incredible dining experience at LILO. 5/5 stars, truly remarkable. From start to finish you will feel like a super VIP while at LILO. The staff is incredible friendly, knowledge, and attentive. The exterior and interior are stunning and makes you feel like you're in a secluded area. The food was literally amazing. Flavors that I've never imagined and combinations that seem strange when described but harmoniously meld together in the most beautiful way. I loved my experience at LILO and cannot wait for an opportunity to come back soon! You will need to come for yourself to see what I'm talking about. Words really can't describe the amazing meal I had at LILO. Thanks to the team for making me feel extra special for a milestone celebration!

I don't even know how to explain this place without sounding dramatic, but... Lilo was honestly magical. We walked up to check in for our reservation and before we even said anything, they somehow already knew our names. Like what?! From that moment on, it felt like we were being taken care of by people who genuinely loved what they do. The space is gorgeous and totally transportive. We started off in the garden outside, and not even two minutes in, someone brought over a little stool just for my purse and labubu (if you know, you know) I was shook in the best way!! The tasting menu was UNREAL. Every course was like a little piece of art. so colorful and insanely creative. Usually with tasting menus I leave a little hungry, but here. I was full, happy, and honestly didn't want it to end but i swear my stomach was about to blow up. And the staff... sheeesshhhh. I can't say enough good things. Every single person we interacted with was kind, welcoming, and genuinely happy to have us there. Aubrey especially. Omg we love love love Aubrey. she's a total STAR. So sweet, so attentive, and just made the whole experience feel EXTRA special and warm. This place is something special. I'll 100% be back. As we were driving away, I was literally already texting my friends RAVING about Lilo.

I made a reservation at Lilo Restaurant for 5:00 pm on a Thursday evening. The buiding is set back from Roosevelt with a small parking lot right in front. There is one handicapped parking place on the left when you enter the parking lot. There was a staff member out front to greet the guests. You are taken to the garden in front of the restaurant to begin the adventure. You can choose from two wine pairings or the non-alchoholic pairing. I selected the non-alchoholic pairing and it was very well thought out. Each drink was meant to enhance the dish with which it is served. All the glassware is different and very beautiful. The young staff is very enthusiastic. Even though they are generally following a script, of course, their kindness shines through in every interaction.

The ambiance was lovely -- the restaurant has a clean, modern design that feels both inviting and elegant. Service was excellent: friendly, professional, and attentive throughout. My favorite dishes were the scallops and the adorable little brioche bread. The ice cream with caviar was a surprising highlight -- I wasn't expecting that combo to work, but it was delicious. Great job on that creative twist! I was a bit disappointed with the main entrée. The American wagyu was on the chewy side, I think Japanese wagyu would've been a better choice for a Michelin-star experience. Desserts also fell short of expectations. The financier was just okay, and the stroopwafel didn't stand out -- overall, the dessert course felt underwhelming. That said, it was still a very nice dining experience overall, and I'd recommend giving this place a try.

