Beautiful ambience and exquisite food presented in a wonderfully approachable atmosphere. You begin your evening in the outdoor courtyard with garden inspired bites, before moving inside for the open-kitchen experience, before finishing back outdoors around the fire table. Each plate was beautifully presented, expertly prepared, served in perfect temperature, and most important of all, incredibly delicious. There Is a high attention to detail with the entire service. As a gluten free guest (celiac), I felt safe with each dish served, without feeling like I missed out on anything my dining companions were enjoying. Each time a modification was needed, the staff subtly confirmed that mine was the gluten free version (reassuring for someone with celiac). A fabulous evening of easy coastal California vibe married to a delicious fine dining experience. Magical. read more

Lilo is a one Michelin star tasting menu experience that is as approachable and un-stuffy as it gets. Your adventure starts and ends in their outdoor courtyard. In between you're seated in their indoor open-kitchen style dining room where you can watch about a dozen chefs meticulously prepare, assemble, and present to you mostly bite-sized culinary creations. Our entire experience took about 2.5 hours. The food: it's quite good, certainly deserves the one Michelin star. They utilize many novel ingredients to create unique flavor profiles such as caviar on almond ice cream, tonka bean instead of vanilla, black garlic on croissant toast, and a number of plants and berries I've never heard of. The attention to detail is also impressive. The chefs carry around a long set of tweezers which they use to assemble your dishes. There was only one thing that wasn't great: the chawanmushi, which was over-salted. Also, I felt like there were too many dessert courses at the end. In total, there were 17 things on the menu - the last five were all desserts. and before that there was a caviar ice cream so six out of the 17 items were desserts. The food was wonderful, but there's not a lot of of it to enjoy. Light eaters will certainly feel full, but I'm a guy who can eat and I left feeling like I was ready for round 2. Still it was a worthwhile culinary experience. read more

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This was an incredible dining experience. Every bite was delicious. Presentation, service, ambiance & the change of venues during the visit were all outstanding. When we were there a summer intern of the restaurant was having dinner with his mom and it was just so sweet. Looked like a really friendly and supportive work environment. Not at all like the Michelin stereotype. I would definitely go again for a special night. read more

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A remarkable Michelin star worthy night. All the reviews cover what you would experience and it's best not knowing so that every single detail is experienced firsthand. The staff's service and demeanor are outstanding. They exude joy and passion in the work they clearly do. Anyone can make incredible food but it's the people and the service that truly bring it out. Huge shout out to Christian who mixed 3 cocktails for us. His recommendations were all on point. He checked up on our friend who wasn't drinking her drink bc it was too strong and made her a better one that she drank in one gulp. The place feels like you're in someone's coastal home being served personally by the owner's team. The scallop, brioche, and wagyu are the highlights of the night. Just perfection. Lastly the fireside tea post dinner was an amazing touch. Great stamp to close the night. read more

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Well-deserved Michelin 1 star! With welcome drink and ending tea in the cozy courtyard bookending the main dining experience at the 24-seat chef's counter indoors, our party of 2 enjoyed impeccable service and an inspired, seafood-forward course progression rooted in Californian seasonality and Japanese influences. Prepaid reservations only, which makes sense given this dining model can ill-afford no-shows. The menu on our particular visit: A WARM WELCOME Mango. Nasturtium. Chamomile DEER ISLE PETITE SCALLOP Fermented Raspberry. Green Shiso. Marigold BIG EYE TUNA AND WAYGU BEEF CROUSTADE Radish. Ginger. Meyer Lemon SPOT PRAWN Magnolla. Smoked Strawberry. Umeboshi. Myoga SANTA BARBARA SEA URCHIN English Pea. Rose Geranium. Preserved Green Blueberry. Smoked Soy. Koji CROISSANT TOAST Black Garlic. Caviar. Salt Spring Mussel. Ibérico Lardo ROCK CRAB Sugar Snap Pea. Finger Lime. Jicama. Almond M11k. Bergamot SCALLOP Preserved Rose. Sea Buckthorn. Smoked Butter Sauce CHAWANMUSHI Smoked Abalone. Porcini. Kinome. Roasted Chicken and Bone Marrow Glaze N25 KALUGA CAVIAR Orgeat Ice Cream. Smoked Celery Root Bushi. Freshly Pressed Almond 011 MADAI Rock Crab. Buttermilk Koji. Smoked Tomato. Ogo. Shiso A5 MIYAZAKI WAGYU Costa Rossa Radicchio. Braised Kelp. Dashi Vinegar. Toasted Walnut. Thomcord Grape. Mustard. Laminated Brioche CUCUMBER Lemon Verbena. Avocado Mousse. Lemon Olive 011 STRAWBERRY Peach. Black Tea. Almond. Fennel. Donut STROOPWAFFLE Burnt Orange. Tonka Bean CHERRY BLOSSOM FUDGE Ume. Yuzu APRICOT MOCHI Lemon Thyme. Walnut read more

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So many good things to say about Lilo. This was our first Michelin-starred restaurant, so we really didn't know what to expect--but now we're hooked. From making our reservation online to the very end of dinner, the entire experience was exceptional. Even the way they coordinated parking with the reservations was seamless and so well organized. I wish I could remember the name of the hostess because she deserves recognition. She was incredibly professional, welcoming, and patient with us from the moment we arrived. The ambiance was intimate and relaxing, and one of my favorite parts was being able to watch the chefs prepare each dish right in front of us. It added another layer to the experience and gave us a glimpse of the care and attention that went into every course. Lilo isn't just about tasting delicious food--it's about the entire experience. Each chef personally presented their dish and explained what we were about to enjoy, which made every course feel even more special. There's so much thought and detail behind each dish that, of course, there's no way you're going to remember everything they tell you! At the end of the meal, they brought us back out to the patio, where we sat by the fire and were served hot tea. Then they presented us with a menu listing everything we had eaten that evening, signed by all of the chefs. Such a thoughtful touch and the perfect way to end an already incredible experience. From beginning to end, Lilo made our first Michelin-star experience one we'll definitely remember--and now they may have created a problem because we want to experience more. Don't save this place only for a special occasion. The experience itself is the special occasion. read more

