Lilo's was our Valentine's Day dinner, and it was wonderful. The evening began in the courtyard, then moved inside to the Chef's Table. The dinner lasted about 2–21/2 hours and finished with a beautiful tea service outside in the courtyard around a fire pit. All of the courses were beautiful and delicious. I particularly enjoyed the wine pairing. I had asked for no cocktails, and they graciously made adjustments; the pairing included a couple of sakes that were fabulous. I loved the stories and history behind every dish and every wine/sake. This is definitely not a bargain—quite pricey—but for a very special occasion (think a 40th birthday or a special Valentine's Day), it's worth the splurge, especially if you enjoy an elegant, immersive food experience (and don't mind not taking home leftovers!).
Andre
Absolutely great meal overall. Inventive dishes. Great service, personal attention, handle food restrictions very well, good for celebrations. Easy to miss entrance, but plenty of parking spots.
Scott
Absolutely amazing! From the moment we walked in until we left. The service was above and beyond. The 20+ bites were presented like masterpieces and tasted amazing.
Miriam
Great experience overall. Decor and architecture outstanding. Service is good and the presentation of each plate is like a piece of art. From all the most memorable one was the wayu and the scallops
James
Amazing place to eat! Yes, it is pricey but you get what you pay for. Service was impeccable but not forced. Enjoyed all the courses and the Sake!
Karla
Great experience for special occasions! The food was amazing and presented in very creative ways.
Patrick
Without a doubt, this was the finest dining experience my wife and I have ever shared. The offerings took us on a journey that was made all the better by the knowledgeable and attentive staff. The enthusiasm that the staff has for their art was contagious and we both felt like we were lucky to be a part of the experience that Lilo provided that night. I am excited for our next experience at Lilo as I know that a second experience would be unique in its own right. This is a special place and we are lucky to have it within our community.
Jessieca
I celebrated my birthday at Lilo and as soon as my husband and I walked in, we were led to their beautiful open outdoor space where we had small, tasty appetizers with drinks. After, we walked in, we were seated at the “Chef's table.” I recommend reserving that option at Lilo. The table side dishes were presented next to us with explanations to the amazing dishes. I also really enjoyed the table side presentations of the cocktails made by the staff. All in all, I commend Chef Eric and his staff for their representation of the menu and lively music within the restaurant. I truly encourage going to Lilo as a restaurant to enjoy and make it memorable memories and taste their exquisite food. A “must do” in San Diego.
Chantelle
Outstanding service and food. Plating was exceptionally creative and beautiful. The progression of the courses was incredibly thoughtful. We left feeling happily full, not overstuffed. 10/10 would recommend this fine dining experience.
Allison
A wonderful Michelin experience-loved Christian and Rachel, the cavier and ice cream combo and the reel to reel experience. WOW! Thank you LILO
There is nothing I can say about Lilo that all my friends (fellow foodies, somms, etc) haven't already said. In my opinion, with Lucien and Providence, Lilo makes up my top three best restaurants in SoCal. Why? The food is great, easily 2-Star quality. There is a focus on top quality produce, in season, treated simply and without any frills. The restaurant itself is beautiful. The counter experience is thrilling, and they're one of very few restaurants that I have ever been to that intentionally curate a “pre-dinner” experience to get things started. Normally I like to arrive early for dinners and seat myself at a bar to just get myself ready, immerse myself in the mood, that sort of thing. Here at Lilo, you're sat in their gorgeous outdoor garden where you can enjoy an aperitif and small bites before you transition to the restaurant for the main meal (and you're back outside again afterwards for tea). But what really sets Lilo apart is the service. Whether you're a first-timer or you've been several times like me, you're being talked too like you're a buddy, like you're going to dinner at an old friend's house and not one of the best restaurants in the country. Service here isn't just about being professional (underneath all of that they're extremely slick, opening doors for you, folding napkins, anticipating your needs before you're even aware of them, that old school read-your-mind type service that sets the legends apart from the rest of the crowd), it's about vibes, and that's what makes Lilo truly special.
Robert
Great unique experience in terms of food and service Only suggestion would be that when the wine pairing is pre ordered then a glass of wine should be served with little bites on patio.
Janson
This was an exceptional dining experience. The staff was fantastic and the food was incredible. Every little detail has been well thought out at Lilo and it shows, from the moment you step out of your car. This was probably my favorite dinner in recent memory.
Terri
Fantastic anniversary experience! Perfection and little surprises throughout. Impeccable service and thoughtful touches made this night memorable.
Ashley
Absolutely no notes. This place is a vibe, the food from plate wear, visual, to taste was top tier. Their beverage and non alcoholic options/tasting are elite with stellar sommeliers. The movement through different areas throughout the dining experience is a brilliant idea. The staff was hilarious and no matter who you asked a question to, they had the answers. Honestly blown away by this place. Music was perfect, decor, scent, literally everything. We already want to go back. Top fine dining experience we've ever had.
