May 22, 2025

Lost Isle: A Culinary Gem in South Carolina

News Summary

Lost Isle, located in Johns Island, South Carolina, has quickly gained recognition as one of the best restaurants in the U.S. since its opening in December 2023. With a focus on outdoor dining and a community-driven atmosphere, it offers an interactive culinary experience featuring dishes inspired by traditional Southern fare and global influences. The restaurant’s unique ambiance and menu options, such as fire-roasted clams and grilled Australian ribeye, have secured its status as Southern Living’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year.

Johns Island, South Carolina – Lost Isle has rapidly ascended to the forefront of American culinary excellence, earning a spot on The New York Times list of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. since its grand opening in December 2023. The unique outdoor dining experience it offers has not only captivated local patrons but has also garnered national attention, securing the title of Southern Living’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year.

Lost Isle features a fully outdoor dining ambiance, evoking the casual yet lively feel of a backyard barbecue. Guests are welcomed through a charming flower tunnel that leads them to the main dining area, nestled next to a repurposed butcher shop serving as a culinary prep space. The restaurant’s open-air layout comprises a gravel dining area where guests can enjoy meals under a canopy of pecan trees, illuminated by hand-crafted chandeliers that enhance the enchanting atmosphere.

At the heart of Lost Isle is a 23-foot open kitchen where dishes are expertly prepared over live fire, offering an interactive and transparent cooking experience. The menu is a harmonious blend of traditional Southern fare infused with global influences. Among the standout offerings are Curry-braised collards and Fire roasted clams sourced from Sapelo Island, along with crowd favorites like the Grilled Australian ribeye and Charred eggplant dip.

The bar complements the dining experience with a selection of creative cocktails, including signature drinks like Down the Wabbit Hole and Miso Juicy. Lost Isle promotes a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging diners to savor meals in a convivial setting where they can interact with staff and chefs, further enhancing the communal feel.

Lost Isle is the collaborative venture of chef Josh Taylor and his wife Maggie, along with partners Thomas Wilson and T.J. Lynch, who also owns Lowlife Bar on Folly Beach. Prior to the establishment of Lost Isle, the Taylors operated a food truck named Root Note, known for its Southeast Asian-inspired dishes, hinting at their culinary versatility.

Guests at Lost Isle need not make reservations ahead of time, allowing for spontaneity in their dining plans. However, it is advisable for visitors to anticipate potential wait times, especially on busy weekends when they may extend to 30 minutes or longer. The ride from downtown Charleston to Lost Isle typically takes about 35 minutes during rush hour, and while parking is available, the limited capacity may necessitate parking across the street.

The menu at Lost Isle caters to a range of budgets, with dishes priced between $9 and $37, ensuring there are options for everyone. The overall atmosphere is designed to provide patrons with a cozy, welcoming space that resembles an intimate gathering with friends and family.

The restaurant has taken measures to ensure a comfortable experience for diners, considering adverse weather conditions while still emphasizing the unique charm of eating outdoors in a natural environment. This commitment to a vibrant and engaging dining experience has solidified Lost Isle’s reputation as a must-visit restaurant in South Carolina.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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