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They are consistent with quality, creativity, and leaving a lasting experience. The ingredients are very fresh, hand selected and gourmet to the highest extent. When you arrive, you start outside on the patio with some small bites and a non alcoholic beverage. Treasure that because it's arguably the best part. Staff is very attentive. They are very aware of their surroundings - everyone moves out of the way when you walk to the restroom. When you come back, someone is there to push your seat. They thought of everything. read more

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We had a spectacular night here recently. The staff warmly greeted us as soon as we arrived. You feel an elegance in the design and atmosphere when you enter the courtyard. The architecture and lighting were very pleasing. The restaurant offers two seatings. We were fortunate to secure an 8:30 pm reservation. We made the reservation online and prepaid for prix fixe meal. ( including a 20% gratuity). Additionally, any extras would be added at the end of the evening (such as corkage and cocktails). We were guided to a seating area to wait to be called to our table. Actually, our dining experience stared off in the patio area. We were asked if we wanted drinks and shortly some appetizers were served. Then after a few courses, our party were escorted to our table indoors. Dinner continued with surprising presentations to each extravagant dish. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and a delight to eat. At the end of the meal , we were asked to sit outside by the fire pit to enjoy a custom blend of tea made just for Lilo. We were also given a personal thank you card and list of the items that were served tonight. Truly a magical and memorable night! read more

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When a restaurant manages to secure a Michelin star within two months of opening, you pay attention real quick. Had to check out Lilo to see what it was all about! First off, I must talk about the impeccable service here. They greeted us immediately upon entry to their outdoor area and it kept on going from there. Had some small bites outside before going into the main dining room for the main course. Every dish was properly introduced as I would expect. Their service definitely spoke to me like they had ambitions for more than one star. Top notch stuff here. The food here is definitely way higher level than your typical one star. All of the dishes here did not miss at all! On top of that, there were so many creative dishes during the main part of the meal. Favorites had to be the Scallop, Madai, and A5 Miyazaki Wagyu. Extra bonus points for the fresh Black Truffle add on to the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu course for only $35! Well worth the price. And I'm not really sure how people may have said this was enough food...trust me, this is PLENTY of food. Was very stuffed after this meal was over. Ambience here is top tier. Aside from the gorgeous outside area, the main dining room seats you at a uniquely designed counter-style seat where you can watch your meal being prepared. This place takes open kitchen to the next level! I foresee big things in Lilo's future. Although they only stayed at one Michelin star this year, I can see them getting to two stars if they keep this level up. read more

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Lilo has a well-earned Michelin star, and I'm so glad we finally got to experience it! They have their own lot for parking, but if it's full there's street parking as well. Once you enter, you're seated in the patio where it all begins! You get to enjoy a few appetizers and a refreshing drink before heading into the main dining room. The rock crab, chawanmushi, and wagyu were my absolute favorites. I honestly could've skipped every dessert course and happily eaten more of those dishes instead--they were that incredible. The A5 Miyazaki Wagyu was buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Easily the best wagyu I've ever had. We added the truffle, and it was 1,00000000% worth it. It was served with the cutest little laminated brioche (milk bread), which somehow ended up being one of the highlights of the night. Tiny, airy, buttery - absolutely delicious!! They also offered a sourdough option for those who are dairy-free. After the final dessert course, you're invited back outside for tea while they prepare your final bill with any add-ons. They also send you home with a printed copy of the menu, which was such a nice touch. We celebrated our anniversary, and they included a thoughtful handwritten note signed by the team, making the experience feel even more special. I loved the open-concept kitchen--it was so fun getting to watch the team in action throughout the meal. Every detail felt intentional, and the entire experience lived up to the Michelin star! read more

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Definitely a restaurant worth traveling for despite the Friday afternoon traffic. Sitting in the courtyard enjoying an aperitif instantly made me forget the long week and set me in the right mindset to enjoy this phenomenal culinary experience. One appetizer that had mussels topped with Iberico cap and caviar may have been on of the best bites of food I have had this year. Wagyu topped with black truffle and an abalone topped chawanmushi were standout savory dishes for me. Caviar topped almond ice cream had perfect paired flavor profiles as well. Loved the drink options. Superior service made this an unforgettable experience. read more

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We were there back on February 17, 2026, and this review is long overdue. So far, this is my #1 restaurant in all of San Diego County. Honestly, what can I say that hasn't already been said? I loved how each chef brought out these beautifully prepared works of art (dishes) and explained how they were made, along with where the ingredients were sourced from. We also had a mixologist do vegetable & fruit juice pairings with each course, and oh my hell, it was fantastic! It took the whole experience to whole other level. This was only my 2nd time having a meal with veggie and fruit juice pairings; the other was at an amazing restaurant in NYC. The service was top-notch. The staff were attentive, warm, and really great at matching our energy throughout the night. I spent so much time asking the mixologist so many questions and you could tell he loved his job so much. I still think about this restaurant almost every week, and I love telling people how incredible the whole journey was. I can't wait to come back and try the other restaurants that are part of the same group. read more

