Lilo Carlsbad, CA

Still in its infancy Lilo delivered an exceptional meal with an equal level of hospitality. Everyone was welcoming and the space beautiful and contemporary. The little sister to Jeune et jolie but almost feels like she's the more serious and mature of the two. Seating was at 5:45 and we didn't leave till 9pm. I thought the pacing of the meal was fine, my wife and I were super full by the end. Thank you to staff for accommodating my wife's dietary restrictions and needs. Food was bright and acidic accompanied by California's wonderful produce. Definitely recommend to anyone in the area. Hopefully they get the recognition they deserve. I feel they are right on the cusp of two stars.

spoilers

LITTLENECK CLAM
Buddha’s Hand, Green Strawberry, Tomatillo Granité

SHISO
Avocado, Myoga, Fingerlime

CROUSTADE OF ROCK CRAB
Crispy Kombu, Roasted Crab Aioli, Calendula

TARTELETTE
Grilled Spring Peas, Stracciatella, Chive Blossom, Egg Yolk Jam

GOUGÈRE
Comté Mornay, Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup, Ibérico Lardo

SPOT PRAWN
Served on Ice, Gooseberry, Ice Plant, a Sauce of Muddled Seabuckthorn, Lime Leaf, and Serrano

SCALLOP
Roasted in Brown Butter, Chamomile Emulsion, Green Asparagus, Ramp, Oil of Rose Petals, Chive, and Green Garlic

WILD BRITTANY TURBOT
White Asparagus, Kohlrabi, Roasted Coffee Oil,
a Sabayon of Piment d’Espelette

OSSETRA CAVIAR
Orgeat Ice Cream, Smoked Celery Root Bushi, Freshly Pressed Almond Oil

HOLLANDER FARMS SQUAB
Burnt Vanilla Oil, Preserved Green Juniper Berries,
Puffed Amaranth, Charred Blueberry, Laminated Brioche

MASAMI RANCH WAGYU RIBEYE
Porcini Mushroom, Blackened Apple, Braised Kombu, Blade Kelp, Bordelaise

HOJA SANTA
Fingerlime, Sweet Cream Gelato, Mochi, Amaranth

BLACKENED BANANA
Koshihikari Rice, Medjool Date, Shiro Miso Caramel, Roasted Rice Donut

STROOPWAFFLE
Rhubarb, Toasted Milk Crémeux

ILE FLOTTANTE
Rose Geranium Crème Anglaise, Matcha Oil

BROWN BUTTER FINANCIER
Monkey 47 Gin, Fig Leaf, Elderflower