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.