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We celebrated our anniversary here recently and it was an amazing experience. One of the best dining experiences we've ever had. The food , ambiance, and service were outstanding. Honestly, the food was better than some of the three-star Michelin restaurants we visited in the past. I was so impressed with one of the starter dishes as it tasted so delicious and unique that I couldn't stop thinking about it. Every single dish was presented with delicate detail and flavors that were very pleasing. Also, my husband told me that he really enjoyed the food and had a wonderful time. The staff were very attentive and courteous throughout the meals. We would love to go back again in the near future. . read more

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How special it is to be part of a restaurant's history. Can't wait to tell people we got to eat here when it only had one Michelin star; it is evident that Lilo will earn their second (or even third) star in no time! Aubrey greeted us with our names and knew what we were celebrating. They made sure everything we were carrying was taken care of. They remembered if we were left- or right-handed. They remembered our water preferences. They gave us a pleasant birthday surprise for my dad. They sent us home with a customized, signed card. The food was incredible. With each dish, I wasn't longing for a previous course. I was genuinely enjoying tasting every moment, and believed that each course was better than the last, even as I got full. The caviar ice cream was mind-blowing. The bread pulled apart like cotton candy. Each dish was plated beautifully, looked like a bouquet of flowers, or was scooped up off the forest floor (in the nicest way possible). There is so much more I could say, but I summarized our experience in the Google Slide presentation below. Feel free to take a look! https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_Fdw_a0nmGKquOHXBU_G8uL29yMfpuqRffSRsrLL88E/edit?usp=sharing read more

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Tonight we dined at Lilo and it was the best Michelin star experience we have had all month. Wait it's only July 1st and what a great way to start out July 2026! We parked and they were waiting for us to come into this beautiful restaurant. Everyone is so happy to see us! I feel like it's my birthday party. We sat outside and had sparkling wine and three or four appetizers which are part of the course selection and then we were seated at the bar The staff is incredibly well trained and accommodating with dietary restrictions. Every dish was delicious and artistically presented. I see they have three well deserved Michelin stars! Everything is perfect and everyone is warm and welcoming. The staff seems very happy to be here and everyone is a perfectionist in a very positive way. I love the music selection! I feel like it was the perfect evening and I was so happy to enjoy this experience! There are so many standouts as far as appetizers and main courses and desserts! Everything was prepared gluten-free for me since we requested that beforehand. They called yesterday to find out what I actually can eat and designed a menu just for me! My absolute favorites were the mushroom soup which tasted like custard, the scallop, and the uni appetizer which i will be craving forever. I also really enjoyed the crab madai. They brought me gluten free bread and I ate a bite then asked for more to take home. Bf had the wagyu with the $30 truffle add on and said it was perfect! The desserts are incredible too! Be prepared to eat an 18 course meal albeit small portions. The ambience is perfect. I even loved the bathroom which is so beautifully designed and smells delicious.I'm so fulllll and only want to eat there from now on. lol Wait, I almost forgot about the ice cream with caviar which might seem like a strange combination but it was soooo GOOD! read more

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Lilo - Te dictionary of Obscure Sorrows Says n.a friendship that can lie dormant for years only to pick right back up instantly, as if you'd seen each other last week--which is all the more remarkable given that certain other people can make every lull in conversation feel like an eternity. My words? Choreographed Consumation Paragonial Perfection Culinary Eruption It is a bit like being hosted at a private homes dinner party, starting in the garden and being served then moving through to a tea patio. A highly choreographed, friendly, experimentation of flavors completed in front of you with detailed guidance of what you are experiencing read more

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Honestly this was the best meal of the year. Lilo is magical. The service was impeccable. Each dish was a whimsical work of art and tasted so fresh and delicious. It's amazing how the chefs are able to pair together flavors that work so well together. There is parking in the front. The restaurant is beautiful. I love all the woodwork. Wasn't sure what to expect here but Lilo was beyond my wildest expectations. This is how a fine dining experience should be. Every bite was the best bite. If I could dream of a perfect meal it would be the one I just had at Lilo. The attention to detail was exquisite. I will be dreaming about me meal here until the day I can return here again. So happy I was able to spend my birthday here. Definitely make this a destination meal if you want a magical experience. Happy Yelping! read more

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I loved it! I'm not a fine dining gal, but I'm married to a fine dining guy, so I get roped into these situations a lot. I know, poor me. But I think Lilo actually fixed what I didn't like about fine dining establishments. The food is always great, but the service and ambiance feels stuffy and overly formal and pretentious. Lilo is intimate. You're basically sitting in the kitchen and prep area. The wood-heavy decor is warm, earthy, welcoming. We were taken on a culinary journey of 18 different offerings. As expected, some were standouts and others were just okay, but everything was interesting and worth experiencing. My favorite item was the scallop -- an unbelievable sear that I'm still thinking about. I wish I could order 10 of those à la carte! I also loved the big eye tuna + wagyu croustade, N25 kaluga caviar with orgeat ice cream, and amazake. We left perfectly satisfied-- full, but not stuffed. Some logistics: -Parking lot in front. Street parking is also available if the lot fills up. -Pay for your dinner upon reservation. Any extras (beverages and upgrades) can be purchased during your meal. -You will get a printed menu to take home at the end. -They did not have an N/A red wine on the menu, but the sommelier found one for me. They really strive to go above and beyond expectations. read more