I had above average expectations when I dined at Lilo purely because I've had such surprisingly wonderful prior experiences at Jeune et Jolie. I don't normally like to leave a critical take, but it seems like the Lilo team is still trying to find their footing and I hope my feedback might be helpful to anyone who is open to it. I've spent a lot of my life dining around the world so my take is likely more critical than the average person, and I tend to favor the flavors of the food / drinks over asthetics and ambiance. To start the physical location, plating / presentation of dishes, and atmosphere are wonderful. For some, the setting itself will likely elevate their overall experience as it is truly a beautiful space; my only real comment is to please reduce the noise of the music. I had seen some reviews saying it was loud and I thought it could just be nit-picking but honestly it was so loud I actually had a hard time talking to my partner to my side, and it was really difficult to hear anyone that came to present the next dish. I normally never make comments on noise levels but the music at Lilo was so loud it really took away from the space. To the food, this is where Lilo really disappointed me. I'm not sure if people think of it much, but I find tasting menus to be kind of like an experience at a symphony. You have your start, build ups and breaks in between, your peak, and then a wind down. There's a general cohesion to a tasting menu and Lilos tasting menu was really a whiplash experience in flavors. Constantly there were dishes that were crisp, light, and refreshing followed by really rich, and savory dishes all throughout the entire experience. On top of this, the entire menu weirdly leaned really sweet. I have a bias as I don't personally prefer deserts or overly sweet things, but I really thought it was alot. Some examples, there was a fish dish paired with this light lemon custard foam sauce and the sauce itself was a few sweet notes from being on a potential desert. Another one was a main squabble dish came with a really sweet reduced berry sauce that could have been put on a desert. There were a alot of sauces used throughout the entire menu, and I thought all the sauces masked or overpowered the beauty of the great ingredients they were working with. If they could find a way to tone down the sauces to serve as a standalone but very complimentary component of the dishes, I think that could go a long way. We had the nonalcoholic pairing and it was generally good but as projects a little spotty. They are doing some really creative things on the nonalcoholic front, and it was great to see the use of tea. For nonalcoholic pairings I think the general trend will be a focus on tea as it can become really granular like with wines on sourcing tea leaves, methods used, etc. They also brew their own tonic water in house which is great. As standalone drinks I think the actual nonalcoholic drinks are really creative and delicious, as drink pairings it was generally really nice though spotty. Looking at the alcoholic pairing, we didn't order it but the focus here is California wines with some Sake, and just looking at the menu they are really up charging on the CA wines. The cocktails here are also $30 and while we didn't get any, at those prices it's on average more expensive than even at Kato in LA that has a Michelin rated cocktail program and accolated bar manager. Lastly the service was nice, though honestly it was inconsistent. Everyone was very nice but I don't really know how to put it, it just felt a little insincere and spotty. There were some that you could just tell were so passionate and lively, and some that really were just checking boxes or were a little robotic. Overall the bones of an amazing restaurant are here. Lilo has only been open for 7 weeks so there's plenty of time for improvement and I'm sure there are growing pains, but as it was from when we went this was disappointing. One of the appeals of Jeune et Jolie was it was well executed food at a very affordable price point. Lilo isn't cheap, with our nonalchoholic pairing after tax and tip you're looking at around $400 per person, and at those prices you're stating to compare it to restaurants in LA or even Addison in SD. Hopefully the restaurant improves over time and they take everyone's feedback sincerely. With such a beautiful space and plating presentation, it would be wonderful if Lilo could become a top restaurant destination in the future. As it stands today, there are so many better alternatives at this price point and I wouldn't recommend going to this iteration of Lilo.

Lilo was beyond scrumptious, creative tastings. It was a captivating magical experience. From the moment you arrive , literally stepping through the outdoor entrance to having an end of dinning tea service relaxing by the fire pit. I didn't want it to end. The courses are all prepared like a work of art and the flavor and quality was off the charts stellar. The customer service was intimate and friendly. I felt like I had a private dining experience. The staff knew our names and the timing of all the dishes and drinks were perfectly in sync. Each drink and each dish came with a story and/ or a detailed description which made me appreciate the lengths to make the dish and the creative genius behind it. We loved all the courses served I highly recommend sitting at the counter, you get an amazing view of the chefs preparing each course. Our sommelier Kaitlyn (unsure of spelling) was amazing and a wealth of information. She explained how the drinks complimented each dish She would go into the history of the wineries/ bev company. Truly fascinating . She was so helpful and patient when I kept asking for her to repeat information. When you complete your tasting you are escorted to the patio and fire pit to relax. Kaitlyn brought us a tea service, with personalized thank you cards. I actually felt disappointed the evening was coming to a close. The owner John greeted us and made us feel so welcomed. We enjoyed his vintage music system. The vinyl albums and tapes being played were appealing and familiar to me. I'm usually the person complaining about weird New Age/ electronic (i don't know what it is music) I hear at several dining spots The staff are all 10 Stars. The menu had a great variety Our party of 4 found every plate delicious. The scallops were my favorite and the side of freshly baked bread served with the Maine lobster was out of this world. Anyway I can go on and on. I highly recommend Lilo I encourage you to engage with the friendly staff They are happy you are there and it shines through with everything they present you.

