Lilo

About the project

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, our studio's vision 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. This immersive environment set the stage for Lilo to earn a Michelin star within six weeks of opening.

Bells + Whistles

Bells + Whistles is a Southern California based interior design studio specializing in hospitality and restaurant environments. Founded in 2000, the studio’s principals lead a multidisciplinary team that has designed many of Southern California’s most celebrated spaces. Originating as a design-build firm, Bells + Whistles honed its craft through hands-on fabrication in wood, steel, and interiors before evolving into a full-service design studio. Guided by the belief that everything should be bespoke and never derivative, the studio delivers distinctive, one-of-a-kind experiences. Its award-winning portfolio includes multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and an extensive roster of loyal, word-of-mouth clients.