Lilo
social: @restaurantlilo website: restaurantlilo.com
Project OvervieW
Lilo is one of four restaurants Falling Waters Landscape has worked on for restaurateur John Resnick and Chef Eric Bost in Carlsbad, California. Described as “A lively and immersive dining experience that welcomes you to celebrate life’s special moments”, Lilo quickly garnered stellar reviews (and a Michelin star as of June 2025). Lilo is an intimate restaurant with only 22 seats and two seatings per night. While its location is unique - in the back parking lot of Wildland - the overall experience is designed to be beautifully transformative with dishes rooted in nature. The restaurant focuses on providing a holistic culinary journey, complete with distinct pre- and post-meal experiences within its walled garden to bookend the meal.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
The design approach for Lilo aimed to accentuate and transform the guest's experience rather than simply decorating the space. The restaurant itself is a masterpiece and we are honored to have had a part in shaping the overall experience. The plant materials specified were chosen to be supporting characters to the overall experience. They are purposeful, monochromatic, wavy and evocative of the coast. With an open kitchen concept, reflects, lighting, guests clothes, etc. We needed to ensure the garden would be calm and allow for anticipation to build of what was to come.
Team
In these collaborative restaurant ventures, Falling Waters Landscape works alongside talented partners to bring restaurant visions to life. For Lilo, key collaborators included restaurateur John Resnick and the highly accomplished design firm Bells and Whistles. We value working with such humble, approachable, and collaborative professionals, as their collective expertise elevates the entire project.
Photography & Videography by @leightboxmedia and @tarynkentphoto
