The stylish yet cozy eatery is in Auberge Resorts’ new hotel The Dunlin at Kiawah River
(Left) The Front Porch Burger, shrimp Caesar, wood-fire-kissed Steamboat Creek oysters, kale and farro salad, and Jerked Pear mocktail; (right) a cozy banquette.
As its name might imply, Linnette’s conjures a homecoming of sorts. A meal here—in this case, brunch—is not unlike a visit to your elegant grandmother known for her impeccable taste in food and decor: you know you’ll be taken care of in style. That welcoming vibe is no accident, of course, as the John’s Island restaurant is the anchor of luxury hospitality group Auberge Resorts’ new hotel The Dunlin. Opened in September, Linnette’s is equal parts cozy and chic to appeal to a wide range of guests.
A marshfront sanctuary in shades of green, the restaurant’s interior, from its checkerboard floor to the beadboard ceiling, echoes the verdant landscape of its Kiawah River community, its all-white homes set off by farmland, mature live oaks, and sea grass. Designer Amanda Lindroth layered this backdrop with ruffled fabrics, rattan light fixtures, and potted palms for a polished, coastal feel.
A fabulous birdcage-style bar dominates the main space, and window-lined corner nooks beckon diners looking for more privacy. For an unimpeded view of the marshy Kiawah River, ask to be seated on the screened porch, especially for brunch when the sun reflecting on the sea grass instantly lowers your blood pressure, no libations necessary.
If you were to partake, the Swizzle—a take on the classic Bermuda rum punch—kicks off a leisurely midday meal just fine. Running from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, the brunch menu is a predictable mash-up of breakfast standards and lunch plates, but it’s the Southern flair, hyper-locally sourced ingredients, and other thoughtful details incorporated into said staples that are worthy of the drive out to Linnette’s.
Sea island red peas grace the house eggs and bacon dish; a benne bagel is stacked with salmon smoked in-house and topped with cheese from The Goatery nearby; a half-dozen oysters are embellished with smoked paprika, lemon, and cracker crumbs and kissed ever so briefly in the kitchen’s wood-fired oven; and pimiento cheese and caramelized onions take the Front Porch Burger over the top. To wrap things up, the toffee-apple cake with mascarpone ice cream is pure comfort—just like a hug from grandma.
6000 Kiawah River Dr., John’s Island
Brunch: Daily, 7 a.m.- to 2 p.m.
Dinner: Daily, 5-10 p.m.
aubergeresorts.com/the-dunlin/dine/linnettes
