Housed in the rear side of a former boogie board factory, Lilo is the latest fine dining destination along a vibrant stretch of Carlsbad Village by restaurateurs John Resnick and Chef Eric Bost. The space harnesses the untamed spirit of the California coast and the world’s shorelines which is reflected in a curated, multi-course tasting menu rooted in a thoughtful connection to nature, served around an intimate 22-seat chef’s counter.
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Global Future Design Awards 2025
Lilo
Restaurant Interior Design (Built)
Firm
Bells + Whistles
Architect/Designer
Barbara Rourke & Jason St John
Design Team
Bells + Whistles
Location
Carlsbad
Country
United States
Photographer/Copyright
©Elodie Bost, Gage Forster, Kimberly Motos, Shelby Moore
Social Media Handles:
Website
https://www.wildlandallday.com/
A soft neutral palette, natural textures, sun bleached wood, portals and vistas – Lilo is a journey of the senses, an exploration of the Southern Californian ecosystem and unique terroir. Guests begin their experience in the intimate garden that’s anchored by a cascading Australian Bottle Tree and encircled by a serpentine cedar wall. The overall design seamlessly blurs the outdoors and indoors. Upon entering the earth-toned dining room, guests are surrounded by textured walls that mimic local cliffside strata, a vision from Bells + Whistles crafted by San Diego-based plaster artist Sasha Seyb, complementing a ceiling of undulating white oak slats reminiscent of ocean waves. Guests encircle a warm and lively open kitchen, which allows for a sense of true interactivity between diners and chefs, as each member of the multi-faceted culinary team finishes and presents dishes tableside. The 14-seat chef’s counter and two intimate chef’s tables are crafted from oak and quartzite, with custom accessible heights that allow all guests to experience the interactive elements of Lilo.
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