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A truly memorable experience from start to finish. Lilo received a Michelin star for 2025 and it's absolutely deserved! If you have the chance to dine here, absolutely do! You will pay for your dinner upon reservation, but if you happen to order any additional drinks/upgrades, you will pay that after your meal day of. - PARKING - Private lot specifically made for Lilo patrons. Since they have a limited amount of seating, I don't think you'll ever have an issue grabbing a spot here. - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - From the moment we walked out of our cars, we felt so welcomed and valued. The staff member waiting outside the courtyard entrance immediately greeted us warmly, even with our names correctly! (they must do extensive review/research of each customer) They also offered to take a photo which I wanted to do - it's the small acts of service that add up to the entire experience! The outdoor courtyard is simple yet beautiful. My husband and I love open kitchen layouts, which is what they have for the main dining room. It's very intimate, but you still get the feeling of your own meal from the way the staff guide you through your courses. - EXPERIENCE - Starting at the courtyard garden area, you get some initial small bites here and a drink if you'd like! They also let you review the main dining drink booklet, where you can order pairings or individual cocktails. You're then led into the main dining room where the seats are arranged in a u-shape around the open kitchen. There are two 4-seater tables as well. Every single dish was presented so beautifully, I felt bad destroying the art they created! I do think some chefs seemed to be more confident in the dish they were serving, and had more to say on the background than others. Highlights: - Big Eye Tuna and Wagyu Beef Croustade - Scallop: That white asparagus flavor is so unique! Scallops were cooked perfectly! - N25 Kaluga Caviar: Orgeat Ice Cream with the Celery Root Bushi AND Caviar? A mix of flavors I absolutely LOVED! - Laminated Brioche: I'm a huge bread lover, and can appreciate the love and effort that went into this! They let us know it took over 4-days of labor... I could tell! A5 Miyazaki Wagyu: You can never go wrong with this cut! I do think the Radicchio and Dashi Vinegar was a bit too bitter and salty though. - SPECIAL THANKS - They gave us complimentary champagne for our anniversary, as well as some brioche to take home, without us asking! I probably showed my excitement too much... but they happily sent us away with two little loaves! Matthew also came by to review our experience as we were sitting in the courtyard enjoying our tea, and he told us about Wildland which is their bakery behind Lilo. He went above and beyond to grab us a baguette, which we appreciated so much! We were already planning on going to Wildland on another day, but now are even more excited to after trying their bread. I also really appreciated his candor and wanting to hear about our experience at their other restaurant, Jeune et Jolie, which wasn't nearly as good as Lilo in our opinion. Another special thanks to Aubrey who was just delightful in every interaction we had with her. - OVERALL - Such an amazing experience that we will continue to rave about to our friends! We will absolutely be recommending Lilo to our friends and family! It's an expensive meal... but the memories made here were priceless. read more

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Amazing experience. Took the wifey for her birthday . From the entrance, they greeted us and made us feel welcomed. They give you a non alcoholic house drink to start the night. Pretty good and refreshing . The first bites were delicious. The sommelier recommended a delicious champagne for our dinner. They brought us inside the restaurant and the experience commenced. The food was delicious and the service was exceptional. Christian made us feel at home and we had a good connection. The staff displayed great attention to detail. The ambiance matches the beach vibes that Carlsbad is know for. We will definitely return in the fall/winter time.... I won't spoil the food brought with pictures, you just need to experience it.. read more

Lilo - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Heard about lilo gaining a star in 2 months so decided to check it out. Overall a seafood forward place that has the intimate open kitchen bar seating paired with a course tasting menu. Very protein and seafood focused with lots of japanese and Californian inspirations. Some highlights were: Caviar w/ ice cream: well paired, addition of thr salty cured and smoked celery root actually added a nice touch. Reminded me of noma 2024 seafood. Ribeye wagyu: the truffle addition didnt add much but for 35$, not too much. Overall if you are in the area, lilo is a great visit for a special occasion. If you have the chase saphire reserve credit, it also counts toward the open table credit. read more

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This was hands down, one of the best dining experiences I have ever had! I took myself out for my birthday & Lilo did not disappoint! As soon as I walked up, they knew who I was, spooky yet cool. Customer service was superb & I have been to several Michelin star restaurants & this has been the best yet. Everyone was so professional & personable, which truly made a lasting impression. The restaurant is inspired by the California Coast so I started in their beautiful, heated outdoor area. Then transitioned inside. At the end, they moved me back outside where I ended the evening with a wonderful cup of tea. All of the dishes are made thoughtfully using the freshest ingredients. I loved all of the seafood & meat dishes & how all of the flavors just complemented one another. It was exciting watching the chefs create their dishes, meeting each chef & learning about each dish. They were all so passionate, it was amazing to encounter. I especially loved how the attire was not stuffy & seemed more lax, definitely appropriate to the California Coast theme. Some guests were dressed nicely, some casually & more importantly, everyone was comfortable. This was a key point that I heard many people raving about. Overall, perfect vibes, superb service & excellent food, 10/10 a must go to! PS. Please open an ice cream store & serve that addicting ice cream dish with the caviar on top! I still dream about it...! read more