This fine dining addition to the San Diego food scene is incredible! We went to Lilo during just their second week being open, and they were already firing on all cylinders. We began the dinner outside in the patio on a cool night, but were warmed by the heaters, the large fire pit, and the blankets provided. The welcome staff was friendly attentive, and very helpful. With a concept as unique as this to the area, it was great to have so many great personalities to ask questions to. Upon arrival, they gave us the most delicious welcome drink that opened our palettes. As the welcome bites arrived, we got excited for our special night to come. After those are finished, we were escorted inside for the rest of our dinner. We were fortunate to be seated at one of the four-tops in the kitchen which makes for a fun, unique and immersive experience. I won't go into too much detail, but every dish that came out was thoughtfully explained, delicious, and well executed. If we had any questions about the preparation, ingredients, or how the dish was created, the chef's or the servers were happy to answer and thorough in their thoughtful response. Each of us had the different drink pairings, from the non-alcoholic, to the light Goldilocks, to the full alcohol. Even though I did not participate in the pairings, it seemed that the non-alcoholic and full were the most well received. After dinner, we were treated to a tea service out by the fire pit, which was an excellent way to end an incredible dinner. This was special occasion for our group, and the Lilo team made it an unforgettable night for all of us. I can't wait to see what more they do at this amazing spot. They're very well deserving if their first Michelin star they just received, but I'm sure they'll be getting many more accolades in the future.

We were so excited to eat at this restaurant since our first Michelin starred experience was at their sister restaurant Jeune et Jolie (so amazing!) LILO did not disappoint. It lived up to the hype that we created in our minds and blew it away. From the beginning of the experience entering the restaurant and sitting in the beautiful courtyard to enjoy the assortment of amuse bouche to the very last dessert bite, the staff here created the most amazing atmosphere. Our captain Andrew was phenomenal and did a great job setting the night and explained all our alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings. Coco, who created the pairings is literally visionary. I don't normally drink or even get mocktails but since we were celebrating our recent marriage and my husband's birthday, I opted for the non-alcoholic pairing. One of the best culinary decisions I've ever made. Even my husband said some of my pairing options were blowing his alcoholic pairings away. Pastry chef Maddie was the sweetest person and put so much thought in every single dish, from the butter in the brioche to the sourcing of the rice in the desserts. Every single dessert was fabulous and hit all the right notes. The banana/rice dessert was such perfection that the alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairing was honestly not necessary. We can't wait to come back to mark another life celebration!

Thank you so much for the experience! Love the regional ingredients. The managers and staff were terrific. I've been here several days ago, and to my surprise they've already changed one course on the menu, and personally I like the new one even more. Overall it felt choreographed and they took care of every detail. Looking forward to the next visit!

Lilo is incredible, and we are so grateful to have a place of this quality right in the neighborhood. Every bite we had was very very good, so picking the highlights is basically choosing the A+'s over the A's. The clear standout was almond and orange blossom ice cream with caviar, almond oil, and aged celery root--it was absolutely incredible and unlike anything I've ever tasted before, and it's going on my list of best things I've ever tasted. Maddy, the pastry chef, is incredibly talented. In addition to the ice cream, her banana dessert was also a standout. The tarts we ate outside before the meal started things out incredibly strong, and other highlights were the lobster with chili, the scallop dish, and the turbot. Again, though, not a mediocre (let alone bad) dish in the meal. The service overall was incredible, starting with Aubrey at the front of the house who welcomed us and closed the meal for us. Everyone made us feel incredibly welcome. Their consistent way of serving every dish and drink (I won't spoil it) also made the experience memorable and unique. We've been fortunate to eat at a number of the best restaurants in the world, and Lilo is right up there with the best of the best.