Lilo's was our Valentine's Day dinner, and it was wonderful. The evening began in the courtyard, then moved inside to the Chef's Table. The dinner lasted about 2–21/2 hours and finished with a beautiful tea service outside in the courtyard around a fire pit. All of the courses were beautiful and delicious. I particularly enjoyed the wine pairing. I had asked for no cocktails, and they graciously made adjustments; the pairing included a couple of sakes that were fabulous. I loved the stories and history behind every dish and every wine/sake. This is definitely not a bargain—quite pricey—but for a very special occasion (think a 40th birthday or a special Valentine's Day), it's worth the splurge, especially if you enjoy an elegant, immersive food experience (and don't mind not taking home leftovers!).
Absolutely great meal overall. Inventive dishes. Great service, personal attention, handle food restrictions very well, good for celebrations. Easy to miss entrance, but plenty of parking spots.
Absolutely amazing! From the moment we walked in until we left. The service was above and beyond. The 20+ bites were presented like masterpieces and tasted amazing.
Great experience overall. Decor and architecture outstanding. Service is good and the presentation of each plate is like a piece of art. From all the most memorable one was the wayu and the scallops
Amazing place to eat! Yes, it is pricey but you get what you pay for. Service was impeccable but not forced. Enjoyed all the courses and the Sake!
Great experience for special occasions! The food was amazing and presented in very creative ways.
Without a doubt, this was the finest dining experience my wife and I have ever shared. The offerings took us on a journey that was made all the better by the knowledgeable and attentive staff. The enthusiasm that the staff has for their art was contagious and we both felt like we were lucky to be a part of the experience that Lilo provided that night. I am excited for our next experience at Lilo as I know that a second experience would be unique in its own right. This is a special place and we are lucky to have it within our community.
I celebrated my birthday at Lilo and as soon as my husband and I walked in, we were led to their beautiful open outdoor space where we had small, tasty appetizers with drinks. After, we walked in, we were seated at the “Chef's table.” I recommend reserving that option at Lilo. The table side dishes were presented next to us with explanations to the amazing dishes. I also really enjoyed the table side presentations of the cocktails made by the staff. All in all, I commend Chef Eric and his staff for their representation of the menu and lively music within the restaurant. I truly encourage going to Lilo as a restaurant to enjoy and make it memorable memories and taste their exquisite food. A “must do” in San Diego.
Outstanding service and food. Plating was exceptionally creative and beautiful. The progression of the courses was incredibly thoughtful. We left feeling happily full, not overstuffed. 10/10 would recommend this fine dining experience.
A wonderful Michelin experience-loved Christian and Rachel, the cavier and ice cream combo and the reel to reel experience. WOW! Thank you LILO
Restaurantji Recommends
There is nothing I can say about Lilo that all my friends (fellow foodies, somms, etc) haven't already said. In my opinion, with Lucien and Providence, Lilo makes up my top three best restaurants in SoCal. Why? The food is great, easily 2-Star quality. There is a focus on top quality produce, in season, treated simply and without any frills. The restaurant itself is beautiful. The counter experience is thrilling, and they're one of very few restaurants that I have ever been to that intentionally curate a “pre-dinner” experience to get things started. Normally I like to arrive early for dinners and seat myself at a bar to just get myself ready, immerse myself in the mood, that sort of thing. Here at Lilo, you're sat in their gorgeous outdoor garden where you can enjoy an aperitif and small bites before you transition to the restaurant for the main meal (and you're back outside again afterwards for tea). But what really sets Lilo apart is the service. Whether you're a first-timer or you've been several times like me, you're being talked too like you're a buddy, like you're going to dinner at an old friend's house and not one of the best restaurants in the country. Service here isn't just about being professional (underneath all of that they're extremely slick, opening doors for you, folding napkins, anticipating your needs before you're even aware of them, that old school read-your-mind type service that sets the legends apart from the rest of the crowd), it's about vibes, and that's what makes Lilo truly special.
Great unique experience in terms of food and service Only suggestion would be that when the wine pairing is pre ordered then a glass of wine should be served with little bites on patio.
This was an exceptional dining experience. The staff was fantastic and the food was incredible. Every little detail has been well thought out at Lilo and it shows, from the moment you step out of your car. This was probably my favorite dinner in recent memory.
Fantastic anniversary experience! Perfection and little surprises throughout. Impeccable service and thoughtful touches made this night memorable.
Absolutely no notes. This place is a vibe, the food from plate wear, visual, to taste was top tier. Their beverage and non alcoholic options/tasting are elite with stellar sommeliers. The movement through different areas throughout the dining experience is a brilliant idea. The staff was hilarious and no matter who you asked a question to, they had the answers. Honestly blown away by this place. Music was perfect, decor, scent, literally everything. We already want to go back. Top fine dining experience we've ever had.
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