The chef's counter at Lilo opens in Carlsbad Village
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The 14-seat chef's counter and two tables around the kitchen offer an immersive dining experience. Photo: Elodie Bost
Carlsbad Village now boasts a new, upscale dining experience at Lilo with 22 seats that aren't meant for regulars.
Why it matters: The local restaurateur and chef behind the concept are driving the coastal city's food scene, helping make it a destination for San Diegans, Southern California neighbors and out-of-towners.
Driving the news: Lilo, an intimate tasting menu experience, opens Thursday on Roosevelt Street marking the duo's fourth restaurant within a few blocks in Carlsbad Village.
- Four years in the making, John Resnick and chef Eric Bost wanted to create a vibrant, engaging fine-dining restaurant worthy of bringing people together to celebrate life's most special moments.
- It's the sibling to their neighborhood go-to concept Wildland, an all-day eatery, bar and bakery they opened in December in a former boogie board factory.
- The team also runs Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, the popular rustic, wood-fired restaurant that's drawn praise for nearly a decade.
Zoom in: The immersive dining experience at Lilo begins with a welcome drink and small appetizers in the garden.
- Then guests step into the coastal-inspired space — with cliffside, wood and wave design elements — and are seated facing the kitchen to watch the culinary team at work.
- The 16 bites over about 10 courses are meant to be interactive with cooks serving the food and talking about the seasonal, locally sourced dishes that are "bright and alive, surprising and hopefully delicious," Bost said.
- The 2.5-hour night can be capped off at an outdoor seating area with a firepit.
Best bite: The locally caught spot prawns served on a handmade bowl of ice set the tone as the first course inside.
- Bost described them as lightly steamed with a marriage of flavors that are acidic, fruity with tropical notes and slightly spicy.
If you go: It's open Tuesday to Saturday from 5-11pm with reservations open for four time slots.
- The meal is $265 per person, with add-on options for beverage pairings, including non-alcoholic cocktails.
Fun fact: The word Lilo means a friendship that can lie dormant for years and then pick back up as if no time has passed, taken from author John Koenig's dictionary of emotions.
Between the lines: Carlsbad's dining scene has evolved as people create concepts and different types of restaurants that the community supports, which entices more chefs and restaurateurs to take those risks, Resnick said.
State of play: Little Victory wine bar opened last week with patio seating, natural wines and a food menu that changes daily.
- Docent Brewing and Pop Pie Co. expanded to Carlsbad Village in December.
- Try the top-ranked ramen at Gonzo, Hawaiian-style sushi at Kai Ola, and high-end tacos at Lola 55 (in La Costa).
- Keep an eye out for Freyja, a Nordic-inspired bistro serving cocktails and small plates, set to open this year.