What an amazing experience. Won't give any spoilers but the reception from arrival to departure was just next level. Been to many a Michelin star restaurant including Addison but the experience here beat most all of them. Definitely a must visit for a top notch culinary experience.

If you get a chance to be in one of the 22 seats at Lilo, you will be in for a culinary treat in an inviting, serene environment. Be prepared for 2 1/2-3 hours of non-stop courses and beverages from a highly-attentive staff while you watch it all go down just a few feet in front of you. Not only was the food incredible, but the experience was personalized for us with outstanding service. John Resnick was super approachable and friendly, and made sure we were well-taken care of all evening. One of the highlights of the evening isn't even listed on the menu. The very first drink we were given to begin our meal was a refreshing, clear, tomato drink with cocktail ice unlike anything we'd ever tasted. Our top three favorite courses without question were the scallops, ice cream with caviar (who knew?!), and the banana rice dessert (almost licked the bowl). Another standout distinction was the use of coffee oil, almond oil, matcha oil, and banana oil on various courses. These were absolutely delicious cherries on top of their respective dishes. We were stuffed by the time the night was over, and were served a lovely white tea service to end the evening. Lilo is a very strong, welcome addition to San Diego's restaurant scene, and I hope you can enjoy it soon. Thank you to the team for a fantastic evening!

Service is good overall but I don't see much of passion or sincere at Lilo (maybe 4 out of 10). One of the hosts perhaps tried too hard to talk to the couple next to us and it was kinda loud. Also they forgot to give me my napkin after I came back from the bathroom, minor issue but I don't expect it at a Michelin restaurant. Setting: I personally prefer to get seated right away than eating outside first, but this seems to be the norm of many Michelin restaurants. I also prefer comfortable chair since I'm on the short side. I didn't like the main dining chairs. It was like 2 hours sitting on something uncomfortable. At the end. I didn't expect the after tea party outside of the restaurant . I just want private time talking to my partner so it was awkward staring at other people or could tell others listening to us. Some people may enjoy this sort of setting. Food: the scallops and lobster dishes were both good. The American Wagyu is a disappointment. It's not as soft as you expected. They should go with Japanese wagyu or just do a different protein. The rest of the dishes are just ok, they were not as tasty. I wouldn't compare Lilo to Addison at this point.

LILO is more than just the latest in San Diego's fine dining its is an extraordinary dining experience. With Chef Eric Bost and restauranteur John Resnick at the helm, each of the 12 courses is an explosion of flavors and surprises, crafted and presented with precision and creativity. The entire experience is elevated by the restaurant's unique design. From the patio to the circular dining area which surrounds the chef's and prep stations the space and staff create a circular or wave-like feeling of enthusiasm. At the entrance we were warmly welcomed by the charming and attentive maitres'd, Aubrey, who set the tone for the evening. We began on the zen-like patio with an anticipatory view into the main dining room. Kind wait staff presented small, delicious bites of little neck clams, big eye tuna paired with beef tartare, A caviar tartelette and a scrumptious role of Iberico ham plus the most refreshing tomato-based drink I've ever tasted. After our little bites we were seated inside overlooking the chefs and work stations. What followed was a parade of 9 more unique and unforgettable courses, each more beautiful and delicious than the last. I can't decide if it was the scallop roasted in brown butter and bone marrow broth or the turbot with Koji, sabayon, and get this.. coffee oil that blew my mind. But then they doubled down with an ice cream topped with caviar and house pressed almond oil. The surprises of delight continued, and the engaging staff made the evening even more memorable. I won't spoil the rest because you'll want to make a reservation soon but one last note about the blackened banana desert, it may just make you write rhapsodic about LiLo just like me. I am going back in June for my birthday! Join me!!