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Lilo recently received its Michelin star and it's well deserved! Expect a long dinner service (~3 hours) with beautiful vibes, unique flavors, and amazing service. We made a reservation on OpenTable and you will have to pay in advance to book. Even though they have a set menu, they can accommodate pescatarian menus, as well as gluten, dairy and shellfish allergies with advance notice. But I would recommend inquiring before booking since all reservations are nonrefundable. There is some flexibility where you can shift to a different date up to 72 hours prior to the reservation. The whole experience starts outside in a beautiful garden-like space. There are heat lamps everywhere and if you're still cold, I believe they could provide some blankets. You can order drinks but if you added on any of the drink pairings, that starts when you're seated inside. It seems like the outdoor area is used to help space out the guests. As other diners finished and left, they would bring the next group in to continue the experience. Even if that is the case, it didn't feel like we were just waiting for a table. They brought out several dishes and a welcome drink for us to enjoy. Once inside, the experience continued with more delicious bites and our drink pairings. And with each round, the server would explain the dish/drink and go so far as to explaining where the ingredients were sourced. As for the food, the presentation was all so beautiful and it felt like they were going for earthy and coastal themes. I remember thinking there were a lot of tart flavors, especially in the non-alcoholic drink pairings. Out of everything, my favorites were: - Outdoor small bites: scallop, sea urchin - Maine Lobster: the tartness paired with the lobster stuffed into what I believe was zucchini flower - Abalone: the tempura leaf with the oyster dip was particularly good - N25 Kaluga Caviar: caviar was nice but the best part was the orgeat ice cream with almond oil - A5 Miyazaki Wagyu: such a good cut, so tender and fatty Overall, the experience was wonderful and I'm so glad I got to try them out. The drink pairings were decent and I liked the alcoholic ones more but because of the price, I didn't think it was too worth it. If I were ever to go back and try their seasonal menu changes, I'd skip and just order individual drinks. As we left, they handed us a handwritten card along with the menu. What a nice touch! read more

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What an amazing experience, especially if you're celebrating something. I wanted to celebrate a milestone birthday and was debating between Lilo and Addison. We checked the sample menu and decided Lilo is the better option. It didn't disappoint! Glad we got to experience this 1 Michelin star restaurant. Initially when you come in, they seat you outside to have some of their apps. You can also order some drinks. After about 30 minutes they take you inside. It's not as big. Kind of like a U shape and some tables on the side for larger parties, other it's kind of "bar" seating. It's intimate. The chefs cook in the middle and at the end of the U opening. You can smell and see perfection. I love their menu. You get everything! Seafood (all sorts- oyster, uni, scallops, tuna, crab, abalone), wagyu meat, expensive ingredients like caviar and truffles (added extra $). I love that they incorporate almost every type of seafood in the dish. You get more bite size but in the end, there were about 17 little bite size dishes and it gets you full. I would say their A5 wagyu dish was a little over the top. The wagyu tasted fine itself and cooked to perfection but they added too much fancy sauce. Wagyu stands up on its own. But all their sauces added made it taste way too salty. I also had something I never had before and it was caviar with orgeat ice cream. It sounds weird but the saltiness of the caviar then the sweetness of the ice cream, it was like a salted caramel ice cream type of deal. I would say I had some amazing dishes here. I know it changes, but I would love to order à la carte abalone and scallop dish over and over again. They really know their flavor profiles! And on to their desserts, they had a coconut passion fruit sake dessert that was so yummy. Even came out with a mini chocolate cake for my birthday! So sweet. With the price being around base $320 (auto 20% grat), add drinks and additional expensive ingredients, it's about maybe extra $100-$150. We got a bottle of wine to share, some cocktails. Quite the price but if you like spending money on fancy food and Michelin stars, this is quite good in my opinion. It's not just eating farts, breath, and foam. Actual food... Unlike 3 Michelin star Alinea. read more

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Amazing experience. Don't want to spoil too much but Lilo does a great job incorporating natural SoCal weather/vibes to the meal. Liked how there were different place settings for the aperitifs and final drink. The NA alcohol pairing was incredibly creative and worth it imo. Lovely job incorporating sustainable ingredients and seafood into menu. Would love to come back, their menu rotates every 10 wks. read more

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I have been to my share of Michelin star restaurants and this one ranks near the top. The attention and precision paid to the entire dining experience is on display from the first to the last of many bites. There were several standouts including the small bite with mussels, scallop main, sea bream, and the A5. We tried the Drew pinot that we had never heard of and it paired well with the meal. We will be back. Just gonna need some time. read more

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I mean, delicious... This place is pretty awesome and totally holds weight against the heavy hitters in the culinary world. I absolutely love Somni in Los Angeles and this kinda reminds me of a smaller version of that place. The food is spectacular, the service is amazing and the table side cocktails are remarkable. I can honestly say I didn't dislike any of the dishes and I will continue to visit on a frequent basis. Yeah it's pricey, but I'd totally recommend a visit for any special occasion. Michelin, give this place another star, cmon now. read more

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I went to Lilo for my birthday and it was such a special experience! It was my first time at a Michelin one star restaurant, and it definitely lived up to the expectations. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the celebration feel even more special. The atmosphere was beautiful, cozy, and elegant at the same time. Every dish was incredible, not only delicious but also beautifully presented like art. You can really see the care and creativity behind each plate. Honestly, compared to the amazing experience we had at Lilo, the price didn't even matter. It was absolutely worth it and made my birthday unforgettable. I would definitely love to come back again! Food : 5 star Vide : 5 star Service: 5 star read more

