News Summary
Lilo, a fine dining establishment in Carlsbad, has been recognized as one of America’s 50 best restaurants, following a rigorous evaluation by culinary experts. This accolade arrives less than a year after opening, highlighting the restaurant’s innovative multi-course tasting menu and commitment to quality. Lilo is the sole representative from the San Diego area on this prestigious list, contributing to California’s reputation for excellence in refined dining experiences. Co-owners Chef Eric Bost and John Resnick continue to emphasize exceptional flavors in an intimate atmosphere.
Carlsbad, CA – Lilo, a fine dining restaurant located in Carlsbad, has been named one of America’s 50 best restaurants by a notable culinary survey conducted by a team of reporters and editors. This recognition comes less than a year after the restaurant officially opened its doors in April 2025.
To determine the best restaurants in the nation, 14 culinary professionals flew 76 flights to sample over 200 meals in 33 states. Their explorations included unannounced visits to various establishments where they paid for their meals, ensuring an unbiased evaluation process without accepting complimentary food items.
Lilo stands out as the sole representative from the San Diego area, among the six California restaurants included on the prestigious list. Known for its intimate 22-seat chef’s counter, Lilo offers diners a multi-course tasting menu that showcases innovative dishes influenced by global cuisines. Some standout menu items feature rock crab served on ice and wild-caught turbot paired with unique accompaniments.
The co-owners of Lilo, Chef Eric Bost and John Resnick, have worked together to create a dining experience that not only emphasizes exceptional flavors but also provides a memorable atmosphere. The establishment is housed in a former warehouse of the Morey Boogie Board factory dating back to the 1970s, adding a unique historical dimension to the dining setting.
Lilo operates Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM, inviting guests to indulge in a culinary journey in a personalized environment. The restaurant’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and masterful preparation has resonated with patrons and critics alike.
The recognition of Lilo as one of America’s best dining spots aligns with the national trend where refined yet accessible dining experiences are increasingly valued. For California, this acknowledgment adds to the state’s reputation as a culinary leader, with other recognized establishments including Baby Bistro, Mori Nozomi, and RVR in Los Angeles; Sun Moon Studio in Oakland; and Verjus in San Francisco.
Chef Eric Bost took to social media to express his excitement upon receiving this honor, dubbing it “surreal” for Lilo to be featured alongside other prestigious restaurants across the country. The acknowledgment by culinary experts illustrates Lilo’s compelling mission to combine artistry in food with heartfelt hospitality.
The criteria for selection for the top 50 list focused on not just the taste of the food but also the mastery of the culinary craft and the overall quality of the dining experience provided. Lilo’s inclusion reflects a commitment to these fundamentals and resides at the intersection of innovation and tradition.
This recognition by esteemed culinary professionals indicates a bright future for Lilo, suggesting that the restaurant is not just a temporary trend, but a significant addition to the culinary landscape in Carlsbad and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Taste of South Park Returns to San Diego
Summer Dining in San Diego: Top Local Favorites
Discover San Diego’s Top Waterfront Dining Experiences
Discover 12 Must-Attend Events in Southern California This September
Exploring the Vibrant Live Music Scene in San Diego
San Diego’s Culinary Scene Expands with New Eateries
San Diego Hosts an Array of Events This Week
San Diego’s Dining and Drinking Scene Transforms
Nostalgic Dining Experiences in San Diego Amid Closures
Transformative Midway Rising Project Planned for San Diego
Additional Resources
- Patch: Carlsbad Eatery Among 50 Best Restaurants in America
- New York Times: Best Restaurants in America
- San Diego Union Tribune: Carlsbad’s Lilo Named to NYT’s 50 Best American Restaurants List
- Wikipedia: Fine Dining
- New York Times: Vuori Athleisure Tech Pants
- Google Search: Best Restaurants in America
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
