Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad Named Best in America by Robb Report 2026

Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad has been named the best restaurant in America 2026 by Robb Report. The Lilo Michelin star restaurant earned this honour just over a year after opening. Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad opened in April of last year. The Robb Report best restaurant title adds to an already remarkable list of accolades. Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad operates as a 24-seat chef's counter experience in the heart of Carlsbad, San Diego.

Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad: From Opening to Best in America 2026

Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad moved fast after opening its doors. Just 27 days after opening, Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad earned a Michelin recommendation. A few weeks later, the Lilo Michelin star was officially awarded. Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad also appeared on The New York Times list of 50 Best Restaurants in America. The Robb Report best restaurant 2026 title now places Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad among the most celebrated dining spots in the entire country.

Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad: Ownership and Background

Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad is co-owned by top San Diego restaurateur John Resnick. Resnick also owns Campfire, Wildland and Jeune et Jolie. Jeune et Jolie has held one Michelin star every year since 2021. Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad continues that tradition of excellence across Resnick's growing San Diego dining portfolio.

Eric Bost Chef Lilo: The Culinary Force Behind the Restaurant

Eric Bost chef Lilo is the executive chef and co-owner driving the best restaurant America 2026 recognition. Eric Bost chef Lilo has worked in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens. He has helped earn Michelin stars at multiple restaurants throughout his career. Eric Bost chef Lilo also holds a Best Chef Award and a James Beard Award.

Eric Bost chef Lilo previously opened Auburn in Los Angeles in 2019. That prix-fixe restaurant closed after just over a year due to COVID-19 financial challenges. In 2020, Eric Bost chef Lilo joined Jeune et Jolie as executive chef before partnering with Resnick on Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad.

Lilo Michelin Star: What Makes This Restaurant Special

The Lilo Michelin star was awarded remarkably fast after opening. Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad is housed inside a converted old boogie board factory. The intimate 24-seat chef's counter format creates an immersive dining experience. The Lilo Michelin star menu rotates seasonally. Recent courses have included big eye tuna and Wagyu beef croustade, Maine lobster and abalone. Every dish at Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad reflects precision, quality and creativity.

Robb Report Best Restaurant 2026: Why Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad Stands Out

The Robb Report best restaurant 2026 title confirms what San Diego diners already knew. Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad delivers world-class food in an unforgettable setting. The Robb Report best restaurant recognition joins the Lilo Michelin star, the New York Times list and the best restaurant America 2026 designation as proof of the restaurant's extraordinary rise.

A Michelin star is the most prestigious award in the global restaurant industry. Inspectors visit anonymously multiple times. They evaluate food quality, presentation and consistency. Only 158 restaurants worldwide hold three Michelin stars. One of them, Addison in Del Mar, is also in the San Diego area.

Reservations for Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad can be made directly on the official restaurant website.

For more dining news, read our latest coverage of the best restaurants and Michelin star dining in San Diego. For reservations, visit the official Lilo Restaurant Carlsbad website.