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Phoned in to inquire about using a gift card for a reservation. You still have to pay up front and make the reservation online, then they refund the gift card amount upon paying the bill. This worked out fine. All of my phone interactions with one person (can't recall her name) were very friendly and polite, and like a Michelin *, they called to inquire about dietary restrictions, food allergies, etc and left nothing to doubt. Parking lot is out front on a nondescript street, but once you walk in behind the facade, you're in a lovely little courtyard with small outdoor tables. You're greeted shortly and given a beverage (in our case, no alcohol-see the menu attached) and then they start with about three small appetizers. They were initially good tasting but nothing over the top, with beautiful presentation for everything. Nothing at the beginning here was overwhelmingly amazing. Shortly thereafter, you're brought inside to your table. I had great seating close to the kitchen where you could see all the plating going on, everyone working with tweezers and flowers and all kinds of great garnishes. Every dish was a work of art, beautifully presented. I found as the courses went on the flavors got bigger and more exciting...I don't think this was by design, it just happened that way. I found seasoning very on what I call the "French" side. Just enough that you're getting plenty of flavor, with a mild doubt that maybe just a little more would push it over the top. But that's not the way most French food is-no punchy or bold flavors here, but just enough to keep you very satisfied and wanting another bite, but not too much. Our menu involved a number of seafood dishes including scallops and lobster. An outstanding one was the "chips and dip" version of tempura fried herb leaves with an oyster mousse. Wagyu beef was also excellent, and for and additional $35 you could get a generous shaving of fresh black truffles over the top. Orgeat ice cream with caviar as a palate cleanser was memorable. Two desserts for closing, I thought the order should have been reversed with the coconut and passion fruit served at the end, it would have been a cleaner palate cleanser than the banana dish, but so be it. Comparing this to Chef's other location at Jeune and Jolie, I appreciated the less performative service-almost every dish was brought out by one of the cooks and explained in detail. Nonetheless, the dishes are highly performative and technique here is definitely a big driver of cost-there were literally at least 12-14 cooks in the kitchen at any time in order to pull off the feat of such ornately presented dishes. I'm still flabbergasted that Michelin level dining here is so expensive compared to some places in Paris or other parts of France. At $318 per person including a 20% service charge, and additional tax, I enjoyed our experience, here the food was all around on point, and service was good. If I don't have to foot the bill, I would only go back then. Be prepared to drop serious $$$$ here. read more

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2026 San Diego. Dinner review. Tasting menu. Michelin* A WARM WELCOME Green Tomato. Tarragon. Chamomile DEER ISLE PETITE SCALLOP Fermented Raspberry. Green Shiso. Marigold BIG EYE TUNA AND WAYGU BEEF CROUSTADE Radish. Ginger. Meyer Lemon BLACK TRUFFLE SABLE Goat Cheese. Vin Jaune. Juniper. Roasted Chicken Skin (Highlight) SANTA BARBARA SEA URCHIN Butternut Squash. Myoga. White Alyssum. Lime Kosho GOUGÈRE Comté Mornay. Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup. Ibérico Lardo SPINY LOBSTER Guava. Kinome. Tomatillo. Nasturtium SCALLOP Buttermilk. Koji. Wasabi. Shiso. Parsnip (Highlight) ABALONE Grilled Over Embers. Brushed with Fermented Pepper and Guanciale. Tempura of Brassicas. Oyster Emulsion. Allium Powder. A Broth of Roasted Chicken and Bone Marrow (Highlight - Best) N25 KALUGA CAVIAR Orgeat Ice Cream. Smoked Celery Root Bushi. Freshly Pressed Almond 011 MAINE LOBSTER Fuyu Persimmon. Charred Onion. Bronze Fennel. Hoshigaki. Sauce of Dried Chilies. Laminated Brioche A5 MIYAZAKI WAGYU Costa Rossa Radicchio. Braised Kombu. Dashi Vinegar. Black Walnut Nocino AMAZAKE Coconut. Passion Fruit. Sake (Highlight) BLACKENED BANANA Koshihikari Rice. Medjool Date. Shiro Miso Caramel. Roasted Rice Donut STROOPWAFFLE Burnt Orange. Tonka Bean CARROT TARTELETTE Ginger. Sesame Praline. Bronze Fennel MATCHA MOCHI Buddha's Hand. Finger Lime +++ Tableside cocktails. WATASHIATO Junmai Sake. Jasmine. Salers POET'S DREAM Gin. Savagnin. Chartreuse. Cerignola BOULEVARDIER Bourbon. Barolo Chinato. Campari. Carciofo MONTE CARLO Reposado Tequila. Miso Caramel. Palo Santo Overall, great tasting menu and experience. "As good as it gets." read more

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Makeba reservation online, it has to be prepaid. Ended up being about 350$. I enjoyed this experience, the building is very beautiful and theres parking out in front. I found that the menu had a lot of interesting combinations. I can appreciate that they are trying new things and introducing new pairings to the customer. I think the meal as a whole was very rich. I found that in several plates I had already hit my "limit" in how intensely flavored the food was and I couldn't really bring myself to finish the entire plate. Come hungry! They serve about 16 small bites and you will get full. Overall this restaurant is worth a try and I would come back once the menu refreshes. read more

Lilo - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I've been to Lilo twice now, and while the experience was consistent, this last time did not execute the magic that the first time managed. In the garden, we enjoyed a scallop, wagyu, uni, and corn bite. The wagyu and uni tartlets came in shells that were too strong in flavor, too thick and hard. Last time, the appetizer bites were nuanced and fun, this time they felt like they were striving to be something important. The food here is tasty, but at this price point, to visit again 6 months later, you expect to see some new dishes. This dinner preserved most of the same main components with a few shifting taste profiles and it was boring. The spiny rock lobster dish looks decadent but is flat in flavor. I saw the same lobster dish, the fish dish with sabayon, the same wagyu dish, the same caviar and ice cream dish, all disappointing repeats. The food isn't my biggest complaint.. it seems like the magic has worn off for the staff bringing out the dishes as well. The pacing has gotten stilted and too long. I wish we could opt for a dinner experience without the long winded explanation of dishes that seem to be delivered by hostages under duress. 3+ hours is too long to sit in those wildly uncomfortable counter height stools. By the end of my experience last night, I was just completely sick of sitting there in that uncomfortable chair. At the price point, there are more inventive options that don't have to be an endurance sport. read more

