Editor's note: Set to reopen with a reimagined high-end grill concept, Georgian Room promises to unveil "unexpected interpretations of both land and sea combined with a lively ambiance, legendary Sea Island service and dynamic wine and spirits offerings."
The magnificent Georgian Room is tucked inside the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, The Cloister. The décor is stunningly grand, with bas-relief details, gilded chandeliers and a carved stone fireplace. Tables are set with crisp white linens, hand-painted china and silver flatware.
Dishes highlight seasonal, fresh ingredients and might include black grouper paired with creamy sauce gribiche, or succulent filet of beef with smoked morel mushrooms. Vegetarian dishes are also available.
The staff is polished and attentive. You'll find plates of chef Aaron Bellizzi's modern farm-to-table cuisine quickly whisked to the table and items like bread and water refreshed before you even think to ask. But this is not the overdone experience many high-end restaurants fall guilty to — rather the staff at the Sea Island restaurant provides just what you need; nothing more, nothing less.
Additionally, a gorgeous private dining room for up to 10 guests makes special events even more memorable.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The Sea Island restaurant's interior design edges on the Scarlett O'Hara side. With the dining room overflowing with opulent crystal chandeliers, gold décor and a hard-carved fireplace, the design sets a refined, classy atmosphere perfect for any Southern belle.
- You may find classic Southern flavors on the menu, but this is refined farm-to-table cuisine, so don't expect the kitchen to whip up fried chicken and gravy. But do prepare your taste buds for flavorful plates like Atlantic halibut with strawberry and rhubarb or filet de boeuf with a Madera-infused sauce périgueux.
- If you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a long chat with a cocktail, the best place for either may actually be the Georgian Room Lounge. With a tapas menu, creative cocktails and dark mahogany on the walls, the setting is perfect for nibbling and talking.
Things to Know
- Georgian Room isn't the type of place you'll just pop into after a day of sightseeing. So, we don't suggest you show up without a reservation; instead, call ahead and guarantee your spot in the luxurious Old South-style dining room.
- Keeping that Southern style in mind, dress the part: No, we're not suggesting you arrive in a hoop skirt and bonnet, but you should pick attire fit for a special evening — a suit and jacket for the gents and dress and heels for women.
- Don't think this is an in-and-out type of affair. You'll need to be prepared to spend at least two hours on your dining experience at Georgian Room.
- Georgian Room is one of the most kid-friendly Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurants you'll find. In fact, many of the restaurant's younger diners take etiquette classes during the hotel's summer program, so it's not unlikely to see well-mannered school-age children ordering caviar here.
The Food
- The team is so dedicated to farm-to-table ingredients that it transformed the rose garden outside The Cloister (home to this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant) into a chef's garden.
- Although the kitchen focuses on traditional Southern flavors, it employs modern techniques and creative applications to produce a truly sophisticated dining experience.
- When dining at the Georgian Room, always be on the lookout for the truffle scones. They are a specialty not to be missed.
The Chef
- Chef Aaron Bellizzi grew up in upstate New York and, after school at the Culinary Institute of America, honed his skills in New York City kitchens.
Getting There
Georgian Room
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