Truly exceptional. Outstanding service from start to finish. Wonderful presentation of the food. The restaurant itself is absolutely charming. Highly recommend.

Best restaurant in San Diego at the moment. No contest. Betting the Over for their Michelin Star. Wifey said, "feels like we're in a Chef's Table episode but with better music."

An incredible dinner outing. Stunning atmosphere with equally stunning food and service. A must try!

WOW! We've been to a lot of tasting menus. Other than at an omakase, we've never been THAT close to the kitchen. Really a unique experience. Whether you book a table or chefs counter you'll be close to the action. Everyone was super friendly. Love the garden space as well. A great place to start and end your meal.

Food is good. But too much. I think they are trying to justify their fixed price menu approach with stuffing people. Less is sometimes more. I liked the food better than Jeune et Jolie. Dishes were good with the exception of the dry aged meat. That was chewy. They could have cut off the feet of the bird they served. We had their goldilocke wine pairing. The none alcoholic drinks had all a similar taste. I guess they limit what you can do there. Looks like some of the staff from J et J got transferred. The music is too loud. The staff does for this chain typical monologue about what they about to feed you, but you can't understand anything, so just nod and smile, so they get over with it. One last note: what's up with the staff uniforms? They look like 1980 Soviet Union. I would fresh those up quickly.

The new best in SD! Incredible experience. From the design of the space, to the level of service, to the plates that all push and explore while still offering lots of pleasant satisfying umami, to the beverage pairings, to the music choice and volume, it all comes together to create a one of kind night out. John, the chef and their team have truly created something special and San Diego is lucky to have something of this caliber. These guys deserve Michelin recognition. Bravo. We'll be back.

The Lilo experience was a belated birthday present. I am being absolutely honest when I say that I've never in my life had a meal this impressively phenomenal. I've also never had a meal this expensive and, to be honest, could not have afforded to come if I was paying. But I'll ignore that piece of this. It's a super cool setup...they greet you as you walk in and you enjoy your first little tastes outside in the courtyard with the option to purchase a beverage. Then you go inside and take your seat at the U- shaped bar surrounding part of the kitchen. It is so fun watching your food be created in front of you. We did the beverage tasting along with the meal which I definitely don't regret. The servers are extremely attentive and the music playing from the record player is legit. Overall, one of the best dining experiences I have ever had...I understand the cost but for us, unless we win the lottery, it's unlikely we'll be able to go back any time soon. Definitely worth it if you can swing it, especially for a special occasion!!

Lilo is an amazing restaurant. All of the courses tasted great. We will definitely return.

Amazing culinary experience from start to finish. I want to come back every season! Love the patio element - we wish more places did something like this. Everyone was so kind and attention to detail was impeccable. Highly recommend.

A stellar experience from start to finish. Extraordinary, complex combinations of flavors and textures, beautifully presented by a talented and gracious staff, who never seemed to be pretending. Orchestration and pacing outstanding. Somehow managed to be unpretentious. Not reality. Something better.

This place is totally going to get a Michelin star soon. The whole experience was like an orchestra. When we arrived, they sat us outside in their beautiful garden. We were served a complimentary palette cleansing drink made of mint, tarragon, and green tomato juice. We received several rounds of first bites that were very impressive. When we were seated inside, they carried our drinks from outside and showed us a place where we can set our things next to the table. We felt extremely welcomed. The inside is directly in front of the kitchen action, very similar to Melisse in Santa Monica. We opted in for the beverage pairing, and when I told our server that I would love to travel to Lodi, CA, she gladly offered her contact information to put me in touch with her connections to wineries and vineyards along with the best places to stay. Chef Eric also came to our table upon our request. He was very inviting and grateful for our visit. We will definitely be back soon for our next celebration in life. Thank you Lilo for an extraordinary experience!