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Bougie experience, that I found the place to be too pretentious. Seating arrangement is not optimal -- folks are seated in a U-formation facing the center. Staff is professional and well-knowledged, but it was uncomfortable. They would recite a little speech for each dish (I get it - you want the customer to know what they're eating), but with the loud volume it was difficult to hear and they're throwing in all these "fancy" terminologies and ingredients without good explanation. Again, pretentious -- I appreciate good food for what it is -- it shouldn't be padded with all this showiness. I get trying to experiment with flavors, but some of their bites clashed, that I felt confused -- what the heck am I eating? What are they trying to do here? Other dishes, flavors fell flat - many of which were forgettable. Apart from a couple of the appetizer bites, I wasn't Wow'd. Highlights: oyster (yum!), wagyu beef croustade, orgeat ice cream with caviar that came mid-meal as a palate cleanser, and the end-of-meal tea by the fire. For a $342.65 meal, I expected more... and I'm not new to the Michelin game, been to quite the few. Likely they're just not my style. Cool experience as a one-time thing. But I'm not likely to come again... unless someone wants to front the bill for me. ;) read more

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Truly amazing ambiance and top tier service from beginning to end! Food is spectacular, and food presentation is just so impressive, but short of amazing for the value. Be prepared to spend some $$$$$. We went all-out with the add-ons, and this was the most expensive dinner we've had in a while. The entrance right now is easy to miss, no lights in the parking lot, and between some construction areas. The private parking area has plenty of spots though, right in front of the restaurant. They start you off with a few appetizer bites outside, with an appetizer drink menu. Then they bring you inside for an 8?-ish course meal which is a fabulous journey. They carefully explain details of every course, where the ingredients are sourced, and how everything is prepared. It is truly impressive. Each course has small portions, but we were so full at the end. Flavors were unique and tasted great, some maybe a touch overpowering the rest of the dish. They have these alcohol pairing options, which is very generous in portions. Some really did complement the food course, bringing out an extra layer of flavor. But I'm not sure I would recommend it because it was an expensive add-on and really just made us more full by the end. We couldn't finish the pairings at the end. There was another add-on of white truffles with the caviar and ice cream, which was just so sensational. It was delicious, but I'm not sure it was worth it. At the end they take you back outside by the fire for additional small dessert bites and tea, but at that point we had to get ours to go. This is probably the longest review I've written, but this was such an experience! Overall, I would recommend going here at least once. I wouldn't necessarily recommend the pairings or add-ons unless that's your thing. Compared to other omakase places and overall value, I'm not sure I'll be back. But try it out for yourself. read more

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Lilo is a fabulous restaurant. The setting is contemporary, with a very clean less is more vibe. Both inside annd out are spectacular. We were greeted, their entire staff were very friendly, and knowledgeable. We had the Lilo alcohol paring with wine, and couple of cocktails. All of it matched the food very well. The food was gorgeous, tasty, and really fun and inspired. We loved all of it. There is one negative that all 3 of us noticed, and that was how uncomfortable their chairs are. Honestly, they were awful. Basically you're there for 3 hours, you need to be comfortable. These weren't comfortable in ANY way. I'm hoping the owners take this into serious consideration because it's a really big problem. read more

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Dinner at Lilo was delightful. Thoughtfully curated and a lovely flow through the overall space from the patio to chef's counter. The vibes and ambiance with the decor, music, flowers and candles was cozy but elevated. Service was excellent and the chefs and staff explained each dish as they were finished in front of us with the open kitchen. Another gem from Chef Eric Bost with sister restos in Carlsbad. I opted for the non alcoholic pairing add-on ($110) and didn't love every tonic/beverage but overall was pleasantly surprised by the unique flavors. Presentation and quality of all the food was worth the price and experience. My favorite dishes: black cod, abalone, A5 wagyu, and the ice cream course in between. Least impressed by the first dessert course with a tomato sorbet with various strawberry elements and felt like the black banana dessert dish was too sweet personally. We loved ending the night by the fire with Paru's tea custom blend outside on the patio. Full description of what we ate in the menu photo I posted with this review. Private parking lot for the restaurant was easy and we were able to be seated before our reservation time since we arrived early which was appreciated. Made reservations and pre-paid on OpenTable and could communicate dietary restrictions and allergies ahead of time. We will be back, thank you Restaurant LILO! read more

