When Kayla Karp was just 6 years old, she has a fond memory of sitting at the famous long table at Buddakan. She said she ate “what felt like hundreds of edamame dumplings – [and] it left a lasting impression.”
That core memory from one of the Starr Restaurant group’s repertoire manifested itself into a general management position at LMNO, which opened its Fishtown location on Oct. 6, 2021.
“My love for food began with my mother. She had incredible taste and encouraged me to try everything. Growing up, we’d hop on trains from Philadelphia to New York on school nights just to experience great restaurants. She let me pick my own lobster at Bookbinder’s and even took us to Stephen Starr’s Best Dish Tastings before sending us off to overnight camp,” Karp shared.
When Karp moved to Philadelphia for college, she began her career in 2014 as a host at Route 6, then became a maître d’ and server at The Dandelion before moving into management at El Vez, Parc and now LMNO, at 1739-49 N. Front St.
LMNO holds a special place, as it celebrates Baja Mexican cuisine, a style of cooking from the Baja California peninsula that is deeply influenced by its coastal geography and rich cultural exchange through Tijuana, Karp explained. The menu highlights vibrant seafood, fresh produce, bold flavors and wood-fired cooking.
LMNO’s culinary program is led by Executive Chef Alberto Sandoval, who was born in Puebla, Mexico, and raised between Puebla and Mexico City.
LMNO General Manager Kayla Karp helps bring together food, art, music and culture at the Fishtown restaurant, where Baja Mexican cuisine takes center stage. Located at 1739-49 N. Front St., LMNO pairs bold flavors and creative cocktails with immersive spaces de- signed to make the restaurant a destination beyond the dining table.
“Chef Alberto learned the craft at an early age, cooking alongside his father at a taco stand in Mexico City. After moving to Philadelphia at 17, he built an impressive career leading celebrated kitchens throughout the city. Today, he brings that journey full circle at LMNO, showcasing bold, soulful Baja Mexican flavors that honor tradition while embracing creativity,” Karp said.
Karp said that guests’ favorites include the octopus nachos, snapper, classic guacamole and house margaritas. Kids can order from their own brunch and dinner menus. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and non-alcoholic options are offered.
In the fall, LMNO will bring back its Taco Omakase: six courses prepared during a front-row view of the chef flexing his creativity.
The beverage program is led by Beverage Manager Taylor Rigante, a Pennsylvania native originally from Nazareth.
“She is deeply committed to mentoring her team and creating memorable guest experiences, and if you ask her for a favorite menu item, she’ll enthusiastically point you toward the nachos — paired, of course, with one of her thoughtfully crafted cocktails. She continues to develop exciting seasonal cocktails that complement the vibrant flavors of our cuisine,” Karp said.
Her newest concoction? Passion Fruit Boozy Popsicles.
Yet beyond the menu, LMNO has become a destination not only for foodies, but for those craving an immersive experience between art, music, food and creativity.
The décor has a DIY artistic aesthetic, using construction-grade plywood, colored plasterboard, packing foam, shipping containers and exposed electrical conduit, Karp said.
“The industrial materials evoke the feeling of a young artist building something extraordinary with limited resources,” she said.
There is a lush indoor garden featuring real trees; handmade wooden chairs designed by Rainer Daumiller; reflective aluminum walls surrounding the bar inspired by Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory; and photos throughout the restaurant captured by Mirjam Wirz, showcasing the culture and community surrounding Cumbia music in Mexico City.
The Lounge, originally known as the Listening Room, draws inspiration from Japan’s Jazz Kissa culture — spaces created after World War II where guests gathered to appreciate music in carefully-designed acoustic environments, Karp described.
Because many visitors to LMNO are intrigued by visual art, a curated photography bookstore was developed with David Strettell of Dashwood Books from New York, featuring rotating exhibitions that coincide with publication launches.
Karp said music is at the heart of LMNO – with DJs performing throughout the Lounge, garden, patio and main dining spaces; patio parties held throughout the season; and involvement in neighborhood events like the Fishtown Music & Arts Festival and Under the El Bazaar.
“Philadelphia’s thriving arts, music and culinary communities made [the city] the perfect home for a concept that blends dining, music, art and culture into one destination,” Karp said. “Together, these elements transform LMNO into much more than a restaurant — they create an immersive cultural experience.”
And the name?
“[Founder] Stephen Starr has always found it charming when his children would sing these four letters of the alphabet together. The playful spirit behind ‘LMNO’ reflects the restaurant’s creative personality,” Karp explained.
LMNO offers a variety of services throughout the week, ranging from happy hour in the restaurant and in The Lounge to weekend brunch to an all-day menu on Saturdays and Sundays.
LMNO has 229 seats between the main dining room, The Lounge, the garden, the patio, the patio bar, the indoor bar and the bookstore. Private and semi-private event options are available throughout the restaurant.
“LMNO isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a destination. … Expect to be surprised. Whether you’re coming for dinner, cocktails, vinyl music or simply to explore the bookstore, you’ll discover an energetic space where every room offers a different atmosphere. From the warm hospitality to the vibrant flavors and immersive design, we hope every guest leaves already planning their next visit,” Karp said.
LMNO also partners with Fishtown BID, Dining Out For Life, Action Wellness and The Attic Youth Center to give back to the community that has embraced it.
“We are always looking for meaningful ways to use our platform to celebrate and support the neighborhoods and communities that make Philadelphia so special. We believe restaurants should be gathering places, and we’re proud to create a space where people come together over great food, music, art and shared experiences,” Karp said.