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I am impressed beyond words. The architecture comprised of white oak beautifully designed to create a grand entrance into the courtyard. Upon arrival, the hostess greeted my friend and me by name and escorted us into the courtyard where we were seated. Drinks were brought out to cleanse our palette. Shortly thereafter, 4 appetizers were presented: Little Neck Clam Big Eye Tuna Tartare Umai Caviar Tartelette Gougere When we finished our appetizers, we were escorted indoors where we were seated at a chef's counter that was u-shaped surrounding the prepping station in the center. This is an open kitchen concept where we could see the chefs busily preparing each dish. The base of each dish was prepared by the kitchen and finished with each server, each very well versed with the dish they presented. They each explained how the dish was prepared, the ingredients used, and they added the finishing touches (sauces and garnishing). There were 6 entree tastings that included the following: Rock Crab Scallop Wild Brittany Turbot (fish) N25 Kaluga Caviar with ice cream made from candied almonds and orange blossom water Maine Lobster & Laminated Brioche Masami Ranch Wagyu Ribeye Dessert consisted of the following: Strawberry (this is actually a tomato sorbet) Blackened banana with a roasted rice donut Stroopwaffle Plum Tartelette Brown Butter Financier Non-alcoholic pairing included the following. This is just the drink name, not the actual ingredients--no I did not drink "butter": Milk Punch Celery Rhubarb Cherry Lapsang Watermelon Butter The cost for the tasting experience was $265 per person (before tax & 20% gratuity) and the non-alcoholic pairing was $110 per person. My friend did not have the beverage pairing so she drink club soda that was complimentary. This portion of the dining experience was prepaid in full upon securing the reservation via Open Table. We opted to add 6oz of freshly shaved truffles to our Wagyu dish that cost $30 per person (plus tax and 20% gratuity). This portion of the bill was settled at the end of our evening. Lilo's cancellation policy is quite strict. All sales are final and cannot be refunded. Note that while it is non-refundable, it is transferable and you may reschedule to a later date, provided you contact the restaurant up to 72 hours prior to the event. Changes cannot be made via Open Table. If you are a no-show or cancel outside of this window, you will lose your full payment that includes the food & beverage tastings, tax, and 20% gratuity. I've been to quite a few Michelin restaurants and there have always been at least one item that I did not care for on the menu. The same cannot be said for Lilo. My friend and I enjoyed each and every dish that was beautifully crafted. Each was a work of art and the creativity that went into mastering each dish was truly remarkable. The ingredients that went into each dish were thoughtfully paired with each non-alcoholic pairing. I was truly impressed beyond words. The ambience was quite energetic, perhaps a bit too energetic. I didn't feel the music selection necessarily matched the elegance. There was an array of songs, some of which were rap! I did not expect this kind of music at such a fine establishment. The volume was also a bit too high, making it rather difficult to hear the servers explain each dish. Halfway through, my friend and I gave up trying to hear what was being said so we guessed at what we were eating since there was no menu available. I recorded most of the presentations, so my phone was able to pick up what we couldn't hear (phone was held closer to the server). When I inquired about the menu, I was told that it would be provided at the end of the experience. This was part of the design to evoke an element of surprise. At the end of our dining experience, we were escorted back to the courtyard where a blend of lemongrass tea was freshly brewed and served. We each received an envelope that had the menu and thank you card. One additional comment that I would like to share: Make sure you use the restroom and smell the candle. It's a $64 candle (I verified on Google). For elderly guests who have difficulty seeing well under low luminance settings, I would not recommend because it is extremely dark. The room is lit by a candle and a dim light. Overall, Lilo exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend this experience! Now that I've dined here, I can understand why Lilo earned a Michelin star within 10 weeks of opening its doors. Owner John Resnick and Chef Eric Bost are the masterminds behind the restaurant group that includes Lilo, Jeune et Jolie, Wildland, and Campfire. I've dined at Jeune et Jolie, so Wildland and Campfire are on my radar! read more

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I'm really wondering why this restaurant doesn't have more reviews. It was Michelin starred within 1 month of opening their doors and the food is unbelievably innovative. It was a 2 part location service. The starters were in a desert looking outdoor patio area followed by the main room that sat everyone with views of the talented chefs creating their art. Service was attentive to say the least and I counted 15 employees to 22 guest ratio. I truly enjoyed almost every dish. Only thing I would change is possibly the dessert courses. The flavors were too innovative for my palate. At 285 per person I believe this was a steal and if you enjoy tasting menus you need to run and try and get a reservation before they get a 2nd star and raise their prices. read more

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It is a rare meal that rises to the level of a culinary performance. Lilo in Carlsbad gives you that experience. From maître d'hotel to sommelier to servers to chefs, we were treated to a theater-in-the-round focused on exquisite food, wine and personal service. Every dish lovingly placed in front of us was a delicate work of art containing ingredients sourced from around the globe. The four-hour performance went by too quickly. What a perfect way to celebrate friendship and our upcoming journey to the UK! For very, very special occasions, keep Lilo on your list! read more

Can I give this restaurant more than 5 stars?! Belated posting of our wonderful dining experience at newest Michelin-star restaurant, Lilo. This was our second visit to Lilo since it opened, but first visit after getting its Michelin star. Lilo only has 22-seats around its Chef's counter overlooking an open kitchen, so it is an intimate dining experience. Like our first visit, we were very warmly received by one of their staff and shown to our seats at the courtyard. They even noted that it was a return visit and welcomed us back. A stool was presented for my handbag which was a nice touch. While at the courtyard, the sommelier stopped by to review drink pairing options for the evening. Then, one-bite appetizers were served (littleneck clams, big eyed tuna and waygu beef tartare, sweet corn croustade and umai caviar tartelette, and gougere stick). Each had an amazing burst of flavors in our mouths. We were then invited to enter the dining space inside. Again, a stool for my handbag magically appeared next to my seat. We sat at the counter overlooking a quiet buzz of activity as chefs were assembling our courses. One entire wall is made of glass so you can view the courtyard from inside. A parade of chefs stopped by to explain and present each sumptuous course. Our high-end menu was filled with top ingredients such as Rock Crab, Abalone, Ikejime Black Cod, N25 Kaluga Caviar with ice cream, Maine Lobster, A5 Miyazaki Wagyu with black truffle, and 5 desserts. Each alcoholic or non-alcoholic pairing was perfectly coordinated to enhance each course. At the end of the meal, we were invited to return to the courtyard to have some herbal tea in front of the firepit. Everything was orchestrated with such finesse, precision and detail, right down to the personalized note and menu souvenir at the end of the evening. Kudos! Definitely an unforgettable evening! read more

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